The NFAP-2025 designates Ka, Q, and V bands for next-generation satellite services (LEO/MEO) to accelerate satellite-led broadband and expands spectrum for In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity across 12.2–12.5 GHz, 17.7–18.7 GHz, and 27.5–28.5 GHz.

The overarching aim is to make India’s spectrum management high-capacity, future-ready, and harmonised with global developments to bolster the country’s digital ecosystem.

The Department of Telecommunications released the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025, effective December 30, 2025, to improve spectrum management and support technologies including 5G, satellites, and V2X communications.

Several tech giants, including Amazon, Apple, Broadcom, Cisco, Meta, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Intel, are urging TRAI to reconsider allocating the upper 6 GHz band to mobile services, arguing insufficient readiness for cellular deployment and recommending preserving it for unlicensed Wi‑Fi and low-power applications.

The article explains what spectrum is and how it is typically allocated, including auctions and administrative allocations for defence, disaster management, railways, satellites, and research needs.

The plan underscores the ongoing importance of the 6 GHz band for Wi‑Fi (Wi‑Fi 7/6E) and hints at potential unlicensed or mixed-use alongside licensed mobile uses.

Satellite spectrum allocation will be administered administratively rather than by auctions, with governance and security clearances in place to enable operators like OneWeb, Reliance Jio, and Starlink to operate in India.

Top operators advocate for the full 1,200 MHz in the 6 GHz range (5925–7125 MHz) for licensed mobile broadband, while DoT has allocated 700 MHz and previously drafted rules to delicense 500 MHz for indoor Wi‑Fi awaiting final notification.

The 6 GHz debate continues, with incumbents seeking a more limited allocation despite push for full-scale mobile use, alongside earlier moves to delicense 500 MHz for Wi‑Fi 6E/7.

Major carriers argue that expanding licensed use in the 6 GHz band is essential to boost capacity and mitigate spectrum crunches.

The document serves as a reference for spectrum managers, wireless operators, and equipment manufacturers to guide policy implementation in India.

Policy revisions expand satellite backhaul and high-density links into the E-band and V-band, broadening allocations for satellite-based services.