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

The GSMA has urged India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to include the 6GHz band (6.425-7.125GHz) in the upcoming spectrum auction to support expansion of 5G mobile services and strengthen the country’s telecom competitiveness, according to an ET Telecom report.

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

GSMA’s Appeal to India’s DoT

In a letter dated March 26, 2025, to DoT Secretary Neeraj Mittal, GSMA’s Asia-Pacific head of public policy, Jeanette Whyte, requested the telecom regulator TRAI to consider the 6GHz band alongside other spectrum bands in the auction process, the report said.

“We kindly request the DoT (Department of Telecommunications) to send a reference to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) regarding the inclusion of the 6GHz band, along with any other band also that is made available for IMT (mobile services), in the upcoming spectrum auction process,” Jeanette Whyte, head of public policy, Asia Pacific at GSMA, said in a letter to Neeraj Mittal, secretary, DoT, according to the report.

“This step would ensure that all necessary IMT spectrum bands—across mid-band and high-band frequencies—are made available together, facilitating a more comprehensive and efficient spectrum strategy,” Whyte reportedly said.

Government’s Spectrum Refarming Decision

GSMA emphasised that allocating the 6GHz band to telecom operators is vital for strengthening India’s digital economy and maintaining its competitive edge in global telecom technology. The demand for mid-band spectrum is expected to rise with increasing 5G adoption and data traffic growth.

The appeal follows the Union Cabinet’s recent decision to refarm additional spectrum across 10 bands, including 470MHz and 6GHz, for 5G mobile services and 6G research and development needs. Currently, parts of the 6GHz spectrum are used by ministries such as space, defense, information and broadcasting, and railways.

Also Read: Cabinet Approves Spectrum Refarming for 5G and Future 6G Services: Report