The proposal to allow unlicensed indoor usage of the lower 6 GHz frequency band (5925–6425 MHz) is a significant milestone in India’s efforts to improve wireless connectivity. To encourage next-generation Wi-Fi technology and high-speed internet applications, the government has released draft regulations.

Devices operating under the Low Power Indoor (LPI) and Very Low Power Outdoor (VLP) categories, including local area networks and home routers, would no longer need licenses or frequency clearances if the plan is approved. According to a PTI report, these gadgets will instead operate on a shared, interference-free basis.

Strict technological restrictions are included in the draft to guarantee seamless usage without interruption. The maximum transmission power allowed for indoor devices would be 30 dBm, which is much less than the 53 dBm allowed in the 5 GHz range. Additionally, until flying above 10,000 feet, the deployment of such technology would be prohibited in high-risk or mobile situations such as oil rigs, automobiles, trains, boats, and airplanes. Drone activities would be completely prohibited.

As India comes up to international standards, the plan was hailed as a positive move by the ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI).

“The government’s audacious action is revolutionary for India’s digital future. With this move, India joins more than 100 nations—including the US, UK, South Korea, and EU members—that have previously opened up the 6 GHz spectrum, according to IAFI President Bharat Bhatia.

The 6 GHz band is well suited for demanding applications like ultra-HD streaming, immersive virtual reality, online gaming, linked devices, and clear video chats since it doesn’t experience the congestion that was a problem in earlier spectrum bands, according to IAFI.

“With speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps, ultra-low latency, and increased capacity, Wi-Fi 6E, operating in this newly delicensed band, promises to deliver a quantum leap in user experience and digital productivity,” the foundation said.

The proposed guidelines were also praised by the Broadband India Forum (BIF), however it was noted that the present plan may not be sufficient on its own.

The decision is “a much-needed first step towards India’s digital and economic transformation,” according to BIF, which said that “a fraction of the band cannot deliver the full-scale impact we seek.” More than 84 nations have already opened up all or a portion of the 6 GHz spectrum, the organization said.

TV Ramachandran, the president of BIF, thinks India should do more to realize the frequency’s full potential.

Even though it’s a significant turning point, this is just the beginning of the narrative. Only until we get over this first unsatisfactory 500 MHz piece will we be able to fully use the transformational potential of the 6 GHz range,” he said.

In order to increase the available spectrum to 660 MHz, he encouraged the government to delicence an extra 160 MHz. That would be sufficient to accommodate two 320 MHz channels at the same time, which is perfect for implementing Wi-Fi 6E, which is very fast, and the soon-to-come Wi-Fi 7.

In order to support next-generation technologies like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, which are expected to become the cornerstone of our digital public infrastructure, a sufficient portion of the delicensed 6 GHz band is needed. In order to power smart schools, hospitals, industries, towns, and villages and realize the goal of Viksit Bharat, this would work as the foundation for providing reasonably priced, high-speed, low-latency connection, according to Ramachandran.