Key Points
- The Indian government will allow unlicensed use of the 6 GHz spectrum (5925-6425 MHz) for Wi-Fi, adding 500 MHz of new bandwidth.
- Home Wi-Fi speeds could soar up to 9.6 Gbps with Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, compared to current maximums of 1.3 Gbps (5 GHz) and 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz).
- The move aligns India with over 100 countries, including the US, UK, South Korea, and EU nations, already using the 6 GHz band.
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued draft rules and is seeking public feedback until June 15.
- Indoor use only, with a 30 dBm power cap and restrictions on use in vehicles, boats, aircraft (below 10,000 feet), oil platforms, and drones.
New Delhi: India is set to experience a dramatic leap in home and office Wi-Fi speeds as the government moves to open up a crucial part of the 6 GHz spectrum band for unlicensed use. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released draft rules to delicense the 5925-6425 MHz band, making 500 MHz of additional spectrum available for next-generation Wi-Fi technologies.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
Until now, Indian Wi-Fi networks have been limited to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands both of which are now heavily congested due to the explosion of connected devices. The new 6 GHz band is far less crowded and offers much higher data rates and lower latency, paving the way for:
- Blazing Fast Internet: Theoretical Wi-Fi speeds could reach up to 9.6 Gbps with Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, a massive jump from the current maximums.
- Smooth 4K/8K Streaming & Gaming: The extra bandwidth is ideal for ultra-high-definition video, AR/VR applications, online gaming, and smart home devices.
- Better Connectivity for IoT: With more spectrum, smart devices and IoT solutions will work faster and more reliably.
Who Can Use the 6 GHz Band?
- Indoor Devices Only: The delicensed spectrum is for low-power indoor devices, such as home routers, laptops, and smartphones.
- Power Limit: Devices must operate at or below 30 dBm (decibel-milliwatts) to minimize interference.
- Operational Restrictions:
- No use in land vehicles, boats, or aircraft below 10,000 feet.
- Not permitted for communication/control of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Prohibited on oil platforms.
How Does India Compare Globally?
With this move, India joins over 100 countries including the US, UK, South Korea, and EU members that have already opened the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi. This harmonization will help Indian manufacturers and tech companies compete globally and accelerate the adoption of advanced wireless technologies.
Industry Reactions: A Visionary Move
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) called the decision “visionary,” highlighting its potential to:
- Drive digital inclusion and bridge the digital divide
- Boost local manufacturing and economic growth
- Enable widespread adoption of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7
IAFI noted that the 6 GHz band is essential for supporting data-heavy applications and the next wave of digital innovation in India.
What Happens Next?
- Public Feedback: The DoT is inviting comments on the draft rules until June 15, 2025.
- Implementation: After reviewing suggestions, the final rules will be notified and the 6 GHz band will be officially open for Wi-Fi use.
At a Glance: 6 GHz Wi-Fi in India
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Spectrum Band | 5925 – 6425 MHz (6 GHz) |
| Additional Bandwidth | 500 MHz |
| Max Theoretical Speed | Up to 9.6 Gbps (Wi-Fi 6E/7) |
| Usage | Indoor, low-power devices |
| Power Limit | 30 dBm |
| Restrictions | No use in vehicles, boats, low-flying aircraft, oil platforms, or drones |
| Global Adoption | 100+ countries, including US, UK, EU, S. Korea |
| Public Feedback Deadline | June 15, 2025 |
With the opening of the 6 GHz band, India is poised for a Wi-Fi revolution enabling ultra-fast, reliable, and future-ready internet for homes, offices, and the digital economy. If you rely on Wi-Fi for work, entertainment, or smart devices, get ready for a major upgrade!
