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    The first national preparatory workshop for the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24) was organized by the Telecom Engineering Centre of the Department of Telecom and IAFI. The workshop focused on key topics such as the structure and organization of WTSA, review of existing resolutions, and proposals for new resolutions in the field of telecommunication standardization. Read More

    The World Radio communication Conference (WRC) has globally allocated 100 MHz spectrum in the 6 GHz band for mobility services, and the upper 6 GHz band has been designated for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In India, telecom operators are advocating for the 6 GHz band to be reserved entirely for IMT, asserting its significance in achieving national connectivity goals and fulfilling future spectrum requirements for 5G and 6G technologies. Read More

    WRC-23 commenced on November 20 in Dubai, with major technical work divided into three committees (4, 5, and 6) by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Bharat Bhatia, the President of IAFI, was appointed as the Vice Chairperson for Committee-4, which focuses on examining the frequency band 4,800-4,990 MHz and safeguarding stations of aeronautical and maritime mobile services. India also supported a new agenda item for studies to support communications on the moon and moon missions du Read More

    IAFI has urged a comprehensive review of the terms and conditions for Public Mobile Radio Trunking (PMRT) and Captive Mobile Radio Trunking Service (CMRTS) licenses under UL (Unified License). The organization has called on TRAI to recommend the merger of CMRTS licenses with WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination) spectrum licenses for captive users. Emphasizing the significance of captive users in national development, industrial progress, law enforcement, public safety, and metro/rail transpo Read More

    ITU APT has recommended the Department of Telecom to adopt a more flexible spectrum allocation policy, proposing new methods to enhance ease of doing business. The suggestion includes allowing Telecom Service Providers (TSP) to swap spectrum with the government, both held and unused. This flexibility aims to optimize spectrum utilization, and TSPs could exchange their auctioned spectrum in one band for government-held spectrum in another, aligning with their business strategies. The adoption of spectrum swapping in India is seen as a potential catalyst for efficient spectrum use, increased investment in mobile infrastructure, rural connectivity, and overall economic growth and digital inclusion. Read More

    The 3rd India Spectrum Management Conference (ISMC-23) took place in New Delhi from October 16th to 18th, 2023. Hosted by ITU APT, the University of Chicago, USA, and IIT Delhi, the event, inaugurated by Shree Bharat Bhatia, President of IAFI, featured notable dignitaries in the telecommunications field. The conference focused on spectrum policy, planning, technology balance, and strong regulations to accelerate India's digital growth. Discussions highlighted the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) role in bridging the digital divide, emphasizing the critical role of spectrum in connectivity. The overarching goal was to ensure affordable connectivity accessible to everyone. There were discussions on the preparatory activities for the WRC-23 conference slated in November in Dubai to discuss terrestrial and satellite agendas. Read More

    DOT and TRAI Announce Auction of 10 Spectrum Bands for 5G at the 3rd India Spectrum Management Conference Organized by IAFI and University of Chicago Read More

    In its communication to TRAI, IAFI advocates for the allowance of market forces to respond to the regulatory mechanisms regarding OTT services, aiming to enhance the consumer experience. Simultaneously, it suggests implementing selective regulatory interventions to guarantee interoperability among OTT platforms. Read More

    IAFI gives precedence to making the 6 GHz band available for license-exempt use, emphasizing its role in supporting consumer internet interests and fostering innovation within the country. This initiative is seen as instrumental in increasing the number of active online users in India, providing them access to and availability of the latest technological products. Read More

    IAFI underscores the necessity of implementing licensed Non-Public Networks (NPNs) to align with industrialized nations. NPNs, recognized for their privacy, security, reliability, and performance advantages over public cellular mobile networks, are positioned to replace traditional hand wired connections in industrial settings. The advent of LTE and 5G networks has facilitated the modernization of local manufacturing capabilities. To capitalize on this opportunity, IAFI urgently urges the government to reserve spectrum in the 4.9 GHz range and delicense 5925-6425 MHz spectrum for advanced WiFi needed by the enterprise and innovation sector. Read More

