The battle for faster internet speeds in India: Jio-Airtel and Apple-Meta face off over 6 GHz spectrum
A major battle has erupted in India over the 6 GHz spectrum. Jio, Airtel, and Vi are demanding its auction, while Apple, Amazon, and Meta are demanding that this band be left open for Wi-Fi. TRAI will soon take a decision on this issue, which will determine the mobile network strategy for the next decade.
Jio Airtel Vi battle with Apple Amazon Meta: A major conflict has emerged between telecom companies and American tech giants over the 6 GHz spectrum in India.
Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea have filed formal complaints against companies like Apple, Amazon, Meta, Intel, and Cisco. Telecom companies say that these foreign companies are causing financial harm to the industry by opposing the auction of the 6 GHz band. Meanwhile, American giants want the entire band freed up for Wi-Fi. This decision will directly impact the future of India's 5G and upcoming 6G networks.
Why complain about telecom companies?
Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea have alleged that companies like Apple, Amazon, Meta, Cisco, Intel, and HP are causing financial harm to the telecom sector by opposing the auction of 6 GHz spectrum.
Telecom companies say this band is essential for the growth of 5G and preparation for 6G, and that the auction will generate significant revenue for the government. COAI has clearly stated that opening this band for Wi-Fi will impact the future of mobile services and benefit foreign OTT companies.
Demands and arguments of American companies
American giants like Apple, Amazon, and Meta argue that the 6 GHz band should be fully opened for Wi-Fi because mobile networks globally are not yet technically ready for 6 GHz.
These companies have told TRAI that this band is neither commercially nor technically mature for mobile service. They argue that providing additional free spectrum to Wi-Fi will provide better internet access and cheaper connectivity options.
What is the future stance of the government, TRAI and the industry?
The government has already decided to free up the lower 500 MHz band of 6 GHz for low-power Wi-Fi, which has caused concern among telecom companies.
TRAI is currently reviewing submissions from all parties, and a final decision will be made in the coming months. Jio wants the entire 1200 MHz band to be auctioned immediately, while Vodafone Idea is demanding the auction of the existing 400 MHz.
Airtel and Qualcomm believe that India should move forward in line with global standards and not rush. This decision will determine India's mobile speeds and network capacity over the next 10 years.