India Allows Licence-Free Use of 6GHz Spectrum: Why This Decision Matters

India has taken a decisive step toward next-generation connectivity by allowing licence-free use of a portion of the 6GHz spectrum (6GHz Band), a move expected to transform Wi-Fi speeds, device performance, and digital infrastructure across the country. The decision marks a significant policy shift, balancing the interests of Big Tech companies, telecom operators, and consumers in an increasingly data-driven economy.

The 6GHz spectrum decision places India among 96 countries globally that have opened this band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use, reinforcing the country’s ambition to keep pace with global technology standards.

What Exactly Has the Government Allowed?

In a gazette notification dated January 20, 2026, the Ministry of Communications formally notified the Use of Low Power and Very Low Power Wireless Access Systems in the Lower 6GHz Band Rules, 2026.

Under the new framework:

• 5925–6425 MHz (500 MHz) of spectrum is now licence-free
• No spectrum auction or telecom licence is required
• Applicable to:
  • Low-power indoor wireless systems
  • Very low-power outdoor wireless access systems
  • Radio Local Area Networks (RLANs)

This means companies and consumers can use high-speed Wi-Fi without navigating complex regulatory approvals.

Why the 6GHz Spectrum Is a Big Deal

Until now, most home and office Wi-Fi routers in India operated on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, which are increasingly congested. The newly opened lower 6GHz band offers:

• Higher throughput
• Lower latency
• Reduced interference
• Better security features

According to industry experts, this upgrade enables seamless deployment of Wi-Fi 6E and upcoming Wi-Fi 7 technologies, critical for modern digital use cases.

Nearly 80% of mobile data consumption happens indoors, making high-capacity Wi-Fi essential for maintaining service quality.

A Win for Consumers and Telecom Operators Too

While telecom companies had lobbied for the entire 6GHz band to be auctioned for future 5G and 6G services, experts believe the current approach benefits all stakeholders.

Consumer Benefits

• Faster broadband speeds
• Improved video streaming and cloud gaming
• Stable video calls and smart home connectivity

Telecom Industry Benefits

• Mobile data offloading to Wi-Fi networks
• Reduced congestion on licensed spectrum
• Better overall network quality

Satya N. Gupta, former principal advisor at TRAI, described the decision as a “win-win”, noting that telecom operators can offload traffic while consumers enjoy superior Wi-Fi performance.

Paving the Way for Next-Gen Devices

The absence of the 6GHz band had already begun to affect product launches in India. For instance:

• Sony delayed the PlayStation 5 Pro launch
• AR/VR devices from Apple and Meta faced regulatory hurdles
• Smart glasses and immersive gadgets lacked required bandwidth

With the new rules in place, India is now better positioned to support:

• Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR)
• Smart gaming consoles
• AI-enabled devices
• Enterprise and industrial IoT solutions

How the Spectrum Is Being Divided

This hybrid approach ensures long-term readiness for 6G services while meeting immediate connectivity demands.

Stronger Signals, Tighter Rules

The final notification also revised technical limits:

• Indoor power spectral density increased to 11 dBm/MHz
• Outdoor very low-power devices capped at 1 dBm/MHz
• Mandatory use of contention-based protocols to manage shared access

However, to prevent interference with critical systems:

• Use is restricted on oil platforms
• Indoor use banned on vehicles, boats, and aircraft (below 10,000 feet)
• Drone and unmanned aerial system control is prohibited

These safeguards aim to protect licensed spectrum and sensitive applications.

Also Read: 6G Technology: Redefining Limits In The Chase For Perfection

Boost for ‘Make in India’ and Digital Growth

Industry bodies like the Broadband India Forum say the move will strengthen domestic manufacturing by enabling production and export of Wi-Fi 6E equipment.

Experts also expect a ripple effect across high-growth sectors such as:

• Artificial intelligence
• Robotics
• Digital healthcare
• Smart manufacturing
• Immersive gaming and metaverse technologies

Faster Data, Slower Peace?

India’s decision to make the 6GHz spectrum license-free promises lightning-fast internet and seamless digital connectivity. While this ‘Age of Instruments’ (Kalyug) offers unprecedented speed, have we considered if our internal peace is keeping pace with our data?. We are upgrading our networks, but why does the human mind remain ‘hacked’ by stress and anxiety? . Can faster Wi-Fi explain why we suffer or what happens after death?.

Tuning into the Right Frequency

Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj reveals that technology is a divine gift intended to spread true spiritual knowledge globally. While we chase digital signals, we ignore the soul’s inner belonging meant for inner peace which can only be attained in Satlok — our eternal home. This world, ruled by Kaal Brahm (Satan), is a place of decay where every man-made system eventually fails.

True connectivity is found only through the true worship given by a Complete Saint, Who is Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, that breaks the chains of karma. Use your high-speed devices to verify the truth and attain salvation.

Are you ready to discover the real purpose of your life?

• Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
• YouTube: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
• Facebook: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
• ‘X’ handle: @SaintRampalJiM

FAQs: India’s Licence-Free 6GHz Spectrum