India allocates license-free 5-GHz spectrum

The Indian government has freed up spectrum in the 5-GHz frequency band for use in the provision of license free Wi-Fi and short range 5G services.

The government has issued a notification stating that no license will be required to establish or operate wireless equipment for the provision of low power wireless systems including radio local area networks, in parts of the 5-GHz band, India's Economic Times reported.

The directive covers spectrum in the range of 5150-MHz to 5250-MHz; 5250-MHz to 5350-MHz; 5470-MHz to 5725-MHz; and 5725-MHz to 5875-MHz, and is designed to support short range communications such as for providing coverage for apartment buildings or shopping centers.

This frequency range is used for the provision of Wi-Fi services worldwide, and can also be used to augment capacity for 5G services, according to SN Gupta, secretary general of the ITU's APT foundation of India.

It will support the government's goal of improving Wi-Fi coverage nationwide. Under the Bharat Net program, the government plans to roll out 10 million Wi-Fi hotspots across the country in rural areas, and is in discussions with the market's telecoms operators to augment Wi-Fi coverage in urban areas.