Telecom operators write to DoT seeking ban on illegal WiFi device

In a move that may see the widening of the gulf between telecom operators and illegal WiFi routers running on the 6 GHz spectrum band and selling on e-commerce sites, the telecom industry represented by Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has written to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It has sought an immediate ban on the sale of all routers operating on the band. The 6 GHz band represents the largest block of unused spectrum and is being fought over by telcos and tech companies.

Both telcos and tech companies are fighting over the untapped 6GHz band which holds potential for both 5G connectivity and WiFi expansion. The band allows precise positioning of a large amount of signals and has very low latency or wait time.

The DoT is yet to take a policy decision on the band's utilization. "Therefore, any sale of such Wi-Fi 6E products, which utilizes the 6 GHz spectrum band in an unlicensed manner, is illegal and such sale would only result in unauthorized transmissions in our country," COAI said.

also said that customers will be held responsible for unauthorized transmissions from WiFi devices operating in the 6 GHz band, therefore placing the burden of liability on consumers.

COAI, the industry body representing Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, urged the government to take strict measures to put a ban on the online or offline sale of these WiFi products. The industry body has also submitted a list of the products available on e-commerce platforms.

According to the Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023, the Centre is the owner of the spectrum and the use of spectrum by any person requires assignment from the Centre.