Navigating the Debate Between Licensing and De-Licensing

The ongoing debate over how to manage the 6 GHz band highlights the trade-offs between fostering innovation and ensuring robust mobile network growth. Telecom companies stress that granting exclusive licenses would generate substantial revenue for both themselves and the government, while supporting the development of next-generation networks. Conversely, tech companies, represented by groups like the Broadband India Forum, highlight the potential economic gains and innovation spurred by unlicensed access, which could create better connectivity for underserved communities. Given conflicting interests, a balanced solution involving a mix of licensed and unlicensed use may be ideal, but the challenge remains to avoid complications such as interference and congestion that could severely impact service quality.