**Executive Summary**
This document is an answer to Unstarred Question No. 837 in Lok Sabha on the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP), 2025 and 6G readiness. The document confirms the publication of NFAP 2025, effective from December 30, 2025, and outlines its provisions regarding spectrum allocation and future communication technologies. There are no specific action items or deadlines stated, other than the effective date of NFAP 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **NFAP 2025 Publication and Scope:**
* The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has published the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP), 2025.
* NFAP 2025 is effective from December 30, 2025.
* It identifies frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including 5G, 5G-Advanced, and future 6G services, detailed in footnote 'IND 16' of NFAP 2025.
* **NFAP 2025 Formulation:**
* NFAP 2025 was formulated through extensive consultations with various national stakeholders.
* Stakeholders include government ministries/departments, service providers, industry and their associations, academia, and start-ups.
* The formulation factored in the inputs and proposals submitted by these stakeholders.
* **Unlicensed Spectrum Use:**
* Unlicensed use of spectrum is permitted for general public use on a shared basis.
* This is subject to time, requirements, spectrum availability, and international best practices.
* **Spectrum Allocation and Policy Reforms:**
* NFAP 2025 ensures adequate spectrum allocation to support various radiocommunication services.
* It factors in the spectrum requirements of next-generation communication technologies.
* DoT has undertaken policy reforms like Spectrum Trading, Intra-band Spectrum Sharing, and Spectrum Liberalization to promote growth and digital transformation.
**Impact Analysis**
* **Government Ministries/Departments:**
* **Impact:** Involved in the consultation process for NFAP 2025 formulation. Affected by policies related to spectrum allocation and digital transformation initiatives.
* **Action Required:** Continued collaboration with DoT to implement NFAP 2025 and contribute to policy reforms related to spectrum management.
* **Service Providers:**
* **Impact:** Directly affected by spectrum allocation provisions within NFAP 2025 for 5G, 5G-Advanced, and 6G services.
* **Action Required:** Review NFAP 2025 for spectrum allocation details and align business strategies with the new plan.
* **Industry and Associations:**
* **Impact:** Influenced the formulation of NFAP 2025 through input and proposal submissions. Affected by the spectrum use policies.
* **Action Required:** Continue to engage with DoT on spectrum-related issues, promoting innovation and effective implementation of NFAP 2025.
* **Academia and Start-Ups:**
* **Impact:** Consulted during the NFAP 2025 formulation. Impacted by provisions for unlicensed spectrum use for innovation.
* **Action Required:** Leverage unlicensed spectrum access to foster innovation and research in next-generation communication technologies.
* **General Public:**
* **Impact:** Benefits from improved radiocommunication services, digital inclusion, and potential access to unlicensed spectrum for general use.
* **Action Required:** No specific action required; benefit from advancements in communication technology and increased digital accessibility due to NFAP 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP), 2025: A plan published by the Department of Telecommunications that dictates frequency allocation for various radiocommunication services including 5G and 6G.
Department of Telecommunications (DoT): The primary government department responsible for the National Frequency Allocation Plan and spectrum allocation.
Ministry of Communications: The ministry overseeing the Department of Telecommunications.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 837
TO BE ANSWERED ON 4TH FEBRUARY, 2026
NATIONAL FREQUENCY ALLOCATION PLAN (NFAP), 2025 AND 6G READINESS
837. SHRI Y S AVINASH REDDY:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the National Frequency Allocation Plan, 2025 has been notified and if so, the key
provisions relating to spectrum allocation for 5G expansion and future 6G services and if so, the
details thereof;
(b) whether any impact assessment has been carried out on industry preparedness, research
ecosystem readiness and implications for rural and remote connectivity;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether timelines have been fixed for permitting unlicensed or shared spectrum access to
support innovation and local networks and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken to ensure equitable access, affordability and digital inclusion while
implementing advanced spectrum and next-generation communication technologies?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has published the National Frequency
Allocation Plan (NFAP), 2025 which is effective from 30th December 2025. The frequency bands,
or parts thereof, identified for the implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications
(IMT), which includes 5G, 5G-Advanced, and future 6G services, are provided in the footnote ‘IND
16’of NFAP 2025.
(b) & (c) NFAP 2025 has been formulated through extensive consultations with various
national stakeholders, including government ministries/departments, service providers, industry and
their associations, academia and start-ups, factoring the inputs and proposals submitted by them.
(d) Unlicensed use of spectrum is permitted for general public use on a shared basis from time
to time, based on requirements, spectrum availability and international best practices.
(e) NFAP 2025 ensures that adequate spectrum is allocated to support various
radiocommunication services, while factoring into the spectrum requirements of next-generation
communication technologies. In addition, DoT has also undertaken progressive policy reforms such
as Spectrum Trading, Intra-band Spectrum Sharing and Spectrum Liberalization to promote growth
and digital transformation.
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