Global technology companies Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Meta, HP and Intel have jointly opposed the demand made by Indian telecom operators to allocate the 6 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band for mobile services. The companies have instead urged the government to reserve the entire 6GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi-based and unlicensed services. The pushback comes in response to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) consultation for the next spectrum auction.
6GHz Spectrum Dispute
In their joint submission, the US technology firms argued that the mobile industry is not technically or commercially ready to use the 6GHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) services. According to the submission, there is currently no ecosystem compatibility in device availability, network equipment and international harmonisation for mobile deployment in this band. The companies stated that any decision should be deferred until after the outcomes of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27), where future rules for 7.125–8.4 GHz will also be discussed.
The submission further recommended that unused upper 6GHz spectrum should be temporarily made available for unlicensed use rather than auctioned for mobile networks. The US companies said this would support the rapid growth of public Wi-Fi, enterprise networks and home broadband, while strengthening India’s digital infrastructure.
Telcos Seek More Spectrum
Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, has asked the government to include the entire 1,200 MHz available in the 6GHz band in the next spectrum sale. The government has already declared that 500 MHz in the lower 6GHz band (5925–6425 MHz) will be delicensed for Wi-Fi and low-power usage. Despite that decision, Jio has demanded that the remaining frequencies also be auctioned for mobile services and used to expand 5G networks.
Vodafone Idea has supported the auction of 400 MHz that is currently ready for allocation, while urging the government to make the remaining spectrum available over time. Meanwhile, Airtel has called for delaying any auction of the 6GHz band, citing a lack of device ecosystem and global consensus. Airtel stated that India should avoid hasty allocation when global markets have not yet clarified regulatory standards or market-readiness for IMT technology in the 6GHz band.
Telecom operators argue that 6GHz spectrum is critical for high-capacity 5G services, especially in dense urban areas. However, technology companies believe broadband capacity can be expanded more efficiently through Wi-Fi and shared spectrum access.
Current Position
The government has said 400 MHz of 6GHz spectrum is ready for auction, while another 300 MHz will be freed by 2030. It has also confirmed that 500 MHz will remain unlicensed and used primarily for Wi-Fi. The newly identified 6425–6725 MHz and 6725–7125 MHz frequencies are part of the upper 6GHz band and may be considered for future decision-making based on global regulatory outcomes.
US Tech Companies
The position taken by Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Meta, HP and Intel reflects a global trend in favour of boosting Wi-Fi capacity to support expanding device connectivity. These companies benefit from stronger Wi-Fi ecosystems because most consumer and enterprise technologies rely on unlicensed spectrum. As India prepares its next spectrum auction, the clash between telecom operators and global tech firms highlights differing visions for future digital infrastructure—one driven by mobile networks and another powered by open wireless access.
