The assignment of 5G spectrum within the 6 GHz band for mobile services is seen as advantageous for India, aligning with the global trend of allocating telecom spectrum in this frequency range, as highlighted by the GSMA, a prominent global telecom industry body. In a communication addressed to Union Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, GSMA Director General Mats Granryd emphasized that the 6 GHz band represents a significant, contiguous block of radio waves within the mid-frequency range, presenting India with both strategic and capacity-related benefits. Furthermore, the telecom industry asserted that deploying networks in this spectrum would incur lower costs compared to the subsequent available spectrum for 5G in higher frequency bands.

“India would also considerably benefit from this additional capacity given India’s accelerated digital adoption and leadership in the digital space, including in 5G. This digital leadership requires India to match the spectrum roadmaps of the leading 5G nations, which 6 GHz capacity will support,” Mr. Granryd said in the letter dated December 12.