Government to allow licence-free use of 6 GHz band for low-power Wi-Fi devices

The central government has allowed the use of a new chunk of radio spectrum in the 6 GHz band without any licence. This latest move is expected to help expand high-speed Wi-Fi services in the country. In a notification issued, the Ministry of Communications said the rules will be called the ‘Use of Low Power and Very Low Power Wireless Access System including Radio Local Area Network in Lower 6 GHz band (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2026.’

The notification said that “no licence or frequency assignment shall be required by any person to establish, maintain, work, possess or deal in any wireless equipment” operating in the 5925 to 6425 MHz frequency band, as long as the devices follow the technical conditions laid down by the government. This means devices like Wi-Fi routers and access points can use this band freely for low-power indoor and very low-power outdoor services.

However, the government has placed limits on where and how this band can be used. The rules say the frequency band “shall be prohibited on oil platforms” and that indoor use will be banned on “land vehicles (such as cars or trains), boats and aircrafts except when flying above ten thousand feet.”

The notification also makes it clear that “communication with and control of drones and unmanned aerial systems shall be prohibited.”

The rules say that on interference if a licensed telecom system faces harmful disturbance, the government can ask the user to take steps such as relocating equipment, reducing power or changing antennas. If the problem continues, the authorities can “recommend discontinuation of such wireless use.”