Reliance Jio Reportedly Seeks DoT Approval to Use 26GHz Band for Wi-Fi Providers

Reliance Jio is alleged to have sought permission from the Division of Telecommunication (DoT) in a transfer geared in the direction of the growth of its Wi-Fi companies. In accordance with a report, the cellular operator has requested approval from the telecom watchdog to make use of a spectrum within the 26GHz band, which is designated for the potential large-scale deployment of 5G community sooner or later. Notably, this transfer comes after Adani Group’s determination to promote its 400MHz spectrum to Bharti Airtel final month after failing to determine a viable use case.

Citing unnamed officers, Monetary Categorical stories that Jio has made this request beneath the Discover Inviting Purposes (NIA) for Public sale of Spectrum for IMT/5G Telecom Providers during which Adani Information Networks Restricted emerged as a profitable bidder of the 26GHz band earlier than finally promoting it off to Airtel in April this 12 months.

The Clause 2.3 of the NIA reportedly mandates telecom operators to acquire prior approval from DoT to make use of spectrum, which has initially been assigned for cellular applied sciences like 5G, for some other alternate companies, on this case Wi-Fi. Operators should achieve this a minimum of six months earlier than deploying the band for the brand new function, as per the telecom watchdog. Jio has formally submitted a request however the matter remains to be into account, DoT officers reportedly mentioned. If it receives approval from the telecom watchdog, Airtel will reportedly file the same request.

Advantages of 26GHz Band

Notably, Wi-Fi-based broadband companies are normally deployed on the 5GHz band whereas the 26GHz band, together with the three,300MHz frequency, are reserved for 5G cellular networks. As per the report, through the use of the 26GHz band for 5G companies, Jio might undertake a hybrid deployment method which mixes its “ultra-high-speed” with the extensive protection capabilities of the 5GHz band to offer customers with high-speed broadband companies even in dense city areas.

Analysts reportedly observe that the 26GHz band shouldn’t be solely future-ready for 5G deployment, but additionally has further advantages associated to spectrum utilization cost (SUC). Income generated on this band can reportedly be separated from the legacy spectrum the place SUC remains to be liable, enabling the telecom operator to solely pay the SUC dues on the income from the legacy spectrum.