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Gazette Notification on the draft rules for the Licence Exempt use of Low Power and Very Low Power Wireless Access System, including Radio Local Area Network in Lower 6 GHz band.

In a significant move DoT has come up with a Gazette Notification for the Licence Exempt use of Low Power and Very Low Power Wireless Access System including Radio Local Area Network in Lower 6 GHz band (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2025 on 16th May 2025.

As per the draft rules, no Authorization or Frequency Assignment shall be required to establish, maintain, work, possess or deal in any wireless equipment for the purpose of Lower Power Indoor and Very Low Power outdoor wireless access systems, including radio local area networks operating in the frequency band 5925 - 6425 MHz on non-interference, non-protection and shared (nonexclusive) basis with certain technical parameters. However, the proposed rules operationally prohibit the use on oil platforms, land vehicles, boats, drones/UAVs etc.

Now, Wi-Fi has become an inevitable feature across the globe for modern communication devices and one of society’s most valuable resources. Especially, Wi-Fi operation in 6 GHz provides optimal performance and the consumers in India will enjoy Wi-Fi in 6 GHz seamless streaming, wider channel availability, gaming etc.  The licence-exempt use of Wi-Fi in 6 GHz is a significant milestone towards adopting Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 technologies. SIA-India has been invariably advocating for delicensing 6 GHz for Wi-Fi at all related forums.

TRAI has released a Consultation Paper (No. 05/ 2025 dated 28-05-2025) on Assignment of the Microwave Spectrum in 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz Bands, E-Band, and V-Band seeking comments from stakeholders. The current consultation relates to the assignment of the spectrum in traditional microwave backhaul bands as well as E-Band and V-band. The paper also considers spectrum charges and valuation of microwave spectrum in 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz bands, E-band, and V-band.

The last date for submission of comments and counter-comments by stakeholders are by 25.06.2025 and 09.07.2025 respectively. SIA-India will consult with our esteemed stakeholders and provide cogent and comprehensive comments to TRAI.

Update from ITU-R Working Party 4A
 The 56th meeting of ITU-R Working Party 4A (WP 4A), which oversees technical and sharing studies related to orbit/spectrum efficiency, interference management, and coordination for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) and Broadcasting Satellite Services (BSS), was held in Shanghai, China, from 5–16 May 2025. These studies play a vital role in preparations for the World Radio-communication Conferences (WRCs).

WP 4A is currently examining several key WRC-27 Agenda Items, including:

The meeting resulted in the production of 61 temporary documents, including working documents, work plans, liaison statements, and related reports, which will be further reviewed in the upcoming sessions.

Additionally, as mandated by WRC-23, WP 4A is conducting technical studies on Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits in Article 22, specifically those outlined in No. 22.5K. These studies aim to ensure the continued protection of GSO FSS and BSS networks and are intended to inform WRC-27, without any regulatory implications. An informational document (Temp Doc 127) was prepared for reference.

The next WP 4A meeting is scheduled to take place in Geneva from 27 October to 6 November 2025.

Upcoming Meeting of ITU-R Working Party 5D
ITU-R Working Party 5D (WP 5D) is responsible for the overall radio system aspects of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including IMT-2000, IMT-Advanced, IMT-2020, and future IMT systems beyond 2030. The next WP 5D meeting is scheduled for 24 June to 3 July 2025.

One of the key items under discussion is WRC-27 Agenda Item 1.7, which addresses the potential identification of the following frequency bands for the terrestrial component of IMT, based on sharing and compatibility studies:

SIA-India notes that many of these bands are critically used for telecommand operations for Earth observation and space exploration missions, satellite communications for sensitive functions, data downlinks from Earth observation platforms, and meteorological satellite data transmission.

The matter is currently under deliberation in National Study Group-5, with an Indian contribution under review. SIA-India has shared the contribution with stakeholders for feedback and is actively participating in National Preparatory Committee (NPC) meetings. Engagement with key stakeholders is ongoing to ensure alignment and support.

Further updates will follow the conclusion of the WP 5A meeting.

