The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of India has published a Draft Use of Low Power and Very Low Power Wireless Access System including Radio Local Area Network in Lower 6 GHz band Rules, 2025. Which making the 5925-6425 MHz band a hotbed for innovation!
The 6 GHz Band: A New Highway for Wireless Data!
The lower 6 GHz band (specifically 5925-6425 MHz) is a precious resource. Globally, it’s increasingly recognized as a key enabler for next-generation Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6E and beyond) and other high-throughput wireless systems. By dedicating this spectrum, India is laying down a critical digital highway that promises:
- Vastly Increased Capacity: More channels mean less congestion, especially in dense urban environments and for data-hungry applications.
- Faster Speeds: Wider channels support significantly higher data rates, translating to lightning-fast downloads and smoother streaming.
- Lower Latency: Critical for applications like virtual reality, augmented reality, and real-time industrial automation.
The Magic Words: “Exemption from Licensing Requirement”
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of these draft rules is the proposed exemption from licensing requirements for Low Power Indoor (LPI) and Very Low Power (VLP) Outdoor wireless access systems operating in this band.
- What this means: No more complex and time-consuming frequency assignments! This dramatically simplifies market entry and accelerates the deployment of innovative wireless solutions.
- The “Catch”: This exemption comes with a crucial condition – strict adherence to specified technical parameters. This is where precision and compliance become your best friends.
Understanding the Rules of Engagement: Key Technical Parameters
The draft rules outline specific technical limits designed to ensure devices operate efficiently without causing harmful interference. Here’s a glimpse:
- Lower Power Indoor (LPI) Devices: These are your workhorses for in-building Wi-Fi and enterprise networks. They are proposed to have a maximum Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of 1 Watt (30 dBm).
- Very Low Power (VLP) Outdoor Devices: Designed for more localized outdoor applications, these devices are proposed to have a maximum EIRP of 25 mW (14 dBm).
- Emission Bandwidth: Both LPI and VLP devices are specified with an Emission Bandwidth of up to 320 MHz, allowing for those high-speed data lanes.
- Out-of-Band Emissions: Strict limits are placed on emissions outside the designated 5925-6425 MHz band to prevent interference with other critical services.
- Operational Restrictions: It’s important to note certain limitations, such as prohibitions on use on oil platforms, land vehicles (cars, trains), boats, and for drone communication (except for aircraft flying above 10,000 feet).
These precise technical parameters are vital. Your product’s performance must not only be excellent but also perfectly aligned with these limits to qualify for the license exemption.
India is set to embrace the 6 GHz band, paving the way for unprecedented wireless capabilities. Make sure your products are ready to lead the charge!
