The Cabinet has approved the refarming of over 1,100 MHz of spectrum from various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Defence and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, for reallocation to telecom operators to support 5G and future 6G services, sources told Moneycontrol. This strategic move aims to bolster India’s telecom infrastructure, ensuring sufficient spectrum availability to support connectivity and advancements in digital services.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) previously identified spectrum across 10 bands for refarming, which will be gradually released over the coming years and auctioned to telecom operators. Currently, bands, including the mid-band and parts of the 6 GHz spectrum, are being utilized by ministries such as Space, Defence, Information and Broadcasting, Railways, and Housing and Urban Affairs. Mid-band ranges from 1,000 MHz (1 GHz) to 6,000 MHz (6 GHz), with 3,500 MHz-6,000 MHz are best suited for 4G and 5G services.
Sources said the Committee of Secretaries (CoS), established last year to streamline the process, approved the proposal in December. The committee includes secretaries from multiple departments and senior DoT officials.
“Spectrum across several bands, including 700 MHz, 2.6 GHz, 3 GHz, and the 6 GHz range, has been identified for 5G and 6G services. This will now be reallocated and auctioned,” said a source familiar with the matter. With the CoS and the Cabinet approvals secured, the telecom department is set to begin preparations for auctioning this spectrum in the coming years, the source added.
Another person aware of the development said the CoS last month decided on 6425-7025 MHz band availability for IMT in a phased manner. "The 300 MHz spectrum in the 6425-6725 MHz band is not used by space or any other agency and is immediately available for IMT. The 300 MHz spectrum in 6725-7025 MHz is in use by ISRO and will be available for IMT by 2030,” a second source said.
“Spectrum in 1427-1518 MHz band is already part of India NFAP for IMT. However, the Ministry of Defence is using it. In the CoS meeting, the Ministry of Defence agreed to vacate 67 MHz out of this total 91 MHz for IMT by 2026,” he added.
The telecom industry has long urged the government to make more spectrum available, especially in the mid-band and premium lower bands, to enhance 5G capabilities and prepare for the introduction of 6G, expected around 2030. Industry estimates suggest a need for approximately 2,000 MHz in the mid-band range in the near future, up from the 400 MHz currently available, making spectrum refarming essential to meet demand.
As part of the refarming plan, the DoT will assign the 6425-7125 MHz range in the 6 GHz band for telecommunications services, while the lower portion of the band will be reserved for future Wi-Fi use.
Globally, the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) recently allocated 100 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band for mobility services. While the upper 6 GHz band has been designated for IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) in regions such as Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Indian telcos have pushed reserving the entire 6 GHz band for mobility services. Meanwhile, tech companies have advocated for portions of the band to be unlicensed for Wi-Fi usage.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