Ms. M. Revathi, Joint Wireless Advisor at DoT’s WPC wing, has been nominated as India’s candidate for Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. With nearly 30 years of experience in the Indian Radio Regulatory Service and current membership on the ITU Radio Regulations Board, her nomination marks a historic moment—she would be the first woman and first representative from ITU Regions E (Asia/Australasia) and D (Africa) to hold the post. SIA-India extends its heartfelt congratulations and support for her candidacy

Agnikul Cosmos has successfully test-fired India’s first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic engine, marking a significant leap in propulsion control and manufacturing innovation. This development demonstrates the growing capabilities of India’s private space sector in cutting-edge launch technologies.

Key Highlights:

SIA-India takes immense pride in the achievements of its member companies like Agnikul Cosmos, which continue to push the boundaries of innovation and strengthen India’s private space ecosystem.

At the French Space Day India 2025, hosted by the French Embassy in India, the long-standing India-France space partnership was celebrated with renewed commitment and vision for global cooperation.

Mr. Rajeev Gambhir, Deputy Director General of SIA-India, moderated an engaging panel discussion focused on advancing collaboration between Indian and French space companies. The session emphasized the importance of moving beyond national priorities to co-develop strategic and scalable solutions for the global space economy.

The SIA-India delegation, led by Director General Mr. Anil Prakash, along with Deputy DG Mr. Rajeev Gambhir and Deputy Director, International Relations, Mr. Anbalagan K, held meaningful exchanges with Mr. Thierry Mathou, French Ambassador to India, and Mr. Lochan Sehra, Joint Secretary, IN-SPACe. The team also engaged with representatives from both Indian and French industry, fostering dialogues aimed at unlocking new opportunities and strengthening bilateral cooperation. As space becomes an increasingly vital domain, such partnerships are key to building a resilient, innovative, and collaborative global space ecosystem.

SIA-India is pleased to invite you to SPACETIDE 2025, hosted by the SPACETIDE Foundation, a premier global platform committed to co-creating a future where space is accessible, meaningful, and transformative for all.

Dates: July 7 (Monday) – July 10 (Thursday), 2025
 Venue 1 (Registration, Sessions, Exhibitions):
 Toranomon Hills Forum, 4F & 5F, Toranomon Hills Mori Tower, Minato-ku, Tokyo
 Venue 2 (Workshops, Business Meetings):
 VISION CENTER TOKYO TORANOMON (T-LITE)

This leading global conference brings together government agencies, private companies, investors, and innovators to exchange insights and shape the next frontier of space business.

SIA-India congratulates its member Augsenselab for raising $0.5 million in pre-seed funding from EMUL TEK PRIVATE LIMITED, a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited. This funding marks a significant milestone in their journey to develop breakthrough technologies in the rapidly expanding quantum and remote sensing market, projected to reach $2.4 billion by 2030.

With this capital infusion, Augsenselab will accelerate work on several cutting-edge innovations, including:

These technologies are aimed at delivering scalable, strategic solutions in national security, disaster management, and climate resilience.

SIA-India congratulates its member Digantara on the successful in-house design and integration of a diffraction-limited, double Gauss electro-optical lens system — a major stride in enhancing India’s Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities. This achievement demonstrates the private sector’s ability to build core technologies from first principles, marking a critical advancement in India’s pursuit of sovereign and high-performance space solutions.

Mr Anil Prakash
Director General, SIA-India

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, Delhi on May 27, 2025. The facility was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat with the aim to further strengthen indigenous quantum capabilities for strategic and defence applications.

China just launched a mission to collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid.

The Tianwen 2 spacecraft lifted off atop a Long March 3B rocket from Xichang spaceport in southwestern China today (May 28) at 1:31 p.m. EDT (1731 GMT; 1:31 a.m. Beijing time on May 29).

The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) on May 26, 2025, issued a consolidated summary of criminal provisions prescribing fines and/or imprisonment under key legislations administered by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), namely:

Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, has approached the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for approval to utilize radio waves in the 26 GHz band for Wi-Fi services. The proposal was submitted last week to the DoT’s technical arm, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC).