COAI recommended that the most optimal allocation for India in the 6 GHz band is to identify the entire 5,925-7,125 MHz frequency range

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has urged the local government to allocate additional spectrum in bands like 6 GHz to boost 5G mobile services.

In a letter to India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the entity warned that download speed offered by telecom operators would be reduced by 50% if less quantity of spectrum is allocated in the 6 GHz band.

“Shortage of 6 GHz spectrum would compel telecom service providers to densify networks to meet IMT-2020 5G performance requirements, leading to 60% higher annual costs. Without densification, 5G download speed would be reduced to 50% if less spectrum is allocated in the 6 GHz band,” said SP Kochhar, head of COAI.

According to local press reports, only 720 megahertz of spectrum is currently available in the mid-band in India.

The reports also noted that the government is considering vacating the spectrum from broadcasters or satellite users in the C-Band (3.67-4.0 GHz) for 5G and future 6G use.

“It is essential that 1,200 megahertz available in 6 GHz is allocated for mobile communications in India to get this critical 2GHz spectrum in mid-band,” COAI said.

COAI recommended that the most optimal allocation for the country in the 6 GHz band is to identify the entire 5,925-7,125 MHz frequency range.

Earlier this year, international industry association GSMA said that India should identify and support 6 GHz spectrum for the expansion of 5G services across the country.

In a letter to India’s communications minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the GSMA said: “The 6 GHz range is the primary mid-band spectrum to meet the needs for 5G expansion and its timely availability will drive cost-efficient network deployment, help lower the broadband usage gap and support digital inclusion.”

The GSMA urged the Indian government should support the 6 GHz frequency band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) identification, at regional and international platforms such as the APG and WRC-23.

Currently, the frequencies in the 6 GHz band are partly used for satellite operations by the Indian Space Research Organization (Isro).

The Wireless Planning and Coordination wing (WPC) of India’s Ministry of Communications had formed a committee last year to define a strategy for identifying the 6 GHz band for the provision of mobile telephony services.

The much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction in India concluded last August and according to the country’s telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, local carriers purchased a total $19 billion worth of spectrum.

Reliance Jio walked away with the most spectrum, having spent $11 billion. Airtel won spectrum worth $5.4 billion, while Vodafone received spectrum worth $2.4 billion. Finally, Adani purchased spectrum worth approximately $27 million, which it will use to offer private 5G network services.

Reliance Jio and Airtel have already launched 5G services in hundreds of cities across the country, while financially-troubled Vodafone Idea is in talks with vendors for a future 5G launch, according to recent press reports.