US Tech Giants Oppose Indian Telcos’ 6 GHz Spectrum Demand
Major US technology companies including Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Meta, HP, and Intel have jointly opposed demands from Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea to allocate 6 GHz spectrum for mobile services, instead advocating for the entire band to be reserved for Wi-Fi applications.
Key Takeaways
- US tech majors want entire 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi, not mobile
- Government plans to auction 400 MHz, delicense 500 MHz for Wi-Fi
- Indian telcos divided with Jio seeking full allocation, Airtel and Qualcomm favoring deferment
- COAI warns delicensing could harm India’s 6G future and revenue
Technical Concerns and Joint Opposition
In a joint submission to telecom regulator TRAI, the US technology giants stated that technical and commercial readiness in the 6 GHz band remains unproven for mobile services. They specifically recommended against setting auction timelines for the 6425-6725 MHz and 7025-7125 MHz ranges.
“We do not recommend setting timelines for any future auction of the 6425-6725 MHz and 7025-7125 MHz ranges for IMT. TRAI, together with the Department of Telecommunications, should review the allocation of the upper 6 GHz band following the outcomes of WRC-27,” the joint submission stated.
The companies proposed that any unused upper 6 GHz spectrum should be made available for unlicensed use in the interim period.
Government Allocation and Telco Positions
The Indian government has outlined a three-part allocation strategy: 400 MHz available for immediate auction, 300 MHz to be available by 2030, and 500 MHz delicensed for low-power Wi-Fi applications.
Reliance Jio has demanded the entire 1200 MHz spectrum in the 6 GHz band be included in upcoming auctions, despite the government’s decision to delicates 500 MHz of the lower frequency range. Vodafone Idea has specifically sought 400 MHz for the upcoming auction.
In contrast, Bharti Airtel has requested deferment of 6 GHz band auctions due to ecosystem challenges including device availability, network equipment, and global harmonization.
Qualcomm’s 6G Perspective
US chipset manufacturer Qualcomm has aligned with Airtel’s position, emphasizing the band’s importance for India’s 6G future.
“The upper 6 GHz band is critical for mobile growth in India. By deferring the auction until after WRC-27, India safeguards its 6G future, aligns with global standards, and honours its leadership aspirations,” Qualcomm stated.
Industry Body’s Strong Opposition
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has strongly opposed delicensing any portion of the 6 GHz band.
“Delicensing is misleading and counterproductive. Licensed IMT spectrum ensures quality-of-service, predictable performance and nationwide scalability, all of which are vital for Digital Bharat and 6G applications,” COAI emphasized.
The association warned that delicensing would be an irreversible action that could permanently limit India’s digital capacity and affordable service provision while giving foreign OTT players disproportionate advantages.
