WPC Delicenses 6 GHz Band (5925–6425 MHz): New Rules for Low-Power Wireless Devices in India

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Wifi6E and wifi7E

The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications has issued a significant notification concerning the 6 GHz frequency band, covering the range 5925–6425 MHz, aimed at regulating the use of low-power and very-low-power wireless systems in India. As per this notification, the WPC 6 GHz band has been delicensed for specific categories of wireless devices, allowing their operation without the need for a spectrum license, subject to defined technical and operational conditions.

This regulatory development is important because the 5925–6425 MHz band provides access to a wider and cleaner spectrum compared to existing Wi-Fi bands, making it suitable for next-generation wireless technologies. By opening this band for low power wireless systems in India, the WPC has created a structured framework that supports higher data throughput, reduced interference, and improved network efficiency, particularly in dense usage environments.

The notification of 20th January 2026 directly impacts a wide range of stakeholders, including wireless equipment manufacturers, importers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), internet service providers (ISPs), system integrators, and enterprises deploying wireless networks. While the band is now license-exempt, devices operating in this spectrum must still comply with WPC-prescribed technical limits and obtain Equipment Type Approval – Self Declaration (ETA-SD) to ensure regulatory conformity. Overall, this move marks a crucial step in modernizing India’s wireless ecosystem while maintaining controlled and interference-free spectrum usage.

What Does “Delicensing of the 6 GHz Band” Mean?

The term “delicensing of the 6 GHz band” refers to a regulatory decision by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) authority that allows certain wireless devices to operate in the 5925–6425 MHz frequency range without obtaining a traditional spectrum license. In simple terms, the delicensed frequency band in India can be used freely by approved categories of devices, provided they comply with the technical and operational conditions defined by the regulator.

Under this spectrum license exemption, manufacturers and users are not required to participate in spectrum auctions or hold an individual frequency assignment. However, delicensing does not mean unrestricted or uncontrolled usage. The WPC delicensing rules clearly specify power limits, emission levels, usage scenarios, and operational restrictions to ensure that devices sharing the 6 GHz band do not cause harmful interference to other services.

It is important to note that while a spectrum license is no longer required, ETA-SD (Equipment Type Approval – Self Declaration) remains mandatory for all eligible wireless devices. ETA-SD acts as a compliance mechanism, confirming that the equipment meets WPC-prescribed technical standards before it can be marketed or deployed in India.

In regulatory terms, license-free does not mean unregulated. A license-free band allows easier access to spectrum, but it is still governed by strict technical controls and approval requirements. The delicensing of the 6 GHz band therefore strikes a balance between simplifying access to spectrum and maintaining orderly, interference-free wireless operations across the country.

Frequency Band Details: 5925–6425 MHz Spectrum

Defined Frequency Range	The 5925–6425 MHz frequency band falls within the broader 6 GHz spectrum and has been formally identified by the WPC frequency allocation framework for low-power and very-low-power wireless applications in India. This allocation provides a contiguous block of spectrum suitable for high-capacity wireless communication.
Why It Is Called the 6 GHz Band	This spectrum is commonly referred to as the 6 GHz band because its operating frequencies lie between 5.9 GHz and 6.4 GHz. The term is widely used in technical and regulatory contexts to describe wireless operations that function around the 6 gigahertz range.
Position in India’s Wireless Spectrum Ecosystem	Within the 6 GHz spectrum India, the 5925–6425 MHz band offers significantly more usable bandwidth compared to traditional Wi-Fi bands. Its availability enables wider channel widths, which support higher data rates and improved performance under regulated conditions.
WPC Allocation and Usage Intent	As per WPC frequency allocation, this band has been earmarked specifically for license-exempt, low-power wireless systems, subject to defined technical limits. The allocation ensures structured access while preventing harmful interference with existing licensed services.
Global Spectrum Harmonization	The opening of the 5925–6425 MHz frequency band aligns India’s spectrum policy with internationally recognized spectrum usage trends. Such alignment supports equipment compatibility, eases device manufacturing, and facilitates smoother deployment of standardized wireless technologies.

Key Technical Specifications Prescribed by WPC for 6 GHz Band Devices

To ensure controlled and interference-free operation of wireless equipment in the 5925–6425 MHz frequency band, the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) authority has defined clear technical specifications for devices operating under the delicensed framework. These specifications apply to both indoor and outdoor categories and are mandatory for obtaining regulatory approval.

The limits primarily focus on PSD-EIRP limits, EIRP limits for the 6 GHz band, maximum allowable bandwidth, and out-of-band emission control, ensuring fair spectrum sharing and protection of adjacent services.

