Centre Allows Licence-Free Use of 6 GHz Band to Boost Next-Generation Wi-Fi

The Union government has taken a significant step to expand high-speed wireless connectivity by allowing licence-free operations in a key portion of the 6 GHz spectrum, aimed at improving Wi-Fi performance across indoor and selected outdoor environments. 

Spectrum Access and Operating Framework 

Under the new framework, low-power wireless systems can operate in the 5925–6425 MHz frequency range without requiring a telecom licence or spectrum assignment.  

The policy covers low-power indoor systems and very low-power outdoor wireless access systems, including radio local area networks, operating on a shared, non-exclusive and non-interference basis.  

The rules were notified on January 20, 2026, by the Ministry of Communications and take effect from their publication in the Official Gazette. 

Technical Conditions and Industry Impact 

The notification defines operating parameters such as limits on equivalent isotropic radiated power, power spectral density, emission bandwidth and out-of-band emissions.  

Indoor use is defined as operation within enclosed premises with walls and roofs that are not transparent to radio waves, except for doors and windows, while measurements in the lower 6 GHz band are assessed over a 1 MHz bandwidth. Devices must use contention-based protocols to manage shared access.  

As per news reports, this move provides clarity for Wi-Fi 6E and future Wi-Fi 7 deployments, supporting higher speeds, lower latency and improved performance for data-intensive applications including enterprise connectivity, smart manufacturing and streaming. 

Technology Ecosystem and Device Relevance 

The decision follows a May 2025 proposal by the Department of Telecommunications to delicence 500 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band for unlicensed indoor Wi-Fi use. Technology companies have argued that wider access to the band helps extend 5G performance indoors, supports mobile data offload and enables next-generation devices. 

The spectrum is considered important for advanced consumer electronics such as gaming consoles and immersive devices, including products from Sony, Apple and Meta. 

Read More: Centre Releases Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 To Guide Power Sector Transformation! 

Conclusion 

Opening the lower 6 GHz band for licence-free use is expected to ease network congestion, improve indoor connectivity and support emerging digital applications across consumer and enterprise environments. 

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