Wi-Fi 7 routers are emerging as the future of wireless technology, promising unprecedented speeds, lower latency, and more efficient connectivity channels. With the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) considering the delicensing of the 6 GHz band, the potential for Wi-Fi 7 routers to revolutionize connectivity in India is on the horizon. Despite the official release of the Wi-Fi 7 standard still pending, major players like Netgear, TP-Link, and Asus are already offering these advanced routers in the market.
Advantages of Wi-Fi 7 Routers
Wi-Fi 7 routers boast remarkable capabilities, delivering wireless data transfer speeds of up to 46 Gbps—five times greater than Wi-Fi 6E routers. These routers operate on multiple bands, including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, providing users with versatile connectivity options. The lower latency of Wi-Fi 7 routers ensures faster response times, and their ability to channel connections more efficiently enhances the overall network performance.
DoT’s Delicensing Proposal
Netgear has noted that the DoT is exploring the possibility of delicensing the lower band of the 6 GHz spectrum. If approved, this move would open up new opportunities for deploying Wi-Fi 7 routers in India. While Wi-Fi 6E routers are currently available, Wi-Fi 7 routers offer superior features, making them a more attractive choice for users looking to future-proof their networks.
Market Availability and Considerations
Several brands, including TP-Link, Asus, and Netgear, have introduced Wi-Fi 7 routers in the Indian market. It’s important to note that these routers can be relatively expensive, and upgrading may not be necessary until the 6 GHz band is officially delicensed for Wi-Fi use. The current scenario suggests that even Wi-Fi 6E routers may not be the most sensible choice for the Indian market at present.
Global Trends: 6 GHz Band Opening
At the recent World Radiocommunication Conference 2023, members of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) largely agreed to open up the 6 GHz band for future high-speed mobile communications. However, Indian telecom operators are cautious about delicensing the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi use, viewing it as a crucial resource for the affordable rollout of 5G and future 6G networks.
