Key Points

India's decision to delicense the 6 GHz spectrum marks a major leap in digital connectivity, says BIF President TV Ramachandran. Union Minister Scindia highlights Wi-Fi's transformative potential, projecting a $22 billion market by 2035. The move will boost high-speed applications like telemedicine and IoT while expanding rural access. PM-WANI aims to democratize internet connectivity, turning hotspots into hubs of opportunity.

Key Points: BIF President Ramachandran Praises India's 6 GHz Spectrum Move on World Wi-Fi Day

  • Govt delicenses 500 MHz 6 GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi innovation
  • 6 GHz to enhance online education and telemedicine
  • Scindia predicts $22B Wi-Fi market by 2035
  • PM-WANI to drive rural digital inclusion
2 min read

World Wi-Fi Day: Broadband India Forum President lauds govt's move to open 6 GHz spectrum

Broadband India Forum hails govt's 6 GHz spectrum delicensing as a boost for digital innovation, Wi-Fi expansion, and high-speed connectivity in India.

"Every hotspot must become a hope spot - Jyotiraditya Scindia"

New Delhi, June 24

On the occasion of World Wi-Fi Day, TV Ramachandran, President of the Broadband India Forum (BIF), hailed the government's recent decision to delicense 500 MHz of the 6 GHz spectrum, calling it a significant move for India's digital future.

Speaking to ANI at an event in Delhi, Ramachandran emphasised the importance of the decision, which had been under consideration for several years. "Today was a very important event... In particular circumstances today, the government has recently launched 500 MHz of delicensed 6 GHz spectrum that has been in the works for the last 3 or 4 years. And it's a great step, probably the first step towards that direction, and this is going to help innovation, R&D, and connectivity for high-data applications..." he said.

The decision came as part of India's efforts to improve digital access, promote Wi-Fi connectivity, and boost innovation and research in the high-speed wireless data space.

The 6 GHz band is expected to play a major role in enhancing Wi-Fi services, especially for bandwidth-heavy applications such as online education, remote work, telemedicine, and IoT (Internet of Things).

Earlier in the day, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in his keynote address at the World Wi-Fi Day Conference organised by the Broadband India Forum, stated that Wi-Fi will be a $22 billion segment in India by 2035, playing a transformative role in the nation's digital journey.

Describing Wi-Fi as "an invisible force capable of powering visible change," Scindia hailed India's rapid strides in digital inclusion, noting that India now contributes 46 per cent of global digital transactions. He emphasised that connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a fundamental tool of empowerment, akin to access to capital and infrastructure in previous eras.

"Wi-Fi is not just about internet access; it's about widespread inclusion in India in the future. Every hotspot must become a hope spot," said Scindia, outlining a vision for grassroots entrepreneurship driven by affordable devices, ubiquitous networks, and deregulated spectrum.

He underscored Prime Minister Modi's vision behind PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) as a game-changer that democratises digital access, especially in villages.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is fantastic news! As someone working in edtech, I've seen firsthand how poor connectivity affects rural students. Opening up 6GHz spectrum will be a game-changer for online education. Hope the benefits reach the last mile. 🙏
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Rahul M.
Good move but implementation is key. Spectrum allocation is just step one - we need better infrastructure in villages. My hometown in Bihar still struggles with 2G speeds despite all the digital India talk.
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Ananya S.
Finally! This will boost our startup ecosystem so much. High-speed Wi-Fi is oxygen for tech innovation. Kudos to the government for thinking long-term about digital infrastructure. #DigitalIndia
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Sanjay P.
Hope this doesn't mean more expensive devices. 6GHz needs new routers which many can't afford. Govt should subsidize equipment if they're serious about digital inclusion.
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Neha T.
As a doctor doing teleconsultations, I can't stress enough how important reliable high-speed internet is. This decision will save lives in remote areas. But please ensure proper security protocols are in place for medical data.
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Vikram J.
Great vision but execution matters. Remember when they promised broadband to all villages by 2020? Still waiting in my panchayat. Hope this time they deliver what's promised.

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