WPC-Prescribed Technical Limits for 5925–6425 MHz Band

Parameter	Low-Power Indoor Devices	Very-Low-Power Outdoor Devices
Maximum PSD-EIRP	11 dBm/MHz	1 dBm/MHz
Maximum EIRP (6 GHz)	30 dBm	14 dBm
Maximum Bandwidth	320 MHz	320 MHz
Out-of-Band Emission Limit	−27 dBm/MHz	−27 dBm/MHz

Explanation of Key Technical Parameters

PSD-EIRP Limits : The Power Spectral Density – Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (PSD-EIRP) limit controls how much power a device can transmit per megahertz of bandwidth. Lower PSD-EIRP limits help minimize interference, especially in shared and license-exempt spectrum.
EIRP Limits for 6 GHz Band : The EIRP limits for the 6 GHz band define the maximum total radiated power a device can emit. Indoor devices are permitted higher power levels than outdoor devices due to controlled usage environments.
Maximum Bandwidth of 320 MHz : Allowing a maximum bandwidth of 320 MHz enables support for high-throughput wireless technologies such as advanced Wi-Fi standards, while still remaining within regulated power limits.
Out-of-Band Emission Control : The −27 dBm/MHz emission limit ensures that devices do not cause harmful interference to adjacent frequency bands, maintaining overall spectrum integrity.

ETA-SD Requirement for 6 GHz Wireless Devices in India

Even though the 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz) has been delicensed for specific wireless applications, regulatory approval remains mandatory. All eligible devices operating in this band must obtain ETA-SD approval as part of the WPC equipment type approval process, ensuring continued regulatory oversight and spectrum discipline.

What Is ETA-SD?

ETA-SD (Equipment Type Approval – Self Declaration) is a regulatory certification mechanism issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) authority. It requires manufacturers or authorized Indian representatives to self-declare that their wireless equipment complies with the prescribed technical parameters, including power limits, emission levels, and operational conditions. ETA-SD forms a critical component of wireless device certification in India, particularly for license-exempt spectrum.

Who Needs ETA-SD Approval?

ETA-SD approval is mandatory for:

Manufacturers of 6 GHz Wi-Fi devices in India
Importers and distributors bringing wireless equipment into the Indian market
OEMs and system integrators supplying certified wireless products
Enterprises deploying compliant wireless equipment at scale

Any device operating in the delicensed 6 GHz spectrum must secure ETA-SD before sale, import, or deployment.

Also Read: WPC ETA APPROVAL IN INDIA

Why ETA-SD Is Still Compulsory After Delicensing

While delicensing removes the requirement for a spectrum usage license, it does not eliminate regulatory control. ETA-SD remains compulsory to ensure that:

Devices adhere to WPC-prescribed technical limits
Spectrum is shared efficiently without harmful interference
Only compliant equipment enters the Indian market
Wireless operations remain traceable and accountable

In essence, license-free does not mean approval-free. ETA-SD serves as the regulatory safeguard that balances simplified spectrum access with effective spectrum management under India’s wireless regulatory framework.

Why This Notification Is Important for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 in India

The delicensing of the 5925–6425 MHz frequency band plays a critical role in enabling next-generation wireless technology in India, particularly Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. These advanced Wi-Fi standards are designed to operate in the 6 GHz spectrum, which offers more contiguous bandwidth than existing unlicensed bands.

Support for Higher Data Speeds	The availability of the 6 GHz spectrum allows Wi-Fi 6E India deployments to use wider channel bandwidths, including up to 320 MHz. Wider channels enable higher data throughput, supporting applications that require fast and stable wireless connectivity under regulated power limits.
Reduction in Network Latency	By expanding wireless operations into the Wi-Fi 7 spectrum, devices can experience lower latency due to reduced interference and improved spectrum availability. This is particularly relevant in environments with high device density, where congestion in traditional bands can impact performance.
Improved Handling of Network Congestion	The 6 GHz band provides additional spectrum capacity, helping distribute wireless traffic more efficiently. For next-generation wireless technology, this results in better congestion management, especially in enterprise, public, and multi-device environments where multiple users operate simultaneously.
Structured Enablement Through Regulation	The WPC notification ensures that the adoption of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 in India occurs within a defined regulatory framework. By setting technical limits and operational conditions, the notification supports innovation while maintaining spectrum discipline and coexistence with other wireless services.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is the 6 GHz band license-free in India?

Yes, the 5925–6425 MHz frequency band has been delicensed by WPC for low-power and very-low-power wireless devices. This means a spectrum license is not required, provided the devices operate within prescribed technical and operational limits.

What does delicensing of the 6 GHz band mean?

Delicensing means that eligible devices can operate in the 6 GHz spectrum in India without obtaining a spectrum license. However, devices must still comply with WPC delicensing rules and obtain ETA-SD approval.

Is ETA-SD required for 6 GHz Wi-Fi devices?

Yes. ETA-SD approval is mandatory for all 6 GHz Wi-Fi devices in India, even though the band is license-exempt. ETA-SD confirms that the device meets WPC-defined technical specifications.

What is PSD-EIRP and why is it important?

PSD-EIRP (Power Spectral Density – EIRP) defines the power transmitted per MHz of bandwidth. WPC has prescribed PSD-EIRP limits to prevent interference and ensure fair spectrum sharing.

Who needs to apply for ETA-SD approval?

Manufacturers, importers, OEMs, and authorized Indian representatives of wireless devices operating in the 6 GHz band must apply for ETA-SD approval before marketing or deployment.

Is the 6 GHz band allowed for drone communication?

No. The use of the 6 GHz band for communication with or control of drones and unmanned aerial systems is prohibited under current WPC rules.

Which devices are allowed to operate in the 6 GHz band?

Only low power indoor wireless devices and very low power outdoor wireless devices are permitted to operate in the 5925–6425 MHz frequency band, subject to power and emission limits.