    India is on the verge of a convergence between landline and wireless services, according to a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) official. The integration of these services suggests a significant development in the country's telecommunications landscape. Read More

    IAFI conducted a two-day preparatory workshop for the World Radio communication Conference (WRC- 23) on July 13 and 14, 2023. The discussions during the event centered on topics such as satellite services, the WRC-23 agenda, and the timely allocation of spectrum for 6G. Read More

    In its response to TRAI's consultation paper, IAFI expressed concerns about the lack of understanding regarding how satellite operators efficiently share spectrum in the same geographical areas. The organization argued that this lack of comprehension might disadvantage satellite operators in competing with mobile operators in spectrum auctions, potentially making the latter "spectrum gatekeepers." IAFI recommended band segmentation as the only feasible solution, asserting that satellite spectrum sharing is unattainable. Read More

    ITU has approved the 6G vision framework, naming it "IMT-23," during its meeting in Geneva from June 12-22, 2023. The telecoms agency of the UN has outlined the framework and objectives for IMT-2030, serving as the foundational document for 6G development. ITU aims to create interfaces enabling the integration of terrestrial 6G networks with non-terrestrial technologies, including satellites. Notably, the 6G standard introduces six key usage scenarios, expanding from the three in 5G. Read More

    IAFI conducted a national workshop on planning the 6GHz band on June 7, 2023. The event focused on discussions about the 1200 MHz mid-band spectrum, technical studies concerning the 5925-7125 MHz band involving Wi-Fi, IMT, satellites, and other telecom services. Panel discussions concluded the event, addressing the future of the 6GHz band in India, forthcoming Wi-Fi advancements, global harmonization, and examples of countries that have already delicensed the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi. Read More

    India actively participated in the 31 st meeting of the APT wireless group in Hanoi Vietnam from May 22- 26 2023. The meeting is was hosted by the Ministry of Information and Communication, Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The main agenda of the meeting was the study of Wi-Fi in 6GHz band. Read More

    IAFI, in collaboration with ITU, marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on May 17, 2023. The theme, "Digital transformation in the Least Developed Countries," highlighted the global digital divide. The discussion emphasized India's potential to support LDCs in their digital transformation, given its substantial investments in digital infrastructure, fiber optics, data centers, and cloud computing. The celebration underscored the opportunity presented by WTISD for nations to advance digital transformation through national ICT development strategies, smart policies, and collaborative efforts. Read More

    IAFI, in its response to TRAI's query on spectrum allocation, advocates for an administrative assignment approach over an auction-based method for satellite spectrum. This approach is deemed more efficient, allowing for the optimal allocation of spectrum resources. The recommendation supports nonexclusive spectrum allocation, enabling multiple satellite operators to share the same spectrum. This sharing model is seen as cost-effective and conducive to delivering improved services to consumers due to its efficient use of limited spectrum resources. Read More

    IAFI hosted the "National Conference on 6G Spectrum, Technologies, and Standardization" on April 19, 2023. The conference delved into various aspects, including the IMT-2030 framework development requirements, spectrum considerations for 6G, standardization efforts, technology trends, and the role of 6G in achieving ubiquitous connectivity and sustainability in India's context. Read More

    Following the global rollout of 5G standards, the ITU has initiated the development of global 6G standards under the IMT-23 framework. IAFI actively contributes to this work, aiming for 6G standards that outperform 5G by at least 10 times. To achieve this, India is urged to identify a minimum of 1GHz of new spectrum per operator in the 7-15 GHz sub-THz range. Read More

    In response to TRAI's consultation, IAFI suggests permitting telecommunication infrastructure sharing, spectrum sharing, and spectrum leasing across all telecommunication service licenses aims to minimize development risks for operators introducing new services. Additionally, IAFI supports active infrastructure sharing, highlighting its potential to help operators reduce both capital and operational expenses. Read More

