The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) is backing the push for the 6 GHz spectrum band to be made available for wireless 5G network services. The industry body, which represents companies such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, along with many international players, has said that the 6 GHz bands will bring along some great benefits if it is given to the licensed telecom service providers.
According to COAI, the 6 GHz bands would have three potential benefits. First, it will make 5G networks faster and more cost-efficient. Second, it would help with reducing carbon emissions. Third, it is the only mid-band spectrum range that can be used to meet the growing telecom services demand by 2030.
COAI is not the only body that is batting for the 6 GHz spectrum band. A couple of days back, even the GSM Association (GSMA) had written to the union telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for India's support in recognising the importance of 6 GHz bands for 5G in international forums such as Asia Pacific Telecommunity Group and WRC 2023.
Read More - GSMA Pushes for India to Recognise 6 GHz Band for 5G Services
The demand for internet services would grow multiple-fold by 2030. At that point, mobile networks would require additional capacity, for which the 6 GHz bands would be perfect. Currently, the Indian telcos are using spectrum in the 3.3 GHz to 3.67 GHz band for offering mid-band 5G services. But in the coming years, the capacity that this band offers won't be enough, given the rise in demand for mobile data services. Thus, industry bodies are pushing for the recognition of the 6 GHz bands as vital for the future of mobile connectivity services.
5G networks aren't just going to connect to mobile devices, but they are also going to be connecting several billion IoT (internet of things) devices in the coming years. That is why the need for more powerful and higher capacity networks is going to arise that 6 GHz bands can fulfil.
