Archive · 22 Jan 2026
India De-Licenses 6GHz Spectrum for WiFi
India has decided to allow the use of a part of the 6GHz spectrum for WiFi without needing a license.
This is good news for big technology companies like Apple, Meta, and Google, who wanted this to make new devices like smart glasses and high-speed WiFi available in India.
Telecom companies wanted the whole spectrum for 5G and future 6G services, but the government has decided to share it.
This means people can get faster and more secure WiFi at home, and it will also help India make and sell WiFi equipment.
The government has also made the WiFi signals stronger than they originally planned.
However, there are some rules about where these devices can be used, like not on oil platforms or in cars and boats.
The government has also set limits on how powerful the WiFi signals can be to make sure they don't interfere with other important services.
India has de-licensed 500 MHz in the 6GHz band for WiFi, boosting WiFi services and supporting next-gen devices.
Big Tech companies like Apple, Meta, and Google pushed for this to support new devices and technologies.
Telecom operators wanted the entire 1200 MHz band for 5G and 6G services but were not successful.
The move is expected to improve WiFi speeds and security with WiFi 6E and 7 technologies.
The government has set limits on the power of WiFi signals to prevent interference with other services.
- Who
- Indian government, Big Tech companies, Telecom operators
- What
- Licence-free use of 6GHz spectrum for WiFi
- When
- 21 January 2026 (notification), before 15 August 2025 (initial promise)
- Where
- India
- Why
- To support next-generation devices and improve WiFi services
- Spectrum Band
- 5925-6425 MHz
- Total Spectrum Available
- 1200 MHz
- Licence-Free Portion
- 500 MHz
- Auctioned Portion
- 700 MHz
- Power Spectral Density (Indoor)
- 11 dBm per MHz
- Power Spectral Density (Outdoor)
- 1 dBm per MHz
- Prohibited Uses
- Oil platforms, land vehicles, boats, aircraft (below 10,000 feet), drones, unmanned aerial systems
Sources
India allows licence-free use of 6GHz spectrum in a win for Big Tech
India de-licenses lower 6 GHz spectrum to boost Wi-Fi and broadband
Wi-Fi Set To Get Faster As Govt De-Licenses 6 GHz Spectrum