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CEO of Ai+ Smartphone
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CEO Render Networks
The GSM Association (GSMA) has urged India to assume a “statesman role” in shaping a forward-looking spectrum strategy that supports its 5G expansion and future 6G ambitions. This comes in the wake of the Centre’s decision to delicense the lower 6GHz band (5925–6425 MHz) for Wi-Fi, a move seen as a setback for telecom carriers.
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Also Read: GSMA Calls for Regulatory Framework to Ensure Fair Contribution from OTT Players
GSMA Calls for a Structured Mobile Spectrum Roadmap
Julian Gorman, head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, in an interview with ETTelecom, acknowledged India’s position on allocating the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi. However, he said, “It is important to ensure that India takes a global position, and with the rapid growth of 5G in India, enough spectrum must be allocated. We encourage ensuring a firm and structured roadmap for mobile technology going forward.”
The Department of Telecommunications recently released draft rules to delicense 500 MHz of the lower 6GHz band, a decision that deals a blow to telecom operators. Carriers had lobbied for the entire 6GHz mid-band (5925–7125 MHz) to be auctioned for mobile use, citing a critical need to address spectrum shortfalls for 5G and to lay the groundwork for 6G.
Tech Industry Backs Delicensing
Technology firms, represented by the Broadband India Forum (BIF), welcomed the move. They had previously urged the government not to auction the band to telcos, arguing that delays in delicensing were costing the country an estimated Rs 12.7 lakh crore annually in lost economic opportunity.
The entire 6GHz band comprises 1,200 MHz of spectrum between 5925 and 7125 MHz. “As we are leading up to WRC-27 (World Radiocommunication Conference-2027) and for India to lead in 6G, it is important that the regulators take a global statesman role,” the GSMA executive reportedly said.
