Jio Aligns with Tech Firms, Now Supports De-Licensing of 6 GHz Band for Wi-Fi and FWA Use: Report

Jio Now Supports De-licensing of 6 GHz Band for Wi-Fi and FWA Use
The Indian telecom industry, which had previously been united in seeking the entire 6 GHz spectrum band for 5G services, is now divided over the government’s proposal to delicence the lower portion of the band for Wi-Fi use. While Reliance Jio has softened its earlier opposition and aligned with global tech companies in supporting higher power limits for Wi-Fi devices, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are calling for further deliberations before a final decision is made.

  • Make Telecom Talk My Trusted Source
  • Source of Google
  • Source of Google

Also Read: Telcos to Oppose DoT’s Move to Delicense Lower 6GHz Band, Citing 5G Expansion Concerns

Jio Aligns with Global Tech Giants

“Reliance Jio has reconciled its demands and joined the technology industry in seeking a higher power limit for Wi-Fi devices operating under the delicensed spectrum,” The Economic Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

According to industry sources, Jio has recalibrated its stance and now supports the technology sector’s demand to increase the permissible power levels for Wi-Fi equipment operating in the delicensed band. Jio, which has been deploying unlicensed band radio (UBR) equipment to offer fixed wireless access (FWA) services, sees the 6 GHz spectrum as an opportunity to expand these offerings using its in-house technology.

Also Read: Jio Seeks DoT Nod to Use 26 GHz 5G Spectrum for WiFi Services

Airtel and Vi Call for Committee Formation

In contrast, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are urging the government to conduct more consultations and establish a committee before finalizing the decision on spectrum delicensing. Although Jio initially opposed the delicensing of the 6 GHz band, it has since decided not to resist the government’s move, recognizing the potential to use the same spectrum for FWA services with equipment developed in-house. According to industry insiders, both Airtel and Vi currently lack the necessary equipment to leverage the 6 GHz band for FWA services.