Government Frees a Set of Spectrum in 5 Ghz Band for Providing Wi-Fi and Partially 5G Services

The government has freed a set of spectrum in the 5 Ghz band from licensing for providing Wi-Fi and partially 5G services by telecom companies. No permits would be required for the spectrum in the range of 5150-5250 megahertz band, 5250-5350 Mhz and 5725-5875 Mhz, according to an official notification. “No licence shall be required under indoor and outdoor environment to establish, maintain, work, possess or deal in any wireless equipment for the purpose of low power wireless access systems, including radio local area networks operating in the frequency band 5150-5250 MHz; 5250-5350 MHz; 5470-5725 MHz; and 5725-5875 MHz,” the government notification said, according to PTI.

The move is seen to push setting up of Wi-Fi services in the country and facilitate the development of the 5G ecosystem.

“The frequency range 5.1-5.3 Gigahertz and 5.7-5.8 Ghz is used for Wi-Fi services all over the world. It is a highly appreciable move from government to de-licence these bands. The frequency range between 5.3-5.7 Ghz can be used for 5G services,” SN Gupta, secretary general, the APT foundation of India under International Telecommunication Union told PTI.

The 5 Ghz spectrum frequency can be used for short-range communications like for coverage within an apartment or shopping centres. The government under BharatNet project is planning to roll out one crore Wi-Fi hotspots in the country in rural area. Besides, it is in discussion with telecom operators to roll out Wi-Fi in urban centres too.

Freeing of spectrum 5 Ghz range will also facilitate indoor communications services and reduce the load on telecom networks. Besides, the government is also planning to start field trials of 5G services to develop its ecosystem in the country. In the notification, the government has clarified the power of device or equipment that should be used for accessing the free spectrum.

According to the notification devices that use wideband digital modulation techniques and provide a wide array of the high data rate in mobile and fixed communications for individuals, businesses and institutions can be used in the de-licensed spectrum range. Gupta said that telecom companies could use the de-licensed spectrum range for free.