India published it’s National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025) which offers a forward-looking regulatory framework for managing radio-frequency spectrum. Developed by the Department of Telecommunications’ Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, the NFAP aligns India’s spectrum use with the 2024 edition of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations.
A Strategic Framework for National Spectrum Management
The NFAP-2025 defines how radio frequencies up to 3000 GHz are allocated across 41 different radiocommunication services, including mobile, satellite, broadcasting, radionavigation, amateur radio, and emergency services. While NFAP governs spectrum availability, it does not grant usage rights. Entities must obtain frequency assignments from the WPC Wing, unless exempted under licensing provisions.
Alignment with ITU and Regional Standards
India, as part of Region 3 under the ITU framework, ensures all frequency allocations conform to ITU global standards. The NFAP provides a frequency allocation table, which includes international and India-specific footnotes. These footnotes clarify operational or technical constraints for specific bands and are critical for regulatory compliance.
The table categorizes services as either “primary” or “secondary,” with secondary services required to avoid interference with primary users.
Regulatory Highlights and Emerging Technologies
The NFAP-2025 introduces several regulatory adaptations to accommodate technological growth and national priorities:
5G and IMT-2020: New frequency bands have been allocated for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including 5G networks. These bands support enhanced connectivity across various industry sectors.
Satellite and HAPS Services: The plan supports domestic satellite manufacturing, including high-throughput satellites and broadband expansion. High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) and their use as IMT base stations (HIBS) are also included, aimed at improving rural and remote connectivity.
Trunking and PPDR: Spectrum is harmonized for Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) and radio trunking services, enhancing national emergency response infrastructure.
V2X Technologies: Vehicle-to-everything communication systems (V2X) are supported through harmonized allocations to facilitate connected transportation ecosystems.
License-Exempt Devices and Spectrum Innovation
Short-range devices (SRDs), ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies, and IoT/M2M communication devices are growing users of license-exempt spectrum. NFAP-2025 addresses these by maintaining a list of frequencies exempted from licensing (Annexure-1), and commonly used frequencies for specific applications (Annexure-2).
These exemptions simplify access for innovative consumer and industrial devices such as medical implants, ground-probing radar, and wireless sensors.
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Quick Country Facts
India
Certification Body: Ministry of IT and Communications, Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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