India could need 3 GHz spectrum for 6G as AI pushes up network demand: GSMA

India could need around 3 gigahertz (GHz) of spectrum for 6G and the next generation of mobile networks, higher than the global average of 2–2.5 GHz of mid-band spectrum for other countries during the 2030s, as per Luciana Camargos, head of spectrum at GSMA.

“We do expect existing spectrum to be used more efficiently, but the capacity expectation is that it will grow, the demand will grow, and that means, yes, more spectrum will be needed,” she told ET AI at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026.

GSMA, a global industry organisation that represents over 750 mobile operators and hundreds of companies across the mobile ecosystem, expects spectrum needs in the 6G era to peak between 2035 and 2040.


When asked whether AI could allow operators to get more out of existing spectrum or whether rising AI traffic would require additional capacity, Camargos said we would need “substantially more spectrum”.

One of the major reasons for high demand in India is due to its large population and heavy reliance on mobile connectivity.

“India is such a high-population country. The demand is much higher than the 2 to 2.5 GHz that I mentioned. I think it's 3 GHz of spectrum that will be needed,” Camargos added.

This puts spectrum availability at the centre of India’s plans to become a 6G leader. Camargos said that without enough spectrum, 6G simply would not become a reality.

The 6-7 GHz bands are among the key bands being discussed, while 4.5 GHz is also part of discussions around the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), where countries will decide on spectrum.

“We need to find that spectrum between 1 and 8 GHz, and of course, it’s all being used by other services. So, the regulators have a really tough job ahead,” she said.

AI and 6G

The relationship between AI and 6G will work both ways, according to Camargos.

“AI will enable 6G, and 6G will enable AI,” she said.

While AI will optimise networks and increase efficiency, 6G will provide the connectivity for the growing number of AI services and applications.

There is also increasing discussion around using AI for spectrum management and spectrum sharing. But Camargos said the industry is still figuring out the nuances.

“There’s a lot of conversation at the moment about AI for spectrum management or spectrum sharing. I think that remains to be seen,” she said.

The bigger immediate challenge, she said, is making sure operators know when spectrum will become available.

The GSMA is asking regulators to build spectrum roadmaps so operators and the wider industry can plan ahead.

“When will they bring this spectrum? So the industry is ready, the operators are ready, everybody is ready for that,” Camargos said.

For India, Camargos said the country's existing mobile-first ecosystem gives it a good starting point.

“I have high hopes that India will be a 6G leader,” she said.

Globally, early-adopter countries are expected to begin 6G deployment around 2030. If India wants to stay ahead, it would need to be around the same timeline, Camargos said.