Centre pushes draft rules to free up 6 GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi 6E and 7 networks
The Indian government has proposed a new rule to allow the use of a faster Wi-Fi frequency called the 6 GHz band — but only indoors. This means Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 routers can now use this special frequency, which was previously not allowed. Most routers today use the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands, but those are crowded and can slow things down. The 6 GHz band is less crowded and faster. Many countries like the US and the UK already use it, and it looks like India is joining them.advertisementThe Centre has released a draft rule to delicense a portion of the 6 GHz spectrum — specifically from 5925 MHz to 6425 MHz. This means people can use this part of the frequency without needing special government permission or a licence, as long as it's for indoor use. This move will mainly help Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices, which are built to use the 6 GHz band. Until now, these routers were stuck using only the older 5 GHz band in India, which is already overcrowded.As per the draft rules: 'No authorisation or frequency assignment shall be required to establish, maintain, work, possess or deal in any wireless equipment for the purpose of Lower Power Indoor and Very Low Power outdoor wireless access systems operating in the frequency band 5925-6425 MHz on non-interference, non-protection and shared (non-exclusive) basis.'advertisementIn simple terms, you just need to know that if you have a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 router, or maybe you are planning to get one in the future, you could benefit from faster internet speeds, lower delay or lag and smoother video calls, gaming, and streaming. But remember, this only applies to indoor use. The new band can't be used in cars, boats, planes, or for drones. Also, only low-power devices are allowed, so it doesn't interfere with others.Industry groups like IAFI and BIF have praised this move. They say it will help boost digital access, especially for schools, hospitals, and rural areas. It also brings India closer to what over 100 countries are already doing. Bharat Bhatia, President of IAFI, called it a 'visionary' decision, adding that it 'aligns India with global digital growth and opens doors for next-generation connectivity.'However, BIF added that 500 MHz is a good start, but more of the 6 GHz band should be opened in the future to get the full benefits. 'While a notable milestone, this is just the prologue to the full story,' said BIF President TV Ramachandran, urging for an additional 160 MHz to be delicensed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Print
40 minutes ago
- The Print
Starlink gets licence to start India services
Starlink is the third company after Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications to get a licence from the Department of Telecommunications to provide satellite internet services in the country. New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI) Elon Musk's Starlink has received a licence from the telecom department for providing satellite internet services in India, a key milestone that will take it closer towards launching commercial operations in the country. DoT sources confirmed on Friday that Starlink has indeed received the licence, and said the company will be granted trial spectrum in 15-20 days of applying for it. Starlink will now have to comply with the security norms such as providing access for lawful interception, before starting services. The licence came hours after a huge public spat between Musk and US President Donald Trump. The falling-out between the world's richest man and the world's most powerful person began when Musk, who left his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency a week ago, denounced Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. On Thursday, it erupted in the verbal duel after Trump criticised Musk in the Oval Office. Musk responded saying 'Trump would have lost' without his help, prompting the US President to end US contracts. The licence from DoT came nearly a month after the Starlink was issued a letter of intent (LoI) by the telecom department. The companies that have received the licence would, however, have to a wait a tad longer for commercial satcom spectrum as the Trai just recently sent its recommendations on pricing, and terms and conditions, to the government for its consideration. The players will be able to start their services after the allocation of radio wave frequencies. Typically, even before the commercial spectrum, the trial spectrum is required to test, and verify the systems and processes on security parameters to demonstrate that all norms and requirements, are being complied with. The status of the Starlink's final nod from the Indian space regulator, In-SPACe could not be immediately ascertained. Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX — the American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded in 2002 by the world's richest man Musk. It provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet worldwide using satellite technology and is aptly described by some as broadband beamed from the skies. Unlike conventional satellite services that rely on distant geostationary satellites, Starlink utilises the world's largest low Earth orbit or LEO constellation (550 km above Earth). This constellation of LEO satellites (7,000 now but eventually set to grow to over 40,000) and its mesh delivers broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and video calls. Starlink, which had been vying for an India licence for some time now, recently signed pacts with Ambani's Reliance Jio and Mittal's Bharti Airtel, which together control more than 70 per cent of the country's telecom market, to bring the US satellite internet giant's services to India. The nod for the satcom offering — known for its resilience in harsh conditions and conflict zones — coincides with escalation of Donald Trump-Elon Musk feud in the US. Early last month, the government had issued stringent security norms mandating legal interception of satellite communication services and barred companies from linking connection of users in any form with any terminal or facility located outside the country's border as well as processing of their data overseas. The tighter security rules also mandate service providers to indigenise at least 20 per cent of their ground segment of the satellite network within years of their establishment in the country. The satcom service licence holders will require security clearances for specific gateway and hub locations in India and compliance to monitoring, interception facilities and equipment requirements. India's rules mandate satcom firms to demonstrate system capabilities with respect to security aspects, including monitoring, to the Department of Telecom (DoT) or its authorised representatives before starting operations in India. It is pertinent to mention that Telecom regulator TRAI last month recommended that satellite communication companies like Starlink pay 4 per cent of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) as spectrum charges to the government — a rate steeper than what these firms had been lobbying for. Operators offering satellite-based broadband internet services in urban areas would have to shell out an additional Rs 500 per subscribers annually, TRAI recommended. No additional levy would be applicable for services in rural areas. COAI, whose members include Reliance Jio and Airtel, recently approached the telecom department to raise concerns over TRAI recommendations on the satcom spectrum. The industry body argued that 'incorrect assumptions' have led to unjustifiably low spectrum charges for satellite services relative to terrestrial networks — a claim strongly rejected by Trai, which has ruled out any review of recommendations at this stage, based on industry body COAI's charges. PTI MBI TRB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
India's defence capabilities advanced remarkably, says former DRDO chairman G. Satheesh Reddy
The country's defence capabilities have advanced remarkably through indigenous efforts. India showed the world its capabilities through drone technology, radar systems, anti-drone weapons, or missile systems like Akash and BrahMos, former DRDO chairman G. Satheesh Reddy said on Friday. 'Our pinpoint accuracy and technological prowess during recent operations have amazed the global defence community. Today, countries are queuing up to procure Indian-made defence systems,' he said, adding that the country exported defence equipment worth ₹24,000 crore and the aim is to double it in a couple of years. Mr. Reddy, who is currently Honorary Advisor (Aerospace & Defence) in Andhra Pradesh government, was addressing the convocation ceremony of SR University, Hasanparthy in Hanamkonda district. He said young innovators should drive AI-based technologies, as the country continues to emerge as a global leader in defence, technology, and research. Mr. Reddy noted that the country is in a transformative phase with the landscape of education evolving rapidly. 'We now have premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and IISERs across all States. More than 4.38 crore students are enrolled in higher education, more than the population of many nations. Among them, we produce over 1.4 million engineers every year,' he noted. India now ranks third globally in both annual publications and PhD output. In fields like quantum technology, we are sixth, and number one in AI conference citations — this showcases the country's growing technological momentum and intellectual strength, he said. The university's conferred honorary doctorate on Oscar-winning music composer M.M. Keeravani, recognising his contribution to Telugu cinema.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Nidec inaugurates new manufacturing Orchard Hub campus in Hubli, Karnataka, celebrates next step in India growth strategy
Nidec Corporation ('Nidec'), the world's leading manufacturer of electric motors, generators, renewable energy solutions, and industrial machinery, proudly inaugurated its cutting-edge manufacturing campus, Orchard Hub, located in the Kotur-Belur Industrial Area of Hubli-Dharwad, Karnataka. The inauguration marks the launch of plant machinery and equipment installation across the six campus plants, paving the way for production to commence later this year. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. M. B. Patil, Honourable Cabinet Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, along with Mr. Michael Briggs, President of Nidec Motion & Energy. With Mr. Nakane Tsutomu, Consul General of Japan in Bangalore and Mr. Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bangalore, also in attendance, the milestone celebrated Orchard Hub's significance at both regional and international levels. The completion of the Orchard Hub campus is a major achievement in Nidec's commitment to strengthening its presence in India. As Nidec's eighth and largest Indian manufacturing facility, the 50-acre campus underscores Nidec's dedication to supporting the region's industrial development and India's broader economic ambitions. The project's groundbreaking ceremony was held in September 2023, and the campus was completed in just 20 months—a testament to meticulous planning and efficient execution. With the inauguration now complete, Nidec will begin the installation of plant machinery and equipment, with production expected to commence later this year. The Orchard Hub campus will serve multiple high-growth markets as the key manufacturing hub for generators for data centers, wind turbine generators and battery energy storage systems (BESS) for renewable energy, electric vehicle motors, controllers, and EV chargers for clean mobility, and high-efficiency motors, drives, system solutions across various business verticals. Equipped with advanced automation and built on Nidec's 3Q6S lean manufacturing principles, the facility is dedicated to delivering best-in-class products that support customers globally. Strategically located, the campus aims to deliver innovative solutions to both domestic and international markets, with a strong emphasis on exceptional customer service. In line with its sustainability goals, Nidec plans to make the Orchard Hub campus carbon-neutral by 2028 through the adoption of solar power, in-house microgrid systems, and BESS technologies. The facility is expected to create over 1,000 direct and 1,000 indirect employment opportunities in the region. Recruitment drives are already underway to hire diploma and ITI students from institutions in and around Hubli-Dharwad, as the company prepares to launch production. Speaking at the event, Nidec Motion & Energy President Michael Briggs expressed his confidence and optimism: 'India's robust economic growth presents exceptional opportunities for forward-thinking companies, and Nidec is proud to be an integral part of this momentum. Under the visionary leadership of our founder, Mr. Shigenobu Nagamori, we continue to expand our presence across the country. Nidec remains deeply committed to India's progress. Mr. Nagamori's visionary leadership has been instrumental in bringing the Orchard Hub to life, demonstrating Nidec's dedication to shaping India's growth story.' 'With an investment of $55 million, the Orchard Hub project serves as a cornerstone of our 'India for India' and 'India for Exports' strategy. The inauguration of the Orchard Hub Campus marks not only a significant milestone in this endeavour but also a defining chapter in Nidec's journey in India. This facility represents more than an investment in infrastructure; it reflects our commitment to people, innovation, and enduring partnerships. The Orchard Hub stands as a testament to our vision of fostering local innovation, generating employment, and delivering sustainable, zero-emission solutions tailored to India's unique needs.' President and Country Managing Director Girish D Kulkarni added: 'We are proud to establish our new state-of-the-art facility in Hubli, Karnataka, as a testament to our long-term commitment to the Indian market. This campus is not merely a physical space - It represents the future of Nidec in India: a hub for innovation, collaboration, and excellence. This marks an exciting time for all of us, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated teams and to the Government of Karnataka for their unwavering support. We look forward to working together as we continue contributing to the sustainable development of the region.' With the launch of Orchard Hub, Nidec strengthens its global manufacturing footprint while aligning with India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. This development reinforces the company's role in advancing sustainable industrial growth both in India and worldwide. About Nidec Corporation Nidec Corporation is the world's leading electric motor manufacturer with 2024 revenues of over $17B. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, Nidec is a global company comprised of over 300 group companies and 100,000 employees with operations in more than 40 countries. A pioneer in electrification, Nidec is integral as a world-class global technology provider, localised manufacturer, and development partner in industries ranging from information technology, automotive, appliance, commercial, and industrial machinery. Nidec enables positive global change through innovative problem-solving. For more information, visit Nidec's website About Nidec Motion & Energy Nidec Motion & Energy, a Business Unit of Nidec Corporation, is a trusted development partner in multiple high-growth spaces including industrial automation, vehicle electrification and electrical infrastructure, providing world-class technology, support, and localised manufacturing to support industry leaders across the globe. With headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, it employs over 13,000 individuals around the world in more than 40 countries. Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Nidec Industrial Automation India Private Limited by Times Internet's Spotlight team.
