Wi-Fi 6E: The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) stirred up a debate by urging the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) to prohibit the sale of internet routers based on the Wi-Fi 6E standard. But what exactly is Wi-Fi 6E, and why is there a call for its restriction Lets delve into the details.Wi-Fi 6E, introduced in 2020, is the latest wireless network standard endorsed by the Wi-Fi alliance. Unlike its predecessors, Wi-Fi 6E extends the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 by adding support for the 6GHz frequency band, in addition to the existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.Enhancements with Wi-Fi 6EBefore the advent of Wi-Fi 6E, wireless transmissions were confined to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, leading to congestion and connectivity issues in densely populated areas. Wi-Fi 6E tackles this challenge by introducing the 6GHz band, providing more channels for seamless connectivity. Routers equipped with Wi-Fi 6E offer wider channels, mitigating signal interference and boosting connection capacity. Additionally, users now have the flexibility to select between 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands for their internet needs.6GHz Band: Point of contentionThe 6GHz frequency band has become a focal point of debate among industry stakeholders. The GSMA, representing global telecom companies, has advocated for its recognition for commercial mobile services in India. They argue that integrating the 6GHz band into Indias National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) will facilitate the growth of 5G technology and ensure preparedness for future demand from Indian operators.COAIs concernsAmidst these discussions, COAI has raised concerns regarding the proliferation of Wi-Fi 6E routers. The association worries that widespread adoption of Wi-Fi 6E routers could interfere with the allocation of the 6GHz band for 5G services. They fear that the unregulated use of Wi-Fi 6E could potentially hinder the progress of 5G deployment in India.
