COAI Backs GSMA’s Call for 6 GHz Spectrum Allocation in India

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has backed the GSMA’s recommendation to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to include the 6 GHz spectrum band in India’s upcoming spectrum auction. The industry body emphasised that sufficient mid-band spectrum allocation is critical for strengthening India’s 5G expansion and achieving the Digital India vision.

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Also Read: GSMA Urges India’s DoT to Include 6GHz Band in Next Spectrum Auction: Report

Allocating 6 GHz band for IMT Services

“Allocating the 6 GHz band for IMT services will provide telecom operators with the necessary resources to drive innovation, expand rural connectivity and support emerging technologies such as AI, IoT and cloud computing,” said SP Kochhar, director-general of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

COAI represents Indian telecom operators, including Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi).

Support for GSMA’s Recommendation

COAI highlighted the exponential growth in data demand and the need for additional spectrum to enhance network capacity and service quality. It stressed that allocating the 6.425-7.125 GHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) would drive innovation, expand rural connectivity, and support emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and cloud computing. The association also pointed out that several countries have already designated this band for IMT following the WRC-23 conference, making it essential for India’s future mobile networks.

Also Read: What Did COAI and Broadband India Forum Say About Spectrum Refarming?

“As mentioned by GSMA, the 6.425-7.125 GHz range has been identified for IMT at WRC-23 by several countries and is going to be essential for 5G expansion and future development of mobile networks while further supporting India’s ambition to become a global hub for advanced telecom technologies,” said Kochhar.