Outlook Business Desk
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT),has notified the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025, laying out how radio-frequency spectrum will be planned, assigned and regulated across India’s communications landscape.
The updated spectrum framework becomes applicable from December 30, 2025. The government said the revised plan is designed to strengthen capacity, improve responsiveness and ensure India’s spectrum policies remain aligned with international standards.
Under NFAP 2025, spectrum allocation guidelines now cover radio-communication services operating between 8.3 kilohertz and 3,000 gigahertz, providing a unified reference point for managing frequency use across sectors.
The DoT said the document will guide spectrum planners, telecom operators and equipment manufacturers, helping them align network design, deployment and future expansion with the government’s updated frequency allocation framework.
The plan earmarks the 6425–7125 megahertz band for International Mobile Telecommunications, with the DoT saying this will improve mid-band spectrum availability essential for expanding 5G services, advanced 5G networks and future 6G technologies.
Under NFAP 2025, Ka, Q and V frequency bands have been set aside for satellite communications, strengthening support for high-throughput geostationary satellites and the growing deployment of non-geostationary constellations, including low-Earth orbit and medium-Earth orbit systems.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said satellite spectrum will be assigned administratively rather than auctioned, noting that select satcom firms have already received provisional spectrum to demonstrate compliance with security requirements.
The framework also enables additional spectrum allocation for in-flight and maritime connectivity, aiming to support uninterrupted broadband services on aircraft and vessels operating within Indian airspace and maritime zones.
The updated plan also includes provisions for new technologies such as Vehicle-to-Everything communication, supporting connected mobility systems while ensuring India’s spectrum ecosystem remains future-ready and supportive of digital innovation growth.