India’s 6GHz Spectrum Dilemma

  • November 25, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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India’s 6GHz Spectrum Dilemma

Sub : Sci

Sec : Awareness in IT and Computer

Why in News

  • The launch of Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro in India has been delayed due to the ongoing restrictions on the 6GHz spectrum for WiFi use. While several countries have adopted the 6GHz band for advanced WiFi capabilities, India has yet to make this frequency available, affecting the release of technology relying on this spectrum.

WiFi Bands in India:

  • 2.4GHz Band: Long coverage area; ideal for penetrating walls and obstacles.
  • Lower data speeds compared to higher bands. Suitable for general browsing and IoT devices due to its stability over distance.
  • More prone to interference since many devices, including Bluetooth, use this band.
  • 5GHz Band: Shorter coverage area compared to 2.4GHz.
  • Higher speeds, supports faster data transfer. Ideal for high-bandwidth activities like video streaming and online gaming.
  • Less crowded, reducing interference from other devices.
  • 6GHz Band (WiFi 6E): Similar to 5GHz but more restricted.
  • Significantly higher potential speeds, up to 9.6Gbps. Supports next-generation WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 technologies.
  • Only allowed in some countries (e.g., US, UK, South Korea); not yet available in India.

Evolution of WiFi Technologies

  • WiFi 6 (2020): Uses both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands with improved efficiency.
  • WiFi 6E (2021): Introduced 6GHz band for enhanced performance.
  • WiFi 7 (Upcoming): Expected to leverage 6GHz for advanced speeds and reduced latency.

Regulatory Context in India

  • 2.4GHz and 5GHz: De-licensed for public use since 2002.
  • 6GHz Spectrum: Not yet de-licensed; reserved for satellite communication by ISRO.
  • Global Standards: Countries vary in their allocation; some de-license 6GHz, while others, including India, hold regulatory restrictions.

What is the 6GHz Spectrum?

The 6GHz band covers frequencies from 5,925 MHz to 7,125 MHz. It’s an essential development for modern WiFi as it:

  • Offers enhanced data transmission capacity.
  • Reduces congestion on existing WiFi bands.
  • Improves the performance of new technologies like WiFi 7.

India has not yet authorized the use of the 6GHz spectrum for WiFi, unlike many other nations.

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) uses this band for satellite communication. The risk of interference between satellite and WiFi applications remains low.
  • Although the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) seeks uniform spectrum allocation, global consensus on the 6GHz division is still lacking.
  • India, along with other nations, secured an extension until 2027 for deciding the future of this spectrum.
  • Telecom Operators: Interested in acquiring the 6GHz spectrum for advanced 5G and 6G networks.
  • India may follow models like Australia, which partially de-licensed the 6GHz band while keeping some portions under review.
  • The PS5 Pro’s reliance on the 6GHz band for WiFi 7 has delayed its Indian release. Alternatives like reprogramming the console to avoid the 6GHz band or releasing a modified variant are possible solutions.

WiFi 7 Technology in India:

  • WiFi 7 is the upcoming generation of WiFi technology, officially known as IEEE 802.11be.
  • It aims to offer significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced network efficiency compared to previous generations.
  • Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Uses multiple frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) simultaneously, boosting speed and reliability.
  • Supports up to 320 MHz channels, double that of WiFi 6, enabling greater data throughput.
  • Higher Modulation (4096-QAM): Increases data transmission capacity, resulting in faster speeds.
  • Advanced mechanisms to reduce network delays, benefiting online gaming and video streaming.
  • Theoretical Maximum Speed: Up to 46 Gbps, nearly 4 times faster than WiFi 6.
  • Efficiently manages more devices simultaneously, ideal for smart homes and dense environments.
  • Works with previous WiFi standards (WiFi 6, 5, etc.), ensuring smooth transitions for users.
  • 6GHz Band Utilization: Benefits from the 6GHz spectrum (if available), enhancing speed and performance.
  • WiFi 7 does not necessarily require 6GHz access. It focuses on increased efficiency in using existing frequencies.
  • Indian consumers can still access WiFi 7-enabled devices, but they will operate without the 6GHz band.
India's 6GHz Spectrum Dilemma Science and tech