What's Happening?
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations specialized agency for digital technologies, has been involved in the identification of the upper 6GHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). This decision is part of India's
National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025), which was announced by India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and took effect on December 30, 2025. The plan aims to align India's spectrum management with global standards, covering a frequency range from 8.3kHz to 3000GHz. While the expanded frequency allocations are intended to support future technologies like 5G, 5G Advanced, 6G, satellite broadband, and V2X technologies, the identification of the upper 6GHz band (6425-7125MHz) for IMT has drawn criticism from operators. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has expressed concerns, advocating for the entire 6GHz band to be allocated to IMT to meet data growth demands and support next-generation technologies.
Why It's Important?
The allocation of the 6GHz band is crucial for the development and deployment of advanced telecommunications technologies such as 5G and 6G. The decision by the ITU and India's DoT to allocate only part of the 6GHz band for IMT could impact the ability of telecom operators to provide high-quality, affordable services. Operators argue that larger contiguous spectrum blocks are necessary to support ultra-high throughput, low latency, and immersive applications, which are essential for the future of smart manufacturing, AI-driven services, and intelligent mobility. The outcome of this allocation could influence the competitive landscape of the telecommunications industry in India and potentially affect global standards and practices.
What's Next?
The ongoing debate over the allocation of the 6GHz band is likely to continue as operators push for more spectrum to be designated for IMT. The COAI and other stakeholders may engage in further discussions with the DoT and ITU to advocate for changes to the current allocation plan. The resolution of this issue will be critical for the rollout of next-generation telecommunications services in India and could set a precedent for other countries facing similar spectrum allocation challenges.
Beyond the Headlines
The controversy surrounding the 6GHz band allocation highlights the broader challenges of balancing the needs of different stakeholders in the telecommunications industry. The decision to allocate spectrum for IMT versus Wi-Fi and other uses involves complex considerations of technological advancement, economic impact, and regulatory frameworks. As countries around the world grapple with similar issues, the outcomes in India could influence international telecommunications policies and the future of global digital connectivity.
