What's Happening?
The Indian government has released its National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025), which updates the country's spectrum roadmap to align with global standards. This plan significantly expands the midband spectrum for 5G, 5G Advanced, and 6G services,
identifying the 6,425-7,125MHz band for international mobile telecommunications (IMT). The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has welcomed the plan but continues to advocate for additional spectrum in the 5,925-6,425MHz band. The NFAP-2025 also includes provisions for satellite communications and emerging technologies, providing clarity for service providers and supporting high-throughput satellite services.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of midband spectrum is crucial for enhancing mobile network performance in India, a country with high population density and rapid growth in mobile data consumption. By aligning with global standards, India aims to improve data speeds, reduce latency, and enhance coverage, which are essential for supporting next-generation technologies. This development is significant for telecom operators and technology providers, as it facilitates the deployment of advanced services and applications, potentially transforming India's digital landscape and boosting economic growth.
