Airtel Opposes Jio Proposal to Deploy Wi-Fi Services in 26GHz Spectrum Band

Airtel Challenges Jio’s Vision for Wi-Fi in the 26GHz Band

The telecommunications landscape in India is witnessing another significant clash between industry giants, as Bharti Airtel has formally opposed Reliance Jio’s proposal to utilize the 26GHz spectrum band for deploying Wi-Fi services. This latest point of contention highlights the ongoing battle for technological supremacy and regulatory favor in one of the world’s most competitive telecom markets. The 26GHz band, a crucial millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency, is highly coveted due to its capacity to deliver ultra-high-speed data and support dense network environments, making it a key component in the rollout of advanced 5G networks and beyond.

Reliance Jio’s proposal centers on the idea that opening up the 26GHz band for Wi-Fi services could significantly enhance indoor coverage and provide a more robust broadband experience for consumers. Jio argues that such a move would align with global trends where certain portions of the mmWave spectrum are being considered for unlicensed or lightly licensed use, fostering innovation and wider connectivity. The company envisions a scenario where 26GHz Wi-Fi could complement existing 5G infrastructure, particularly in high-density areas like stadiums, malls, and enterprise campuses, where traditional cellular networks often face congestion.

However, Bharti Airtel strongly disagrees with this approach. In its submissions to the regulatory authorities, Airtel contends that the 26GHz band is an internationally harmonized band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and should be exclusively reserved for licensed 5G and future cellular technologies. Airtel argues that allowing Wi-Fi, which operates on an unlicensed basis, into this band would not only disrupt the established regulatory framework but also undermine the significant investments telecom operators have made in acquiring 5G spectrum. The company emphasizes that the deployment of Wi-Fi in the 26GHz band could lead to interference issues and compromise the quality of service for licensed 5G users.

Airtel further asserts that there is already ample spectrum available in other unlicensed bands, such as the 5GHz and 6GHz bands, which are specifically designated and better suited for Wi-Fi expansion. The company maintains that reallocating prime IMT spectrum like the 26GHz band for Wi-Fi is an inefficient use of a scarce national resource. According to Airtel, prioritizing licensed cellular services in this band is essential to ensure a structured, secure, and reliable network ecosystem that can support critical applications and drive the country’s digital transformation agenda effectively.

The dispute places the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in a challenging position as they navigate the competing interests of the nation’s top telecom players. The regulatory decision on the fate of the 26GHz band will have far-reaching implications for the future architecture of India’s digital infrastructure. It will not only determine how the mmWave spectrum is utilized but also set a precedent for the ongoing debate between licensed cellular operators and proponents of unlicensed spectrum usage, shaping the competitive dynamics of the industry for years to come.