India’s Telcos Push for Full 6GHz Auction to Power 6G Future

India’s leading telecom operators are lobbying for the full 6GHz band to be auctioned for licensed mobile use, arguing that splitting it with Wi-Fi could hinder 6G ambitions. They also seek lower spectrum prices and longer licence tenures to support investment and network expansion. - Full 6GHz Band for Mobile Use: Jio,

, and want the entire 1,200MHz in the 6GHz band allocated to mobile services. Jio calls it the “anchor mid-band” for 5G/6G and warns that splitting it would be “counterproductive and irreversible.” - Pushback Against DoT Proposal: DoT proposes auctioning only the upper 700MHz for mobile and delicensing 500MHz for Wi-Fi. Telcos argue this would limit coverage and quality, especially given India’s high population density and low fixed broadband penetration. - Spectrum Pricing & Payment Terms: Operators seek steep cuts in reserve prices. Jio suggests a 50% valuation benchmark, while Airtel calls for a six-year moratorium and 14 annual instalments to ease capital pressure and support rural rollout. - Call for 40-Year Validity: Telcos want spectrum licences extended from 20 to 40 years to ensure policy stability and support long-term 6G investments. The Cabinet approved 30 years in 2021, but it wasn’t implemented. - Strategic Importance & Global Context: Airtel recommends India-specific coexistence trials with satellite users and adopting global band plans like 3GPP n104. Vodafone Idea wants immediate auction of 400MHz in the upper band, citing its critical role in mobile broadband evolution. With 6G on the horizon, India’s telcos are pressing for a unified, investment-friendly spectrum policy that prioritizes mobile services, lowers entry barriers, and ensures long-term viability. The TRAI’s response will shape India’s digital infrastructure trajectory.