The National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP 2025) has come into effect from Tuesday, December 30, laying the foundation for future 6G networks in India while also supporting advanced 5G, satellite broadband and connected vehicles, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced.
NFAP 2025 decided which parts of the airwaves can be used for mobile services, Wi‑Fi, broadcasting, satellite links, defence and many other wireless uses, from 8.3 kHz up to 3000 GHz.
It is based on the latest ITU Radio Regulations and is meant to keep India aligned with global spectrum norms while allowing flexibility for new applications such as 6G as they mature, according to the Centre.
New mid‑band spectrum for future 6G
A key change is that the 6425–7125 MHz band has been formally identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), which includes 5G, 5G Advanced and future 6G mobile broadband.
This “upper mid‑band” range is important for 6G because it offers both good coverage and very high capacity, and adds to existing 3.5 GHz 5G bands and higher millimetre‑wave or sub‑THz spectrum.
Within NFAP 2025, 6G is specifically recognised as part of the broader “mobile service” family, alongside 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G, with multiple bands earmarked for IMT use that can later be assigned to 6G once standards are finalised and auctions are held.
This early identification gives operators, equipment makers and the Bharat 6G Alliance more clarity to plan devices, trials and networks over the coming decade.
Satellite and 6G backhaul
The plan also allocates Ka, Q and V bands for next‑generation satellite broadband (like Starlink), which can support high‑capacity backhaul for remote 5G and future 6G sites and for non‑terrestrial 6G experiments.
These higher bands are important for large low‑earth‑orbit constellations that could eventually integrate with 6G to provide seamless sky‑to‑ground coverage.
NFAP 2025 also strengthens spectrum support for in‑flight and maritime connectivity and for vehicle‑to‑everything (V2X) communication, both seen as key 6G use‑cases for ultra‑reliable, low‑latency links on the move.