Why India’s 6Ghz spectrum dilemma is affecting PS5 Pro console launch in India?

About WiFi Bands

• WiFi operates on different radio frequency bands, which determine data speed, range, and efficiency. Common WiFi bands are:
  • 4GHz Band: Offers greater coverage, Slower data transmission speeds. More prone to interference (e.g., from Bluetooth devices, microwaves).
  • 5GHz Band: Faster speeds but shorter range & Less prone to interference than 2.4GHz.
  • 6GHz Band: Introduced with WiFi 6E in 2021, Allows for high-speed data transfers (up to 9.6Gbps) & Supports reduced latency and congestion in high-density environments.
    • India’s Stance: Currently allocated to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) satellite use, with future decisions postponed until
• WiFi 6E: An extension of WiFi 6, it includes the 6GHz spectrum, which enhances speeds and reduces congestion in data-heavy scenarios. Countries like the US, UK and South Korea have de-licensed 6GHz for WiFi, enabling devices to access this advanced feature.
• WiFi 7 (IEEE 802.11be): It is the next generation of WiFi technology which offers increased speeds, reduced latency & better efficiency, even without using 6GHz.
  • WiFi 7 does not strictly require the 6GHz band; it relies on improved efficiency and simultaneous use of existing bands.
• De- licensing of Bands:
  • De-licensing means a frequency band is available for public use without requiring a government licence.
  • In India:
    • 4GHz and 5GHz were de-licensed in 2002.
    • Presently The 6GHz band remains licensed only for satellite communications.

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