    IAFI advocates for the delicensing of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi usage, which would provide an additional bandwidth of over 1GHz. This can be utilized for creating either 14 channels of 80MHz each or 7 channels of 160MHz each. Analysts suggest that the 6GHz band is crucial for Wi-Fi, addressing issues related to network congestion in existing Wi-Fi technologies. Read More

    IAFI took part in an ITU global meeting focused on preparing for 6G standardization. During this session, India proposed a novel usage scenario for 6G, emphasizing the need to provide ubiquitous connectivity in rural and remote areas to connect the unconnected. This proposal introduces a new requirement for the 6G framework. Read More

    The article underscores the advantageous features of block chain technology, such as transparency, decentralization, security, immutability, and efficiency across different sectors. It explores the potential synergy between IPv6 and block chain, highlighting IPv6's role in enhancing the security of block chain applications. The provided advice targets regulators, industry participants, startups, and young talent in India, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and compliance with legal frameworks for successful block chain integration. Recommendations include fostering partnerships, investing in research and development, promoting education, and establishing a national block chain roadmap for India. Read More

    The 2nd India Spectrum Management Conference, hosted by IAFI on December 6-7, 2022, delved into the implications of a new spectrum strategy on crucial aspects such as the rollout of 5G, bridging the digital divide, and connecting the unconnected. The speakers focused on the involvement of domestic manufacturers and technology developers, emphasizing their support for national manufacturing endeavors. Additionally, discussions revolved around the necessary spectrum and regulatory initiatives to facilitate the implementation of 5G and future 6G services. Read More

    During an industry event organized by IAFI, it was highlighted that India has successfully developed and manufactured advanced telecommunications technology, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). This achievement has led to the establishment of a robust indigenous ecosystem for both 4G and 5G mobile communications. The discussion emphasized that the rapid deployment of high- speed 5G networks across various sectors is pivotal in narrowing the digital divide in the country. Read More

    IAFI has proposed the exclusion of over-the-top (OTT) players and the creation of a distinct license category with fee waivers for rural telephony. Additionally, they advocate for simplified spectrum approvals, without auctions, specifically for space broadband players in the upcoming telecom law. Read More

    IAFI and Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association organized a virtual workshop to review the draft of the new telecom law. The Government of India had initiated a public consultation to develop a modern and future ready legal framework for telecommunications in India, keeping this in mind a draft Indian Telecommunications Bill, 2022 was introduced. The agenda of this meeting was to get a clear picture regarding the telecommunication bill. Read More

    IAFI has urged for the inclusion of commercial data communication services between aircraft and ground stations within the Unified License regime. They emphasize the need for appropriate technical, security, and operational conditions. Additionally, IAFI proposes that the licensing of such data communication services should be conducted through a distinct service authorization under the Unified License regime, using an administrative licensing procedure. Read More

    IAFI has recommended the establishment of a national 6G mission by the government, complete with a fixed budget and timeframe. They propose the formation of a steering committee to oversee this mission and stress the importance of active participation in global forums. The goal is to expedite the development of 6G technology in the country. Read More

    IAFI has urged TRAI to incorporate spectrum allocation and pricing methodologies in its recommendations to the government for formulating a policy framework. This framework would specifically address the allocation of dedicated spectrum for captive industrial and enterprise 4G/5G networks. Read More

    IAFI has communicated with the Ministry of Communications, urging the urgent opening of the 6GHz band for license-exempt use of Wi-Fi. The objective is to provide software and hardware exporters in India with access to the global market. This move is anticipated to foster innovation and manufacturing of products and technologies, enhancing opportunities for the production of smart home and industrial products within India. Read More

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    Bharat Bhatia
    5G as a game changer-RSTV

    Satya N Gupta
    Member, ITU-APT

    Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
    Headquartered at Thailand

    Satyan N Gupta, Chairman- India & BIMSTEC Asia, Bluetown.