The Department of Telecommunications has unveiled the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025), a strategic policy document for managing radio-frequency spectrum. The plan allocates crucial spectrum for 5G Advanced, 6G, and satellite communications, supporting the 'Digital India' mission and the private space sector.
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The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, has released the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025).
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It is the central policy document that governs the allocation and management of India's radio-frequency spectrum.
Prepared by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), it acts as a roadmap for all stakeholders, including telecom operators, broadcasters, and technology companies.
The plan aligns India's spectrum usage with the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN specialized agency, ensuring global harmonization and interoperability.
The most recent version of this document is the NFAP-2025. It provides a framework for spectrum allocation to support next-generation technologies and national digital goals.
It provides the allocation of radio-frequency spectrum to various radio-communication services in the frequency range 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz.
The 6425–7125 MHz band has been identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), boosting mid-band spectrum for 5G, 5G Advanced, and future 6G networks.
Allocation of Ka, Q, and V bands for satellite-based services, vital for high-throughput Geo-Stationary Orbit (GSO) satellites and large non-GSO satellite constellations.
Additional spectrum for In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) to ensure broadband access in the air and at sea.
Support for emerging technologies such as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, LEO/MEO satellite services, and expanded broadband connectivity solutions.
Source: PIB
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which organization is responsible for preparing the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP)? (a) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) (b) Department of Space (DoS) (c) Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing (d) NITI Aayog Answer: c Explanation: The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing functions within the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, and is the national radio regulatory authority responsible for spectrum engineering and management, including devising national frequency allocation plans. |
The NFAP is a central policy document that governs the management and distribution of India's radio-frequency spectrum. It specifies which frequency bands are allocated to different services like mobile communication, broadcasting, defence, and satellite services.
The NFAP is prepared by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, which operates under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
The key challenges include historically high spectrum pricing that strains telecom finances, balancing competing demands for spectrum from different sectors, inefficient utilisation of spectrum by government agencies, and infrastructure hurdles like the low rate of cell tower fiberization.
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