Wi-Fi Speeds to Get Boost as India to Open New Spectrum

The band is crucial for providing high-speed Wi-Fi, supporting augmented reality devices

- Jatin Grover

In a move that is set to benefit technology companies such as Sony, Meta, Apple, and Google, the government on Monday paved the way for licence-free use of a portion of the key 6GHz spectrum. The band is crucial for providing high-speed Wi-Fi and supporting the next-generation gadgets such as Sony PlayStation, and augmented reality/virtual reality devices from companies like Apple and Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses.

According to industry executives, some technology companies were unable to launch these gadgets in the country because the Wi-Fi spectrum in the 6GHz band was unavailable.

For instance, in November, Sony said its PlayStation 5 Pro won't be released in India in the absence of the 6GHz band. "PS5 Pro will not be available in some countries (which currently includes India) where the 6 GHz wireless band used in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) has not yet been allowed," the company had said in a statement.