The world of connectivity is in the middle of a crucial decision over a desired piece of the radio spectrum - the 6GHz frequency band. But what exactly is 6GHz and why is it sparking a heated debate in India? This article takes you through the significance of the 6GHz band, what’s at risk for India and why the nation is facing a dilemma over how it should be allocated.
What is 6GHz?
In simple terms, the 6GHz band refers to a range of radio frequencies used to carry data for internet services. Think of it as a wide highway that helps data travel faster and more efficiently. As more people connect to the internet and demand for high-speed services grows, additional bandwidth is essential to handle the load. The 6GHz band is one such solution, offering a broader spectrum than existing bands like the 3.5GHz used by 5G networks.
The importance of the 6GHz band lies in its potential to significantly enhance internet speed, connectivity and reliability. With data traffic on the rise, having a new, wider highway for data is crucial for accommodating future technologies such as Wi-Fi 6E, which runs on the 6GHz band and offers ultra-fast internet speeds.
The Dilemma: To License or De-License?
India is currently facing a dilemma over how to allocate the 6GHz spectrum. Should the band be exclusively licensed for telecom companies or should it be de-licensed, allowing for public use without the need for exclusive rights?
The Case for Licensing
Telecom companies argue that the 6GHz band should be fully licensed, much like previous frequency bands. By doing so, telecom companies would gain exclusive rights to use the spectrum, allowing them to enhance 5G networks and prepare for future 6G technologies. For the Indian government, licensing the 6GHz band could generate significant revenue through spectrum auctions. In 2022, the government earned a massive ₹1.5 lakh crores from auctions and the 6GHz spectrum could potentially bring in even more.
Telecom companies also highlight the growing demand for high-speed internet and the need for more spectrum to handle this demand. With 5G rollout in full swing and 6G on the vision, securing sufficient bandwidth is critical to the nation's digital infrastructure.
The Case for De-Licensing
On the other hand, tech companies like Google, Meta and Amazon, represented by the Broadband India Forum (BIF) are pushing for a portion of the 6GHz band to be de-licensed. Their argument is simple: de-licensing the band would make it more accessible to the public, especially in rural areas and promote digital inclusion. Imagine a school in a remote village gaining access to faster internet due to Wi-Fi using the 6GHz band, this could be a game-changer for education.
Furthermore, estimates from the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) suggest that fully de-licensing the 6GHz band could contribute $4 trillion to India’s economy by 2034, strengthening innovation and driving economic growth. De-licensing would also provide more opportunities for companies to innovate and roll out new products such as Wi-Fi-enabled devices, which could boost the adoption of high-speed internet across the country.
The Stakeholders in the Debate
The debate over the 6GHz band is not just between telecom companies and tech giants. Several other groups have risk factor in the decision.
Chipmakers: The semiconductor industry supports the idea of unlicensed use of the 6GHz band because it opens up new business opportunities such as expanding Wi-Fi networks and integrating Wi-Fi into more devices. For chipmakers, this means more products to develop and sell.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): ISRO is another serious player in this debate. The 6GHz band is currently reserved for satellite communication and ISRO has expressed concerns about potential interference with its operations if the band is used for mobile networks. Having a balance between telecom and satellite usage is crucial to avoid disrupting essential services.
The Risks and Rewards of De-Licensing the Band
While de-licensing the 6GHz band might seem like a win for the public, it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the main risks is interference. Since the 6GHz band would be available for anyone to use, too many users could result in network congestion, slowing down internet speeds for everyone. For instance, if many users are trying to access the same frequency, data transfer could become inefficient, leading to frustrating slowdowns.
Additionally, de-licensing could strain mobile networks, especially as 5G adoption grows. Telecom companies may struggle to expand services without enough spectrum and mobile operators could face higher costs to build additional infrastructure, particularly in densely inhabited urban areas. This could lead to increased energy consumption and higher carbon emissions, making the situation even more complex.
On the other side, de-licensing the 6GHz band opens doors to innovation and accessibility. With unrestricted access, tech companies and startups can create more affordable and efficient solutions, particularly benefiting rural and underserved areas. Imagine remote schools, small businesses or healthcare facilities gaining access to high-speed internet through Wi-Fi 6E, driving digital transformation where it’s needed most.
Additionally, broader Wi-Fi adoption could reduce dependence on cellular networks, easing the load on mobile infrastructure. The potential economic gains are significant too, with studies suggesting that de-licensing could contribute trillions to India’s GDP over the next decade by developing a perfect ecosystem for digital services and applications.
The Global Perspective
India is not the only country struggling with how to use the 6GHz band. Different countries have taken different approaches:
The United States fully de-licensed the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi use, opening up the band for Wi-Fi 6E devices. This decision has been widely praised for its role in boosting innovation and internet access.
Brazil and Saudi Arabia have followed suit, de-licensing the band to promote widespread access to high-speed Wi-Fi.
China, however, has taken a different approach by fully licensing the 6GHz band for mobile services, focusing on 5G and 6G development.
India’s decision could have a far-reaching impact, not just on internet access but on the economy as a whole. Studies suggest that if the 6GHz band is used effectively, it could contribute $285 billion to the Asia-Pacific region’s GDP by 2030, with India gaining a significant share of this growth.
Having a Balance: A Mixed Approach?
The most straightforward solution may not be so clear-cut. Given the complexities of the issue, some suggest a mixed approach, part of the 6GHz band could be licensed for telecom companies, while the rest could be de-licensed for public use. This would allow the best of both worlds: enhanced 5G and 6G connectivity for telecoms, while strengthening innovation and affordability in public services, particularly in underserved rural areas.
However, a study by GSMA on the 6GHz band in India suggests that licensing the entire band might be the best route. Without sufficient spectrum, mobile operators could struggle to expand services, leading to slower 5G speeds and higher costs for consumers. Additionally, de-licensing the band could result in significant challenges, including interference, higher energy consumption and increased carbon emissions.
What’s Next for India?
As India considers its options, the government must decide soon, as the global race for 6GHz bandwidth continues. If India delays its decision, it risks falling behind other nations that are already utilizing the potential of the 6GHz band.
For now, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has suggested three options: fully licensing the band, fully de-licensing it or a hybrid approach. Whatever route India chooses, it will need to carefully balance the needs of telecom companies, tech giants and the public, ensuring that the decision benefits the nation as a whole.
Conclusion
The 6GHz frequency band is more than just a piece of radio spectrum, it represents the future of connectivity in India. Whether its helping telecom companies build faster networks or ensuring that Wi-Fi becomes more accessible in rural areas, the risks are high. While there is no easy solution, India’s decision on how to allocate the 6GHz band will shape the country’s digital landscape for years to come.
