An important gathering of the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) is set to take place in Brisbane, aiming to determine the future allocation of the 6 GHz spectrum band for 5G services in India. This meeting, scheduled for around mid-August, seeks to foster collaboration among Region 3 countries, including India, to advocate for the utilization of the 6 GHz spectrum band and facilitate a cost-effective implementation of 5G services. The APT, established by the ITU and United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia & the Pacific (UNESCAP), plays a crucial role in driving ICT policy and regulatory coordination in the Asia-Pacific region.
Driving ICT Policy and Regulation
The APT, an inter-governmental body, is responsible for promoting regional cooperation in the field of communication and information technology. It aims to facilitate the development of robust ICT infrastructure and harmonized regulations across the Asia-Pacific region. The upcoming gathering in Brisbane is of utmost significance, as it focuses on one of the most critical aspects of modern telecommunication – the allocation of the 6 GHz spectrum band for 5G services.
Region 3 Countries and Key Players
Region 3 comprises several prominent countries with a significant stake in the decision-making process for the allocation of the 6 GHz spectrum band. Among the key member nations are India, China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. The involvement of these countries underscores the importance of reaching a consensus on the spectrum allocation to drive 5G development.
Intensifying Competition for the 6 GHz Spectrum Band
The stakes are high for securing the 6 GHz spectrum band, as evident from China’s recent allocation of the band for 5G services. This move has intensified the competition among top telcos and tech companies in India. Giants such as Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco, Qualcomm, Intel, and Netflix are advocating for delicensing the 6 GHz spectrum band to enhance affordable broadband penetration in rural India via the WiFi route, offering internet speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
Differing Perspectives on Spectrum Allocation
India’s major telecom operators – Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea – have differing views on the spectrum allocation. They are in favor of auctioning and fully dedicating the 6 GHz band for 5G services now, with an eye on potential 6G deployment in the future. This approach reflects their strategic vision and commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
Potential of the 6 GHz Spectrum Band
The 6 GHz spectrum band spans from 5925 to 7125 MHz (or 1200 units) and holds immense potential to accommodate the evolving demands of telecommunication services towards 2030. According to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), this band’s allocation is crucial for unleashing the full potential of 5G and preparing for future innovations.
Aligning Wireless/Spectrum Matters
The APT meeting in Brisbane aims to align major wireless/spectrum matters, including the 6 GHz band deployment for 5G services. By presenting a unified proposal at the WRC-2023 conference in December, the participating countries hope to streamline spectrum allocation and avoid potential conflicts or delays in the implementation of 5G services.