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India Gears Up for 6G Rollout, Extends 600 MHz Band Validity: TRAI Chief

India is actively preparing for 6G services and has extended the validity of the 600 MHz band to boost high-speed internet deployment. TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti announced recommendations for inter-band spectrum sharing and leasing of surplus spectrum. He highlighted that mobile networks alone may not suffice for growing data demand, especially with AI expansion. India added a record 17 million fixed broadband users, and a hybrid connectivity model combining fibre and FWA is proposed.

Key Points: India Prepares for 6G, Extends 600 MHz Band: TRAI Chairman

  • India prepares for 6G rollout with extended 600 MHz band validity
  • TRAI recommends spectrum sharing and leasing for optimal use
  • Hybrid model of fibre and FWA proposed to meet data demand
  • India added record 17 million fixed broadband users in 2025-26
2 min read

India prepares for 6G rollout, extends validity of key 600 MHz band: TRAI Chairman

TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti announces India's 6G rollout preparations and extended 600 MHz band validity to boost high-speed internet and network efficiency.

"Mobile networks alone may not be sufficient to meet the surge in data demand, particularly with the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence use cases - Anil Kumar Lahoti"

New Delhi, April 24

India is actively preparing for the rollout of 6G services and has extended the validity of the 600 MHz band, which is considered crucial for next-generation high-speed Internet deployment, said Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Chairman, Anil Kumar Lahoti, according to a report on Friday.

NDTV Profit reported that he said, the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen spectrum availability and improve network efficiency amid rapidly rising data consumption across the country.

Lahoti also noted that TRAI has also recommended measures such as inter-band spectrum sharing and leasing of surplus spectrum to enhance optimal utilisation of available resources in the telecom sector.

The regulator has further proposed enabling active infrastructure sharing among telecom operators, including mandatory sharing of government-funded infrastructure and voluntary sharing of privately-funded assets.

TRAI has also issued guidelines for captive non-public networks, allowing enterprises to set up private 5G networks.

However, Lahoti said this segment has yet to emerge as a major success and requires greater collaboration among stakeholders to realise its full potential.

Mobile networks alone may not be sufficient to meet the surge in data demand, particularly with the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence use cases, according to the TRAI Chairman.

He said India added a record 17 million fixed broadband users in 2025-26.

Moreover, Lahoti said a hybrid connectivity model combining fibre and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) could help address future demand, while stressing that indoor connectivity remains a persistent challenge.

He added that integrating indoor digital infrastructure at the building design stage is essential, noting that TRAI's recommendations in this regard have been accepted by the government.

The TRAI Chairman also said the regulator has suggested measures to strengthen Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication as part of efforts to build a more robust digital ecosystem.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some forward thinking! 600 MHz band extension is smart - better coverage in rural areas. But TRAI needs to ensure spectrum auction prices don't become another burden on consumers. Arogya setu failed, hope 6G rollout is more transparent.
M
Michael C
Interesting approach with spectrum sharing and leasing. In the US, similar policies helped reduce costs. Hope India's telecom operators actually collaborate instead of fighting over bandwidth. The 17 million fixed broadband users is impressive growth!
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Vikram M
Good to see TRAI thinking about indoor connectivity - that's been a pain point in Indian apartments for years. But mandatory sharing of government-funded infrastructure? Hope this doesn't become another bureaucratic mess. Need private sector efficiency, not red tape.
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James A
AI use cases driving data demand is spot on. But hybrid model with fiber and FWA? That's like putting band-aid on a bullet wound. India should aim for full fiber rollout like South Korea or Japan. 6G without proper backbone is just marketing hype.
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Ananya R
Private 5G networks for enterprises haven't taken off yet? Not surprised. Cost of spectrum and equipment is still too high for most Indian businesses. TRAI should focus on making 5G affordable first, then talk about 6G. Also, what about net neutrality in all this? šŸŒ

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