India Opens Lower 6GHz Band for Licence-Free Wi-Fi Use, Sets Strict Power and Usage Limits

Highlights

• India’s DoT has de-licensed 500MHz in the lower 6GHz band (5925–6425MHz) for licence-free Wi-Fi use.
• Low-power indoor devices can operate up to 30dBm, while very low-power outdoor devices are capped at 14dBm.
• The band cannot be used on vehicles, boats, oil platforms, or drones with exceptions only for aircraft above 10,000 feet.

The Indian government has officially permitted licence-free use of the lower 6GHz spectrum band. This will significantly improve indoor Wi-Fi speeds and accelerate the adoption of next-generation wireless standards such as Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.

The decision was notified by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on January 20 and allows low-power indoor and very low-power outdoor wireless systems to operate without a licence in the 5925–6425MHz frequency range.

This development follows months of discussions and disagreements between telecom operators and technology companies over how the 6GHz spectrum should be utilised.

500MHz of 6GHz Spectrum De-licensed for Wi-Fi

The DoT has issued the “Low Power and Very Low Power Wireless Access System Rules, 2026,” under which 500MHz of spectrum in the lower 6GHz band has been de-licensed.

As per the notification, Wi-Fi and radio local area network equipment can be deployed without a licence as long as the devices function on a shared, non-exclusive basis and adhere to defined technical standards related to power output, emissions, and bandwidth.

Low-power indoor devices will be allowed to operate at a maximum equivalent isotropic radiated power of 30dBm, while very low-power outdoor devices will be capped at 14dBm.

According to the government, these limits are designed to deliver faster Wi-Fi performance while avoiding interference with licensed services, including satellite communications and backhaul networks. Devices operating in this band must use contention-based protocols and integrated antennas that meet approved technical standards.

Usage Restrictions and Interference Safeguards Outlined

The notification also introduces several operational restrictions to minimise interference. Indoor use of the lower 6GHz band is not permitted on land vehicles, boats, or aircraft, except when aircraft are flying above 10,000 feet. The use of this spectrum on oil platforms has been prohibited, and communication with or control of drones and unmanned aerial systems is not allowed.

In addition, strict out-of-band emission limits have been specified to further protect existing licensed services operating in adjacent frequency bands.

The decision comes nearly six months after the government released a draft proposal in May 2025 to open up the lower 6GHz band. It also follows sustained lobbying by technology companies, which argued that current Wi-Fi networks are unable to fully extend the capacity of fibre broadband and 5G services indoors.

Global technology firms including Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Meta, HP, and Intel have been advocating for the de-licensing of the entire 6GHz band for Wi-Fi use. On the other hand, Reliance Jio has maintained that the full 6GHz spectrum should be auctioned for mobile services.

FAQs

Q1. What has the Indian government announced regarding the 6GHz spectrum?

Answer. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has de-licensed 500MHz in the lower 6GHz band (5925–6425MHz), allowing licence-free use for low-power indoor and very low-power outdoor Wi-Fi systems.

Q2. What are the power limits for devices using the lower 6GHz band?

Answer. Indoor devices can operate at a maximum of 30dBm, while very low-power outdoor devices are capped at 14dBm, with strict technical standards to avoid interference.

Q3. Are there restrictions on where this spectrum can be used?

Answer. Yes. It cannot be used on land vehicles, boats, oil platforms, or drones. Aircraft use is only permitted above 10,000 feet, and strict emission limits apply to protect licensed services.

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