Faster Internet Ahead: India Moves to Free Up 6 GHz Wi-Fi

India is preparing to open up a new Wi-Fi channel—the 6 GHz band—which could make a big difference to streaming, working, learning, and general connectivity.

The Department of Telecommunications recently released draft rules to allow unlicensed use of the 5925–6425 MHz frequency range — a section of the 6 GHz spectrum. This opens the door to much faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. The move is designed to support the rollout of the latest Wi-Fi technologies:

• Wi-Fi 6E, which extends Wi-Fi 6 into the 6 GHz band for better speed and less interference.

• Wi-Fi 7, the upcoming standard, built for even faster speeds, low latency, and more connected devices — perfect for smart homes, gaming, and future applications like augmented and virtual reality

This change will finally allow new tech devices to run the way they were designed to:

• Augmented and virtual reality headsets such as Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro.

• Wi-Fi 6E-enabled phones, tablets, and laptops.

• Ultra-HD streaming boxes and smart TVs.

• Smart home devices and hubs.

• Cloud-based gaming consoles and platforms.

Previously, these devices often suffered from poor connectivity due to limited spectrum. With 6 GHz available, users can expect smoother performance, fewer dropouts, and less lag.

• Devices using the 6 GHz band indoors must stay under 30 dBm of power, which is about 1 watt. This ensures strong indoor coverage without causing interference with nearby networks.

• Outdoor use is allowed only at very low power (14 dBm or less).

• The use of this band is prohibited on cars, planes, boats, drones, and oil platforms to prevent interference with sensitive systems.

Global Context

More than 100 countries have already opened the 6 GHz band for public Wi-Fi. India’s move aligns with global trends and can help improve internet access both in dense urban areas and underserved rural regions.

The draft rules are open for public comments until June 15, 2025. If approved, this will be a significant step toward faster, more reliable internet across the country — without the need for any special license.

• More bandwidth means faster and more reliable Wi-Fi in homes, schools, and workplaces.

• No license is required for individuals or businesses to use this band.

• New and upcoming smart devices will work more efficiently.

• Improved support for high-bandwidth activities like video calls, gaming, and 4K/8K streaming.

• Stronger foundation for India’s future digital infrastructure.