DoT allows use of part of 6 GHz band for WiFi
Context
The Department of Telecommunications has de-licensed half of the 6 GHz band.
Newly opened band for WiFi use in India:
5925–6425 MHz
This is primarily meant for indoor WiFi usage.
Understanding wireless spectrum and frequency bands
What is a frequency band?
A frequency band is a specific range of electromagnetic frequencies used for wireless communication.
Higher frequency →
Higher data speeds
Shorter range
Lower wall penetration
Lower frequency →
Longer range
Better penetration
Lower speeds
Major WiFi-related frequency bands
A. 2.4 GHz band
Approximate range: 2400–2483.5 MHz
Characteristics:
Long range
Good penetration through walls
Slower speeds
Highly congested (Bluetooth, microwaves, older WiFi)
Used by:
WiFi 4 (802.11n)
IoT devices
Prelims hook: Most interference-prone WiFi band
B. 5 GHz band
Approximate range: 5150–5850 MHz
Characteristics:
Faster than 2.4 GHz
Shorter range
Less interference
Used by:
WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Prelims hook: Balance between speed and coverage
C. 6 GHz band
Global range: 5925–7125 MHz
India (now allowed):
5925–6425 MHz (lower half)
Characteristics:
Very high data speeds
Very low latency
Minimal interference
Short range, mostly indoor
Enables:
WiFi 6E
Future WiFi 7
Ideal for:
AR/VR
Cloud gaming
Smart homes
Enterprise networks
Why was the 6 GHz band contested?
Tech companies’ position
Need unlicensed spectrum for:
Affordable broadband
Innovation
Public WiFi
WiFi uses are:
Low power
Short range
Shared access
Telecom companies’ position
Wanted auctioning of entire 6 GHz band
Use case:
Future 5G expansion
6G mobile networks
Auction = revenue for government
What does “de-licensed” mean here?
No auction
No individual license required
Open for free, shared use under technical rules
Similar to:
2.4 GHz
Parts of 5 GHz
Restrictions retained by DoT
Not permitted:
Use on moving vehicles
Oil rigs
Certain outdoor or high-power applications
Allowed:
Mostly indoor, low-power WiFi
Why routers had 6 GHz switched off in India
Devices are globally manufactured
Software disables bands not approved locally
After DoT decision:
Firmware / software updates will activate 6 GHz
International comparison
Countries like:
US
UK
South Korea
Have already opened full or partial 6 GHz for WiFi
India has adopted a cautious, phased approach
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to the 6 GHz frequency band, consider the following statements:
The global 6 GHz band spans from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz.
India has de-licensed the entire 6 GHz band for WiFi use.
The newly opened portion of the 6 GHz band is primarily intended for indoor WiFi use.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct answer: B
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Globally, 6 GHz ranges from 5925–7125 MHz.
Statement 2 is incorrect: India has opened only the lower half (5925–6425 MHz).
Statement 3 is correct: Usage is mainly indoor, low-power WiFi.
Q. Which of the following uses is restricted even after de-licensing part of the 6 GHz band in India?
A. Indoor home WiFi
B. Enterprise wireless networks
C. Use on moving vehicles
D. Office WiFi routers
Correct answer: C
Explanation:
The DoT has retained restrictions on use in moving vehicles and oil rigs, while most indoor uses are permitted.