Recent Events
- Space Policy Conference ISPC26, 22-23 July 2026, New Delhi
- Unlocking the Full Potential of 6GHz Wi-Fi in India: Policy, Power & Possibilities, 24 June 2026, New Delhi
- Bid Farewell, 17 April 2026, CSOI KG Marg, New Delhi
- Role of AI and Telecom in Dealing with Cyber Frauds & Digital Arrests, 17th March 2026, Delhi
Upcoming Events
ITU-APT Media Showcase
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI), in collaboration with the Bharat 6G Alliance, presented a landmark proposal for a harmonised Asia-Pacific 6G spectrum roadmap at APG27-3 in Sapporo, Japan. The proposal introduced the concept of the 6425–8400 MHz "6G Golden Band," which was noted by representatives from 33 Asia-Pacific administrations, marking a significant milestone towards regional spectrum harmonisation. The initiative reinforces India's leadership in shaping the global 6G spectrum agenda by promoting a common spectrum vision that supports future 6G deployment, cross-border interoperability, and international collaboration. Read More
The 3rd India Space Policy Conference (ISPC 2026) concluded successfully on 22–23 July 2026 at The Imperial, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, regulators, satellite operators, industry leaders, and global experts to discuss the future of India's space ecosystem. The conference highlighted the need for a transparent, technology-neutral regulatory framework, efficient spectrum management, and stronger public-private collaboration to accelerate innovation and position India as a global leader. Read More
IAFI and Forum Global successfully concluded the India Space Policy Conference 2026, bringing together policymakers, regulators, satellite operators, and industry leaders. Discussions focused on space policy, regulation, spectrum management, and India's expanding satellite communications ecosystem. The conference provided a valuable platform to address opportunities and challenges, emphasizing the need for clear policy, investment certainty, and collaboration to drive innovation and commercial growth. Read More
At the India Space Policy Conference (ISPC) 2026, organised by the ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) in partnership with Forum Global, 16-year-old aerospace innovator and India's Youngest Missile Man, Prakhar Vishwakarma, was honoured for his exceptional achievements. His recognition celebrated the spirit of innovation and inspired young minds to contribute to India's growing space and aerospace ecosystem. The felicitation highlighted IAFI's commitment to encouraging young talent and fostering innovation. Read More
The IAFI 6 GHz Wi-Fi Conference 2026, held on 24 June 2026 in New Delhi, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and global experts to discuss the future of 6 GHz Wi-Fi in India. Under the theme “Unlocking the Full Potential of 6 GHz Wi-Fi in India: Policy, Power & Possibilities,” the conference focused on spectrum policy, standard-power Wi-Fi, innovation, and next-generation connectivity to support India's digital transformation journey. Read More
The IAFI 6 GHz Wi-Fi Conference 2026, scheduled for 24 June at Le Méridien, New Delhi, will bring together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss the future of the 6 GHz spectrum in India. The conference will focus on key areas including standard-power Wi-Fi, AFC implementation, coexistence frameworks, and next-generation wireless connectivity. As highlighted by Bharat Bhatia, President of IAFI, the 6 GHz band presents a significant opportunity to expand affordable, high-performance connectivity. Read More
India’s rising influence in global telecom standardisation was highlighted at the 36th Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Wireless Group (AWG-36) meeting held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam (April 6–10, 2026), where the country secured key leadership roles. Bharat B. Bhatia, President of the ITU-APT Foundation of India, was appointed Special Adviser to AWG (equivalent to Vice Chair), while Dr. Punit Rathod, Member of the ITU-APT Foundation of India and Lead – Technical Standards at Qualcomm, also took on a key role. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) has recently urged the Department of Telecommunications to speed up in-principle approvals for NGSO (Non-Geostationary Orbit) satellite services, highlighting that delays—sometimes over a year—are slowing deployment and affecting India’s competitiveness in satellite broadband. Shri Bharat B. Bhatia, President, IAFI, emphasized: “The industry momentum for satellite broadband in India is strong; however, delays in principal clearances are holding back progress.” Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India organized its third workshop on preparatory studies for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 on March 17, 2026, at Le Méridien New Delhi. The workshop convened around 100 participants from government, industry, academia, and international organizations to deliberate on key spectrum and satellite agenda items shaping future global radiocommunication policies. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India hosted a high-level workshop in New Delhi on March 17, 2026, bringing together over 100 experts from government, industry, legal, and technology sectors to address the growing threat of cyber frauds and digital arrests. Delivering the welcome address, Bharat Bhatia, President IAFI, highlighted the alarming rise in scam calls and so-called “digital arrests,” where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement agencies using advanced tools like voice cloning and deepfakes. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India welcomed the 24 Feb 2026 spectrum auction recommendations issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India for 4G and 5G services. Bharat Bhatia, President IAFI, said the proposals signal a major shift from treating spectrum as short-term revenue to recognizing it as a foundation for India’s long-term digital growth. Read More
