A set of spectrum in 5 Ghz band freed by the Govt

In order to boost WiFi spots in India, the government has released a set of spectrum in the 5 Ghz band from licensing for providing Wifi and partially 5G services by telecom companies. According to a report by PTI, no permits would be required for the spectrum in the range of 5150-5250 megahertz band, 5250-5350 Mhz and 5725-5875 Mhz, according to an official notification.

The government notification stated, “No licence shall be required under indoor and outdoor environment to establish, maintain, work, possess or deal in any wireless equipment for the purpose of low power wireless access systems, including radio local area networks operating in the frequency band 5150-5250 MHz; 5250-5350 MHz; 5470-5725 MHz; and 5725-5875 MHz.”

This move will push the WiFi services and thus, will help setting up 5G ecosystem in India. Secretary General of APT foundation of India under International Telecommunication Union, SN Gupta, told PTI, “The frequency range 5.1-5.3 Gigahertz and 5.7-5.8 Ghz is used for wifi services all over the world. It is a highly appreciable move from government to de-licence these bands. The frequency range between 5.3-5.7 Ghz can be used for 5G services.”

According to the report, this spectrum frequency can be used for short range communications like for coverage within an apartment or shopping centres. The BharatNet Project is another example of government’s attempt in developing the WiFi services in India. The government, under this project is planning to roll out 1 crore wifi hotspots in the country in rural area. Also, it is being discussed with the telecom operators to roll out WiFi in urban centres too. Freeing of spectrum 5 Ghz range will also facilitate indoor communications services and reduce load on telecom networks.

Adding to that, the PTI reports that the government is also planning to start field trials of 5G services to develop its ecosystem in the country. In the notification, the government has clarified the power of device or equipment that should be used for accessing the free spectrum.