India’s telecom industry body, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), has praised the government’s release of the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) 2025. COAI views this as a progressive step that aligns India’s spectrum planning with global trends and the increasing demands of digital communications. The Department of Telecommunications’ approach has been acknowledged by COAI, emphasizing the significance of spectrum for the future of mobile networks and the digital economy.
The NFAP 2025 has identified the 6425–7125 MHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), a decision that COAI considers crucial for enhancing mid-band spectrum availability. This move is expected to play a vital role in supporting the growth of 5G, 5G Advanced, and future 6G networks in India. The telecom industry body believes that this allocation will facilitate the development of a network equipment ecosystem in this band, making services more cost-effective.
Highlighting the importance of mid-band spectrum, COAI underscores its role in providing fast, high-capacity, and reliable mobile broadband services to users. By signaling to global OEMs and other nations, the identification of the 6425–7125 MHz band is anticipated to foster a robust network equipment ecosystem, ultimately leading to more affordable mobile services for consumers in India.
While appreciating the positive implications of the NFAP 2025, COAI reiterates its request for the identification of the remaining 500 MHz spectrum in the 5925–6425 MHz range for IMT use. This call is based on India’s specific market conditions, such as high population density, escalating mobile data consumption, and relatively low fixed broadband penetration. Lt Gen Dr S.P. Kochhar, Director General of Cellular Operators Association of India, reaffirms the industry’s commitment to collaborating closely with the government and other stakeholders.