IAFI has welcomed the Government of India’s decision to delicence the lower 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi use, calling it a significant policy step to strengthen India’s digital connectivity ecosystem. Bharat Bhatia, President, IAFI, said the move will complement the ongoing 5G rollout, enhance readiness for future 6G technologies, improve indoor broadband experience, and enable high-speed Wi-Fi in homes and offices—supporting the objectives of National Broadband Mission 2.0. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) highlighted spectrum challenges affecting India’s 20,000-crore emergency response plan, particularly the difficulty of vacating the 800 MHz band for public safety networks. The issue was outlined by Mr. Bharat B. Bhatia, President, IAFI, as reported by Mint. IAFI continues to collaborate with policymakers and industry to enable robust and resilient emergency communications across India. Read More
The 5th International Spectrum Management Conference (ISMC-25), organized by ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI), took place on December 15-16, 2025, at The Claridges, New Delhi. It was inaugurated by TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti and ITU Radiocommunication Bureau Director Mario Maniewicz, with IAFI President Bharat Bhatia welcoming global thought leaders. Discussions centered on India's spectrum policies, WRC-27 preparations, 6G IMT spectrum, satellite communications, and AI-driven spectrum management. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) urges the government to swiftly delicense the lower 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz) to fuel India’s leadership in AI, smart manufacturing, and immersive digital technologies. This spectrum supports next-generation Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, offering ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and support for dense device connectivity essential for modern digital services. Aligning India with over 100 countries that have already delicensed this band, the move will accelerate digital innovation. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) supports auctioning the upper 6 GHz and 7 GHz bands for India’s 6G rollout, calling them vital to the nation’s 6G vision. IAFI urges TRAI to rethink traditional auctions, citing declining operator interest and poor 2024 auction results (only 1.34% spectrum sold). It recommends including contiguous spectrum up to 8400 MHz to enable ultra-broadband connectivity and align with global shifts toward more innovation-friendly spectrum policies. Read More
IAFI continues to champion India’s leadership in telecom and ICT innovation worldwide. Its President, Mr. Bharat B Bhatia, emphasizes the urgent need for clear SATCOM and 6GHz spectrum policies to sustain India’s AI and 6G competitiveness. Speaking from Geneva while chairing the 6G standards meeting, he highlighted risks from policy delays on 6GHz and nonGSO satellites. Swift action is crucial to unlock innovation in AI, blockchain, and rural connectivity. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) commends the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for releasing the draft Telecommunications Rules, 2025 (GSR 606E) under the Telecom Act, 2023—a crucial milestone in shaping India’s telecom future. IAFI urges DoT to align the new authorisation framework with TRAI’s recommendations to promote transparency, inclusiveness, and innovation. These reforms promise to strengthen India’s digital ecosystem and regulatory clarity. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) respectfully appeals to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji to expedite delicensing of the lower 6GHz band (5925–6425 MHz) for unlicensed WiFi use. This vital spectrum will boost WiFi6E/7 deployment and accelerate India’s AI, IoT, and digital innovation ecosystem. Timely action will ensure India’s leadership in the global technology race. Empowering access to this spectrum will drive inclusive growth and digital empowerment across the nation. Read More
IAFI Urges Prompt Delicensing of Lower 6 GHz Band. The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) has urged the Minister of Communications to promptly delicense the lower 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz) to boost innovation, local manufacturing, and exports. Despite a Gazette notification in May 2025, the final rules are still pending, risking economic losses of up to ₹12.7 lakh crore annually and missing out on global opportunities worth $4 trillion. IAFI emphasized that timely delicensing is critical. Read More
We are proud to share that Mr. Bharat B Bhatia, President of the ITU-APT FOUNDATION OF INDIA (IAFI), has been nominated as Chair of the Editorial Committee for the APT Conference Preparatory Group for WRC-27 (APG-27), from the Republic of India. This prestigious nomination—made on the recommendation of the Heads of Delegation during the 2nd Meeting of APG27 (APG27-2)—recognizes the role of Editorial Committee Chair as being equivalent to Vice Chair of the Plenary. Read More
TRAI Chairman Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, speaking at ISPC-25 in New Delhi, highlighted the vital role of satellite communication in bridging India’s digital divide and advancing national inclusion goals. He emphasized TRAI’s balanced recommendations, including a 4% AGR fee for satellite spectrum use, to support industry growth. Lahoti also stressed the importance of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) in enabling nationwide connectivity and achieving UN SDGs. Read More
India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has highlighted satellite internet as a key solution for expanding connectivity in rural and remote regions, where laying traditional networks like fiber or microwave is challenging. With 100% FDI permitted in the sector, DoT is promoting telecom manufacturing under the upcoming Telecom Policy 2025. Satellite services are expected to grow as devices shrink and become more smartphone-compatible. Read More
