Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Reliance Jio wants to use 26 GHz 5G Spectrum for WiFi, 6G Patents, Starlink’s satellite Internet in India, among others.
Jio Seeks DoT Approval to Use 26 GHz 5G Spectrum for WiFi
Jio has requested the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for permission to use its 26 GHz 5G spectrum for WiFi-based internet services. Currently, telecom operators use the 5 GHz band for WiFi, while 3,300 MHz and 26 GHz are reserved for 5G mobile services. Jio already uses the 26 GHz band for fixed wireless access. As per the July 2022 spectrum auction rules, a six-month notice is required for any change in use of mobile spectrum. DoT officials have confirmed that Jio’s application is under review. The request comes after Adani Group exited the 26 GHz band, selling its spectrum to Bharti Airtel. The move reflects new strategies in spectrum utilization as demand for 5G expands. Jio’s plan is expected to target high-density areas using a mix of 5 GHz and 26 GHz bands, Economic Times reports.
India Expands Telecom Innovation with 6G Patents
India ranks among the top six countries in filing patents for 6G technology. The country has developed its own telecom stack, becoming the fifth nation to do so. The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 will take place from October 8 to 11 at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi. It is organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), with participation expected from 400+ exhibitors and delegates from 150+ countries. The ASPIRE program will feature over 500 startups connecting with investors and incubators. DoT Secretary Neeraj Mittal noted India’s shift from lagging in 4G to aligning with global 5G progress and aiming for 6G leadership. Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the Sanchar Mitra scheme and the winners of the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Telecom Excellence Awards 2024 during the IMC launch.
Starlink and Others to Launch Satellite Internet in India
Starlink, along with Eutelsat OneWeb, Jio-SES, and Globalstar, is preparing to launch satellite internet in India. Starlink may offer unlimited data plans below ₹840 per month to attract users. The hardware cost for Starlink ranges from ₹21,000 to ₹32,000. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended a 4 percent AGR levy, ₹3,500 per MHz annual spectrum fee, and an 8 percent licence fee. An additional ₹500 per subscriber fee is proposed for urban areas. Starlink has received a letter of intent from DoT and awaits final clearance from IN-SPACe. Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES have obtained regulatory approvals. Starlink’s service may be limited by satellite coverage, with 700–800 satellites covering India — approximately 0.7 percent–0.8 percent of global capacity. In contrast, India has over 800,000 telecom towers and 3 million base stations. Starlink aims to reach up to 10 million users, Economic Times reports.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
