US technology majors Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Meta, HP and Intel Corporation have jointly opposed Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea’s demand to allocate the 6 GHz spectrum band for mobile services, instead urging that the entire band be reserved for Wi-Fi.

According to PTI, the firms argued that the 6 GHz range is neither technically nor commercially ready for mobile networks, and emphasised that its optimal use lies in strengthening high-capacity Wi-Fi ecosystems.

In a joint submission to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), filed as part of the consultation process for the next spectrum auction, the companies said the current level of preparedness does not support using the 6 GHz band for mobile services.

They advised the regulator and the Department of Telecommunications to revisit the issue only after the outcomes of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27), which will examine global harmonisation for frequencies above 7 GHz.

“We do not recommend setting timelines for any future auction of the 6425-6725 MHz and 7025-7125 MHz ranges for IMT,” the joint filing noted. The companies also recommended that any unused portion of the upper 6 GHz spectrum be made available for unlicensed, interim use to support Wi-Fi expansion.

The government has indicated that 400 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band is available for auction, with an additional 300 MHz expected by 2030. It has already decided to delicense 500 MHz in the lower 6 GHz range (5925-6425 MHz) for low-power applications such as Wi-Fi.

However, Reliance Jio has demanded that the entire 1200 MHz available in the band be auctioned for mobile services, despite the government’s move to free up 500 MHz for unlicensed use. Vodafone Idea, meanwhile, wants the 400 MHz currently available to be put on sale in the upcoming auction.

Bharti Airtel has taken a different position, seeking deferment of the auction due to ecosystem challenges, such as lack of compatible devices, insufficient network equipment, and the absence of global spectrum harmonisation. US-based Qualcomm supported this view, stating that the upper 6 GHz band is crucial for India’s long-term mobile growth, particularly for 6G. It noted that several countries—including China, Brazil and regions across Europe—are already evaluating the upper 6 GHz band for next-generation mobile technologies.

“By deferring the auction of the 6425-6725 MHz and 7025-7125 MHz bands until after WRC-27, India safeguards its 6G future, aligns with global standards, and honours its leadership aspirations,” Qualcomm said.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), whose members include Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea, strongly opposed delicensing. According to COAI, delicensing even a part of the 6 GHz band would permanently block its use for licensed mobile broadband, weakening India’s digital capacity over the long term. It argued that licensed spectrum ensures predictable performance, nationwide scalability and quality of service — all essential for Digital Bharat initiatives and future 6G-driven applications, including connected mobility and industrial automation.

COAI also cautioned that widespread unlicensed Wi-Fi deployment by global device makers and OTT platforms could diminish government revenues and create an “inequitable environment” for telecom operators by giving foreign players disproportionate advantage.

The debate over the 6 GHz band has grown into a critical policy crossroads, with global tech companies pushing for enhanced Wi-Fi capacity, while India’s telecom operators warn that freeing up the band could undermine the country’s long-term mobile broadband ambitions.