The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) will solicit feedback from industry regulators in an effort to free up the spectrum in the 95 GHz–3 THz frequency band for the development of new technologies, such as 6G–driven products and solutions.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will be consulted over the use of airwaves in the 95 GHz to 3 THz range for experimental purposes to create new goods and solutions, particularly the sixth generation (6G).
The next 10-year period will be covered by the spectrum allocation.
Between the microwave and infrared spectrums, the terahertz, or THz, the frequency range is defined as trillions of cycles per second. The band may be used for a 6G network on a global scale.
The official further stated that it is high time to use airwaves to develop new technologies, use cases, and products with some of the developed economies globally. The initiative is a part of identifying and allocating the spectrum on the horizon.
The decision may make it possible for research organisations, academic institutions, and the private sector to receive radiowaves for pre-standardization studies and to develop products and solutions that combine satellite communications with terrestrial networks.
The official went on to say that by promptly approving the necessary spectrum, India could actively participate in standard-setting, and technological advancements, and become a crucial link in the global supply chain for satellite and terrestrial communication equipment and components.
The “spectrum horizons licence” was given by the US telecom authority, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in a specific category for testing frequencies between 95 GHz and 3 THz. The watchdog has also assembled an expert panel to counsel the board on spectrum-related 6G issues.
The US action came shortly after South Korea announced a 6G R&D programme across six emphasis areas, allocating $194 million by 2025 with an emphasis on terahertz (THz) bands, space communications, and artificial intelligence.
Airwaves between 100 GHz and 300 GHz are also referred to as low THz or sub-THz. The THz region is typically thought to include 0.1 THz to 10 THz, and the frequency range begins from 100 GHz or 0.1 THz to 10 THz.
India established up to six task teams led by academia under the Technology Innovation Group last December in an effort to become one of the pioneers in the sixth generation of mobile technology (TIG).
The Department of Telecommunications previously listed some of the essential deliverables in a notification, including a white paper on India’s strengths, research and development (R&D) and pre-standardization activities, and a global map of 6G operations and capabilities.