Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Tech Giants vs Telcos: 6GHz Spectrum Dispute in India
Big tech companies like Amazon and Apple want India to wait before auctioning the 6GHz spectrum.
They think it's better to let people use it for free (unlicensed) for now.
Telcos (like Airtel and Jio) disagree and want to buy and use it for their networks.
TRAI is stuck in the middle, trying to make everyone happy while also making money for the government.
Tech giants urge TRAI to delay 6GHz spectrum auction, allow unlicensed use
Telcos oppose, citing limited global ecosystem and device readiness
TRAI must balance social welfare, operator demand, and revenue generation
Hong Kong's 6GHz auction saw low participation and unsold spectrum
BIF estimates daily economic loss of ₹630 crore due to delay in unlicensed use
- Who
- Tech giants (Amazon, Apple, Broadcom, Cisco, Meta, HPE, Intel), Telcos (Airtel, Jio), TRAI
- What
- Disagreeing over 6GHz spectrum usage and auction timing
- When
- Currently, with spectrum auction expected in June 2024
- Where
- India
- Why
- To determine how to use and price spectrum for future networks and maximize government revenue
Tech Giants
Telcos
6 GHz band usage
Tech Giants
Delay auction, allow unlicensed use
Telcos
Auction the band immediately
Spectrum price reduction
Tech Giants
No reduction to maintain investor confidence
Telcos
Substantial reduction for network expansion and affordability
- Spectrum band in dispute
- 6 GHz (5.925 to 7.125 GHz)
- Upcoming auction date
- June 2024
- Total spectrum offered in 2024 auction
- 10,522.35 MHz
- Reserve price for 2024 auction
- ₹96,238.45 crore
- Spectrum sold in 2022 auction
- 51,236 MHz worth over ₹1.5 trillion
