Reliance Jio Seeks DoT Approval to Use 26GHz Band for Wi-Fi Services-OxBig News Network

Reliance Jio is claimed to have sought permission from the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) in a transfer geared in the direction of the enlargement of its Wi-Fi providers. According to a report, the cell operator has requested approval from the telecom watchdog to make use of a spectrum within the 26GHz band, which is designated for the potential large-scale deployment of 5G community sooner or later. Notably, this transfer comes after Adani Group’s determination to promote its 400MHz spectrum to Bharti Airtel final month after failing to determine a viable use case.

Citing unnamed officers, Financial Express reports that Jio has made this request beneath the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for Auction of Spectrum for IMT/5G Telecom Services by which Adani Data Networks Limited emerged as a profitable bidder of the 26GHz band earlier than finally promoting it off to Airtel in April this 12 months.

The Clause 2.3 of the NIA reportedly mandates telecom operators to acquire prior approval from DoT to make use of spectrum, which has initially been assigned for cell applied sciences like 5G, for some other alternate providers, on this case Wi-Fi. Operators should accomplish that not less than six months earlier than deploying the band for the brand new function, as per the telecom watchdog. Jio has formally submitted a request however the matter remains to be into consideration, DoT officers reportedly stated. If it receives approval from the telecom watchdog, Airtel will reportedly file an analogous request.

Benefits of 26GHz Band

Notably, Wi-Fi-based broadband providers are normally deployed on the 5GHz band whereas the 26GHz band, together with the three,300MHz frequency, are reserved for 5G cell networks. As per the report, by utilizing the 26GHz band for 5G providers, Jio could undertake a hybrid deployment strategy which mixes its “ultra-high-speed” with the large protection capabilities of the 5GHz band to offer customers with high-speed broadband providers even in dense city areas.

Analysts reportedly word that the 26GHz band shouldn’t be solely future-ready for 5G deployment, but additionally has further advantages associated to spectrum utilization cost (SUC). Revenue generated on this band can reportedly be separated from the legacy spectrum the place SUC remains to be liable, enabling the telecom operator to solely pay the SUC dues on the income from the legacy spectrum.