DoT releases National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 to boost 5G and enable 6G rollout

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, released the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) 2025 on Tuesday. The new plan is expected to significantly enhance mid-band spectrum availability for 5G, 5G Advanced, and future 6G networks. 

NFAP-2025 will come into effect from 30 December (today) 2025.

What is the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025?

NFAP 2025 is a key policy document that governs the management and allocation of radio-frequency spectrum in India.

According to the official release, the NFAP-2025 will provide the allocation of radio-frequency spectrum to various radio-communication services in the frequency range 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz. It serves as an essential reference for spectrum managers, wireless operators, and telecom equipment manufacturers.

Key enhancements in NFAP-2025

NFAP-2025 introduces several strategic and future-ready revisions to meet the growing spectrum demand for next-generation technologies:

• Identification of the 6425–7125 MHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), significantly enhancing mid-band spectrum availability for 5G, 5G Advanced, and future 6G networks.

• Allocation of Ka, Q, and V bands for satellite-based services, crucial 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 seamless 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.

These changes are expected to make India’s spectrum system faster, more efficient, and aligned with global standards. It will support present and future digital technologies and help strengthen the overall digital ecosystem in the country.

What spectrum means

That is the range of radio frequencies that make wireless communication possible. Mobile networks, including 4G and 5G, operate on specific bands within that range. Lower bands have a farther reach and better coverage, while higher bands can carry more data but also have shorter reach.

How spectrum is allocated

Most of the telecom spectrum is allocated via auctions. Companies like Jio, Airtel, and Vi bid for a particular band or different frequency bands. Companies pay a substantive upfront amount or in instalments against 20 years of usage rights. Some spectrum is administratively allocated for defence, disaster management, railways, satellites, and research requirements.