Reliance Jio, India’s leading telecom operator, has approached the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), seeking authorization to utilize the 26 GHz frequency band for Wi-Fi services. The move signals Jio’s intent to maximize its spectrum holdings acquired during the 2022 auction, where it emerged as the top bidder with an outlay of Rs. 88,078 crore. However, regulatory protocols mandate prior approval when repurposing 5G spectrum for alternative technologies. Jio’s request could have broader implications for spectrum flexibility, network strategy, and the evolving dynamics of India’s digital infrastructure landscape.
Jio Eyes Wi-Fi Deployment Using High-Band Spectrum
In a strategic push to optimize its spectrum assets, Reliance Jio has formally approached the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) for clearance to use airwaves in the 26 GHz band for Wi-Fi-based services. The application, submitted last week according to people familiar with the matter, is currently under review.
The 26 GHz band, part of the millimeter-wave spectrum, was originally secured by Jio during the 2022 5G spectrum auctions. Its potential repurposing for Wi-Fi could enable ultra-fast, short-range connectivity solutions, especially in dense urban environments or enterprise settings.
Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the Spectrum Usage Framework
The move is subject to regulatory scrutiny under the terms outlined in the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the 2022 spectrum auction. As per the guidelines, operators must secure prior approval from the Department of Telecommunications before deploying licensed 5G spectrum for technologies other than those defined under IMT-2020, such as GSM, LTE, or CDMA.
Specifically, the NIA stipulates that any transition to alternative technologies must be communicated to regulators at least six months before the intended deployment. Furthermore, the new use cases must align with standards ratified by recognized international bodies like the ITU or TEC.
This regulatory framework ensures that operators maintain compliance with rollout obligations while preserving the integrity and intended purpose of spectrum allocations.
2022 Auction Recap: Jio’s Spectrum Power Play
Reliance Jio’s inquiry comes on the heels of its aggressive participation in the 2022 telecom spectrum auction, where it secured a dominant position by acquiring bandwidth across multiple frequencies. Out of the total Rs. 1.5 lakh crore worth of bids received during the auction, Jio alone accounted for Rs. 88,078 crore.
The operator acquired spectrum in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz bands—marking a comprehensive strategy aimed at future-proofing its 5G infrastructure and expanding nationwide coverage.
The inclusion of the 26 GHz band gave Jio access to ultra-high-frequency spectrum, ideal for high-speed, low-latency communication. However, due to its limited propagation characteristics, this band is better suited for localized applications, which may explain Jio’s interest in deploying it for Wi-Fi.
Implications for India’s Telecom Ecosystem
If Jio's request is approved, it could set a precedent for spectrum flexibility and influence how operators leverage their holdings across different technologies. Deploying 26 GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi may accelerate the rollout of next-generation connectivity services, particularly in commercial and high-density consumer environments.
Such a shift may also prompt regulatory bodies to revisit spectrum utilization norms, especially in the context of converging technologies and the growing demand for spectrum across industries.
From a competitive standpoint, this development reinforces Jio’s strategy of technological leadership, emphasizing adaptability and a proactive approach to monetizing its spectrum assets.
Outlook: Recalibrating the Role of Spectrum in the Digital Era
As India moves deeper into the 5G era, the boundaries between licensed spectrum use and unlicensed technologies like Wi-Fi are becoming increasingly porous. Reliance Jio’s bid to reconfigure the utility of its 26 GHz holdings is emblematic of a broader transformation in the telecom sector—where innovation, efficiency, and compliance must coexist.
Whether TEC grants approval remains to be seen. But the outcome could mark a significant shift in how telecom operators approach spectrum strategy in an age defined by hybrid connectivity, smart infrastructure, and seamless digital access.
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