Introduction
As India embraces rapid digital transformation, the demand for high-speed, low-latency, and congestion-free internet is at an all-time high. Enter Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, the latest wireless standards promising faster speeds, improved performance, and greater efficiency. But what do these technologies mean for Indian consumers and enterprises? Are they approved for use in India? Let’s explore.
What is Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), operating in the 6 GHz frequency band (5.925–7.125 GHz). The key advantages of Wi-Fi 6E include:
- More Spectrum: 1200 MHz of new bandwidth
- Reduced Congestion: Less interference than the overcrowded 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
- Faster Speeds: Ideal for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR, and gaming
- Lower Latency: Perfect for enterprise-grade video conferencing and IoT
What is Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is the next-gen wireless standard, expected to revolutionize connectivity with:
- 320 MHz Channel Width: Double that of Wi-Fi 6E
- Higher Data Rates: Up to 46 Gbps theoretical speeds
- Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Uses multiple frequency bands simultaneously
- Extreme Low Latency: Supports real-time applications like cloud gaming and industrial automation
Regulatory Status in India
✅ Wi-Fi 6E in India
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications has approved the 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz) for indoor Wi-Fi use.
- As per recent WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) Wing guidelines, the 6E spectrum is license-exempt for indoor use, aligning India with global trends.
- Devices supporting Wi-Fi 6E can now legally be used and sold in India, provided they comply with applicable TEC (Telecommunication Engineering Centre) and BIS standards.
⚠️ Wi-Fi 7 in India
- As of now (2025), Wi-Fi 7 is not officially approved for commercial use in India.
- However, trials and certifications are underway.
- Global device manufacturers are preparing for rollout, and it is expected that DoT may open the entire 6 GHz band (up to 7125 MHz) for public use in the near future.
Certification Requirements in India
To sell Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices in India, manufacturers must comply with:
- WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) – for use in unlicensed spectrum
- TEC Certification – if falling under the Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme
- BIS Certification – for power adapters, batteries, and some finished products
- SAR Testing – for mobile devices using these technologies
Key Use Cases in India
- Smart Homes: Seamless 8K streaming, smart appliances, and AR/VR
- Enterprise Wi-Fi: Congestion-free, high-capacity connectivity in offices
- Education: Reliable remote learning and hybrid classrooms
- Healthcare: Telemedicine, connected diagnostics, and real-time monitoring
- Public Wi-Fi: Efficient and secure public access in metros, stations, and airports
Challenges Ahead
- Device Availability: Limited devices in the Indian market supporting Wi-Fi 6E/7
- Awareness: Consumers and even some ISPs are still unaware of the new standards
- Infrastructure Readiness: Backhaul networks must be upgraded to handle increased throughput
- Regulatory Expansion: India is yet to approve the upper 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 7
Conclusion
Wi-Fi 6E has officially arrived in India, and Wi-Fi 7 is on the horizon. With government support, regulatory advancements, and market readiness, India is set to join the global revolution in wireless technology. Stakeholders—from ISPs and OEMs to consumers—should prepare for a high-speed, low-latency, and future-ready wireless era.