India clears lower 6GHz band for faster home Wi‑Fi

India has approved the use of the lower 6GHz spectrum band for Wi‑Fi, a move aimed at boosting speed and capacity for home and indoor wireless networks. The decision follows a long standoff between telecom operators, who wanted the band for expanding 5G in rural areas, and technology companies, who pushed to keep it for Wi‑Fi.

By opening this part of the 6GHz band for Wi‑Fi, the government is backing next‑generation Wi‑Fi standards that can handle more devices and higher data use indoors. Mobile carriers will need to rely on other spectrum bands for rural 5G coverage, while device makers and broadband providers are expected to roll out products and services that tap into the newly available airwaves.