National Frequency Allocation Plan India’s 6G and Satellite Future

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

India's telecommunications landscape has entered a new phase of strategic spectrum planning with the release of the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP 2025). Issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications, the plan establishes a harmonised framework for the management of radio-frequency spectrum ranging from 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz, supporting the continued expansion of 5G networks while preparing spectrum resources for future wireless technologies, including 6G.

A Framework for Next-Generation Connectivity

The NFAP 2025 serves as an essential policy reference for spectrum managers, wireless service providers, and telecom equipment manufacturers. Its stated objective is to ensure that India’s spectrum management remains “responsive, high-capacity, and harmonised with global standards,” in line with growing demand from next-generation digital services.

A key update in the plan is the identification of the 6425–7125 MHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). This allocation expands the availability of mid-band spectrum, which is critical for enhancing network capacity for 5G and 5G Advanced services, and for enabling future planning and research activities related to 6G technologies, subject to global standardisation and subsequent policy decisions.

Empowering Satellite and Emerging Technologies

In addition to terrestrial networks, NFAP 2025 strengthens the regulatory foundation for satellite communications. The plan allocates spectrum in the Ka, Q, and V frequency bands for satellite-based services, supporting high-throughput Geo-Stationary Orbit satellites as well as large non-GSO constellations, including Low Earth Orbit and Medium Earth Orbit systems.

The plan also addresses new connectivity use cases by enabling improved broadband access in the air and at sea through additional spectrum for In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity. Furthermore, it recognises the importance of Vehicle-to-Everything communication, which underpins connected and intelligent transportation systems.

Policy Context and Strategic Implementation

The release of NFAP 2025 aligns with recent policy clarifications from the government regarding satellite communications. Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia has stated that satellite spectrum in India will be allocated administratively rather than through auctions, and that the country’s satellite communication policy is already in place. He has also indicated that provisional spectrum has been provided to companies such as OneWeb, Reliance Jio, and Starlink to demonstrate compliance with national security requirements, including data localisation and gateway controls.

“These enhancements will ensure that India’s spectrum management remains responsive, high-capacity, and harmonised with global standards,” the Ministry of Communications noted, adding that the plan will support both current and future digital innovations while strengthening ecosystem development in India.

According to Next Move Strategy Consulting, NFAP 2025 represents an important regulatory update that improves clarity around spectrum availability for future wireless and satellite technologies. By outlining spectrum identification for IMT expansion and satellite services, the plan provides a stable reference framework for long-term network planning. While broader economic outcomes will depend on subsequent policy actions, investments, and global standards development, the NFAP offers a foundation that can support research, testing, and infrastructure readiness for next-generation connectivity.

Laying the Foundation for a Connected Future

With the implementation of the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025, India has reinforced its long-term approach to spectrum governance. By proactively identifying spectrum for emerging wireless and satellite technologies, the plan helps ensure that the country’s digital infrastructure remains scalable, globally aligned, and capable of supporting future innovation across terrestrial, airborne, maritime, and space-based networks.

Source: Live Mint

Prepared By: Next Move Strategy Consulting