US Tech Giants Challenge Indian Telcos Over 6 GHz Spectrum
Major US technology companies including Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Meta, HP, and Intel have jointly opposed demands from Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea to allocate the 6 GHz band spectrum for mobile services, instead advocating for its complete allocation to WiFi services.
Key Takeaways
- US tech majors want entire 6 GHz band for WiFi, opposing telcos’ mobile service demands
- Government plans to auction 400 MHz, license 300 MHz by 2030, and delicense 500 MHz for WiFi
- Reliance Jio seeks entire 1200 MHz spectrum in upcoming auction
- Airtel and Qualcomm recommend deferring auction until after WRC-27 for 6G readiness
The Spectrum Battle Intensifies
In a joint submission to telecom regulator TRAI, the US technology giants argued that technical and commercial readiness for mobile services in the 6 GHz band remains unestablished. 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.
Government’s Spectrum Allocation Plan
The Indian government has outlined a three-pronged approach: 400 MHz of frequencies available for immediate auction, 300 MHz to be available by 2030, and 500 MHz delicensed for low-power applications including WiFi services. The lower 6 GHz band (5925-6425 MHz) has already been designated for delicensing.
Divergent Industry Views
While Reliance Jio demands inclusion of the entire 1200 MHz spectrum in upcoming auctions, Vodafone Idea has sought 400 MHz for sale. Bharti Airtel has taken a different stance, recommending deferment of 6 GHz band auctions due to ecosystem challenges including device availability and global harmonization.
Qualcomm echoed Airtel’s position, stating: “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.”
COAI’s Strong Opposition
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing major telcos, strongly opposed delicensing any part of the 6 GHz band. The association warned that delicensing would be “an irreversible action” that could permanently limit India’s digital capacity and affordable service provision.
“Delicensing is misleading and counterproductive. Licensed IMT spectrum ensures quality-of-service, predictable performance and nationwide scalability, all vital for Digital Bharat and 6G applications,” COAI emphasized.
The industry body also raised concerns about foreign OTT players gaining disproportionate advantage, potentially creating an inequitable environment for domestic telecom operators.