IAFI Hosts National Conference on “Wi-Fi in 6GHz: Unlocking the Future of Innovation” on World Wi-Fi Day 2025 New Delhi, 19 June 2025. To commemorate World Wi-Fi Day, the ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) hosted a national conference in New Delhi on the theme “Wi-Fi in 6GHz: Unlocking the Future of Innovation”. The event brought together over 200 participants from government, industry, and academia to discuss India’s evolving spectrum policy, with a focus on the lower 6GHz band (5925–6425 MHz). Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) has partnered with the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) for the 2nd IAFI Space Policy Conference, to be held on 24–25 July 2025 in New Delhi. The conference will spotlight India’s growing space sector, key policy reforms, and global collaborations. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) applauds the Government of India for delicensing the lower 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz), a transformative move that enables next-gen Wi-Fi technologies like Wi-Fi 6E and 7. This step will accelerate affordable broadband access, especially in rural areas, and bolster initiatives like PM-WANI and BharatNet. The decision unlocks new opportunities for digital innovation, local manufacturing, and economic growth, aligning India with over 100 nations embracing unlicensed spectrum. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) welcomes TRAI’s progressive recommendations on spectrum assignment for satellite communications, released in May 2025. These long-awaited guidelines provide clarity on spectrum use across key frequency bands for both GSO and NGSO systems, aligning with India’s NFAP 2022. IAFI commends TRAI’s balanced approach, which fosters industry growth, promotes digital inclusion, and supports rural connectivity. The recommendations pave the way for investment and innovation. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) has formally appealed to the Hon’ble Minister of Communications to delicense the 5925–6425 MHz band (Lower 6 GHz) to support high-speed Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. The request follows the government’s recent move to open new spectrum bands for mobile services, and highlights the urgent need to complement this with unlicensed spectrum for next-generation Wi-Fi. Globally adopted in over 100 countries, the lower 6 GHz band is vital for India’s digital transformation. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) held its 2nd Preparatory Workshop for WRC-27 on April 7, 2025, in New Delhi. The event saw participation from over 150 government officials, industry leaders, and experts across the telecom and satellite sectors. Supported by DoT, WPC, and leading organizations like ISRO, Qualcomm, Ericsson, OneWeb, GSMA, IN-SPACe, Bharat 6G Alliance, and GSOA, the workshop featured in-depth deliberations on key WRC-27 agenda items including 6G and satellite spectrum policies. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) supported the 53rd Wireless World Research Forum (WWRF) conference, hosted by BITS Pilani Hyderabad from February 18-20, 2025. Focused on "Smart Wireless Systems for Collective Prosperity in a Green Future," the event brought together global experts, researchers, and industry leaders to explore advancements in 6G, AI, IoT, and sustainable communications. Shri Bharat Bhatia, Vice Chair of WWRF & President of IAFI, emphasized the role of next-gen wireless technologies. Read More
The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) has urged the Ministry of Communications to expedite spectrum allocation for satellite services, emphasizing the need for regulatory clarity to advance India's digital connectivity goals. With rapid advancements in satellite technologies like LEO and MEO constellations, delays in approvals are hindering efforts to bridge the digital divide. IAFI highlights the importance of integrating satellite and terrestrial networks to drive innovation and economic growth. Read More
IAFI in the comprehensive comment on TRAI Consultation Paper concerning terms and conditions of network authorization under new Telecom Act, 2023, highlighted critical reforms to ensure robust telecom infrastructure, equitable spectrum access and innovation friendly regulatory environment. Read More
ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) hosted 4th India Spectrum Management Conference 2024 (ISMC-24) on 7-8 November, 2024 at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. Important pivotal issues like WRC-27 Agenda Items, Spectrum Roadmap for 4G/5G IMT technologies, 6 GHz spectrum issues, Direct broadcast to Mobile, GSO/NGSO issues and related spectrum matters were discussed. Read More
During the 4th ISMC-24 organized by the IAFI, Prof Raul Kartz, President Telecom Advisor services, LLP, USA and Prof University of San Andres, Argentina explained the economic value of lower 6 GHz Wi-Fi spectrum, 5925-6425 MHz. Read More
ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) organized 4th India Spectrum Management Conference 2024 (ISMC-24) was held from 7-8 Nov, 2024 at Hotel Le Meridian, New Delhi. Event served as the prominent forum for in-depth analysis of key issues related to spectrum management. Read More
ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) in response to a TRAI Consultation Paper submitted comprehensive response regarding the ongoing consultation paper on Telecom Commercial Communication. IAFI emphasized the need to expand the framework’s scope to prevent SCAM Communication. Read More
In response to TRAI Consultation Paper on service authorization granted under new Telecom Act, 2023, IAFI vehemently opposes the proposed amalgamation of the GMPCS and VSAT authorization and said that these two authorization should remain separate. Read More
ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI) in response to a TRAI Consultation Paper, strongly welcomed the proposed changes in the new Telecom Act, 2023 and appreciated long overdue overhaul of the licensing framework. IAFI highlighted the key-area needs special attention. Read More
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