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Department of Telecommunications (DoT) | Ministry of Communications
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025), effective from 30 December 2025, to govern the management of radio-frequency spectrum in India. Aligning with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standards, the plan allocates spectrum across the range of 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz to support the next generation of digital connectivity.
Key strategic updates and allocations in NFAP-2025 include:
Next-Gen Mobile Services: Identification of the 6425–7125 MHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), significantly expanding mid-band capacity for 5G, 5G Advanced, and future 6G networks.
Satellite Expansion: Allocation of the Ka, Q, and V bands for high-throughput Geo-Stationary Orbit (GSO) and large non-GSO satellite constellations (LEO/MEO), crucial for universal broadband.
Transit Connectivity: Enhanced spectrum provisions for In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) to ensure seamless internet access during air and sea travel.
Emerging Technologies: New frameworks to support Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication and advanced broadband solutions, fostering a robust domestic R&D ecosystem.
Global Alignment: Revisions focus on harmonizing India’s spectrum usage with global standards to lower equipment costs and improve international roaming and interoperability.
What is the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP)? It is a central policy document that defines how different frequency bands of the radio spectrum are utilized by various services like mobile telephony, satellite communication, defense, and broadcasting. By providing a clear roadmap of spectrum availability, it acts as a foundational reference for telecom operators, equipment manufacturers, and spectrum managers to plan long-term technological investments and infrastructure rollouts without interference.
Policy Relevance
The release of NFAP-2025 is a critical regulatory milestone for the National Telecom Policy 2025 (NTP-25) and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. By identifying specific bands for 6G and V2X, the government is providing the industry with the long-term certainty needed to drive domestic manufacturing and innovation. Furthermore, the expansion of satellite spectrum (Ka/Q/V bands) is essential for the National Broadband Mission (NBM) to provide “meaningful connectivity” to India’s most remote and underserved regions.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How will the identification of the 6 GHz band for IMT impact the balance between licensed mobile services and the growing demand for license-exempt Wi-Fi 6E/7 applications in urban India?
Follow the full news here: National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025)