The Indian Cabinet has reportedly approved the refarming of over 1,100 MHz of spectrum from various ministries and departments, including Defence, ISRO, and Information and Broadcasting, to bolster the country's telecom infrastructure. This move aims to support the rollout of 5G and prepare for 6G services, expected to launch by 2030, Moneycontrol reported, citing sources.
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Spectrum Refarming Plan
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had previously identified spectrum across 10 bands for refarming, including 700 MHz, 2.6 GHz, 3 GHz, and parts of the 6 GHz band. These frequencies, particularly the mid-band range (1-6 GHz), are critical for enhancing 5G services due to their optimal balance of coverage and capacity.
The Mid-band ranges from 1,000 MHz (1 GHz) to 6,000 MHz (6 GHz), with 3,500 MHz-6,000 MHz being best suited for 4G and 5G services. Industry estimates highlight the need for 2,000 MHz in the mid-band to meet growing demand, far exceeding the current 400 MHz available.
Reportedly, a Committee of Secretaries (CoS), comprising senior officials from various ministries and the DoT, approved the plan in December. With Cabinet approval secured, preparations for spectrum auctions in the coming years are underway.
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Spectrum Availability
"Spectrum across several bands, including 700 MHz, 2.6 GHz, 3 GHz, and the 6 GHz range, has been identified for 5G and 6G services. This will now be reallocated and auctioned," the report cited a source familiar with the matter. With the CoS and the Cabinet approvals secured, the telecom department is set to begin preparations for auctioning this spectrum in the coming years, the source added.
Another person aware of the development reportedly said that the CoS last month decided on the availability of the 6425-7025 MHz band or IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) in a phased manner. "The 300 MHz spectrum in the 6425-6725 MHz band is not used by space or any other agency and is immediately available for IMT. The 300 MHz spectrum in 6725-7025 MHz is in use by ISRO and will be available for IMT by 2030," the report quoted a second source as saying.
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Global Trends and India's Alignment
"Spectrum in 1427-1518 MHz band is already part of India NFAP for IMT. However, the Ministry of Defence is using it. In the CoS meeting, the Ministry of Defence agreed to vacate 67 MHz out of this total 91 MHz for IMT by 2026," he reportedly added.
Under the refarming plan, the 6425-7125 MHz range in the 6 GHz band will be allocated for telecom use, while the lower portion will be reserved for Wi-Fi. This decision aligns with global trends, where regions like Europe, the Middle East and Africa have designated parts of the 6 GHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT).
Globally, the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) recently allocated 100 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band for mobility services.
