India’s telecommunications authority, the Department of Telecommunications, has issued a regulatory notification allowing license-exempt operation of Wireless Access Systems / Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLAN) in the 5925–6425 MHz band. This decision enables low-power indoor and very low-power outdoor wireless devices to operate in part of the 6 GHz spectrum without requiring individual spectrum licensing.

The measure supports the deployment of next-generation wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 6E and future Wi-Fi platforms, helping to alleviate congestion in existing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands while enabling higher-capacity connectivity. Devices operating in this band must comply with defined technical conditions and operate on a shared, non-exclusive basis without causing harmful interference to other spectrum users.

Manufacturers and importers must continue to comply with India’s equipment authorization procedures, including certification processes administered by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing for radio devices operating in license-exempt bands. The regulatory update represents an important step in expanding spectrum availability for advanced wireless services in India

The regulatory notification issued by the Department of Telecommunications enabling license-exempt operation for Wireless Access Systems / Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLAN) in the 5925–6425 MHz band represents a medium-high-impact regulatory update.

While it does not reform the equipment certification framework itself, it significantly expands available spectrum for wireless connectivity in India and enables deployment of next-generation Wi-Fi technologies. The measure affects device design, spectrum use, and market opportunities for manufacturers of wireless networking equipment.

• 6 GHz Spectrum Opening: Authorizes license-exempt operation in the 5925–6425 MHz band, expanding available spectrum for wireless access technologies.
• Enablement of Next-Generation Wi-Fi: Facilitates deployment of Wi-Fi 6E and future Wi-Fi technologies capable of multi-gigabit connectivity and lower latency.
• Shared Spectrum Conditions: Devices must operate on a non-exclusive, non-interference, and non-protection basis, ensuring coexistence with other spectrum users.
• Regulatory Alignment with Global Trends: Aligns India with other countries that have begun opening portions of the 6 GHz band for license-exempt wireless technologies.
• Continued Equipment Authorization: Wireless devices operating in this band must still obtain certification through processes administered by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC), including Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for license-exempt bands.

Who?

• Wireless Device Manufacturers: Must ensure their products support the permitted 6 GHz band configuration and comply with India’s technical and certification requirements.
• Importers and Distributors: May introduce new categories of Wi-Fi 6E capable devices to the Indian market once certified.
• Network Equipment Vendors: Gain opportunities to deploy higher-capacity routers, access points, and enterprise wireless infrastructure.
• Technology Companies and IoT Developers: Benefit from additional spectrum enabling higher performance wireless connectivity.
• Regulatory Authorities: The Department of Telecommunications and the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing oversee implementation and compliance with spectrum use conditions.

Conclusion

The decision to open part of the 6 GHz spectrum (5925–6425 MHz) for license-exempt wireless access systems represents a strategic spectrum policy update for India. Although it does not change certification procedures directly, it enables the deployment of next-generation wireless technologies and supports improved connectivity capacity while maintaining regulatory oversight through existing equipment authorization processes.