Two weeks after its much-awaited launch in markets across the US, UK, EU, and Japan on November 7, Sony’s PS5 Pro still hasn’t arrived in India. It’s not because of any internal issue with the product itself. Instead, there’s a regulatory roadblock concerning the 6GHz Wi-Fi spectrum that’s hitting its release. As the upgraded PS5 Pro reaches eager gamers worldwide, customers in India face a waiting game as Sony navigates a complex regulatory landscape. The delay hinges on the 6GHz spectrum, essential for the console’s Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, which has not yet been allocated in India.
This ongoing issue underscores the broader challenge of balancing advanced technology with evolving local policies. Indian consumers remain hopeful that the hurdles will clear soon, bringing the much-anticipated console to their gaming setups.Here’s a blog on details regarding this delay, significance of 6GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi, and what it might bring for the future release of tech in India.
Why the 6GHz Spectrum Matters to the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro will finally flaunt Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be), the new standard offering increased speed and reliability, operating at 6GHz, the spectrum chosen for high-performance connectivity. The 6GHz spectrum, specifically 5925 to 7125 MHz, offers lower latency and increased bandwidth, essential for fast-paced online gaming, streaming, and other data-heavy activities. In markets that allocated the 6GHz spectrum for unlicensed Wi-Fi, gamers experience smoother and more responsive connections on Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices like the PS5 Pro.
The 6GHz spectrum is contested in India, which is one of the reasons that the application for Wi-Fi 7 hasn’t come to existence yet. In India, the Indian government hasn’t finalized their allocation yet, and hence the PS5 Pro would not be able to make use of the features introduced by Wi-Fi 7 in accordance with local rules. This uncertainty at the time of allocation isn’t only specific to Sony; it is an issue related to any technology that operates using the 6GHz band in India.
Telecom vs. Tech: A Battle Over the 6GHz Spectrum
The delay in allocating the 6GHz spectrum stems from a broader debate between telecom operators and tech firms. Telecom operators see this spectrum as advantageous for expanding 5G and future 6G networks. In contrast, tech firms argue for its use in Wi-Fi to support emerging technologies like Wi-Fi 7. If telecom operators gain exclusive access to this spectrum, they could enhance mobile data networks, boosting connectivity in densely populated areas.
Technology firms counter that using the band for Wi-Fi will stimulate the tech ecosystem, offering consumers high-speed wireless internet and supporting data-intensive applications.The two scenarios highlight conflicting priorities: while telecoms wish to enhance mobile network capabilities, tech firms want seamless, high-bandwidth Wi-Fi connectivity for personal and professional uses.
Indian Government Position on the 6GHz Spectrum
Recently, the Indian DoT has hinted towards preferring some part of the 6GHz band for telecom operators. With the gradual roll out of 5G across India, it has become a challenge for the government to reserve parts of the 6GHz band. Groups such as Dynamic Spectrum Alliance are still advocating that the DoT should consider freeing up this spectrum for unlicensed Wi-Fi usage. Most countries, including the US and Japan, have reserved this band for Wi-Fi use, enabling devices to access high-speed internet without relying on cellular networks.
If India chooses to adopt this plan, PS5 Pro and other similar devices will be able to enjoy high-speed data transfer on Wi-Fi 7 with fewer inference noises. In case DoT allocates this frequency band for the telecommunication companies, then it will limit the usage of Wi-Fi 7 to a very small extent, which will reduce the chances of adoption for new technologies.
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Effects to Indian Gamers and Tech Users
For gamers, this regulatory hurdles mean that the PS5 Pro will presumably be in later release, and possibly less feature-rich as well, when it does arrive. The speeds and latencies of PS5 Pro in India will also likely be not as high, or ideal, as in other countries which are not enforcing the 6GHz Wi-Fi license requirement. This could affect real time gaming and other real-time media streaming, especially with real-time application games which rely significantly upon fast data transfer and lag.
This latency will not only affect the machines that directly interface with Wi-Fi 7 but also other digital devices. Smartphones, laptops, and smart home devices that can tap into Wi-Fi 7 will suffer the same conditions, which will severely hamper their performance potential in India.
As Wi-Fi 7 becomes more widespread globally, Indian consumers may miss out on features designed for high-speed, stable internet access.
PS5 Pro: Beyond Connectivity Features
Besides the Wi-Fi 7 feature, the PS5 Pro sports very advanced hardware upgrades, which include advanced RDNA graphics, 16.7 teraflops of GPU performance, and AI-driven upscaling technology to enhance visual quality. It also boasts twice the amount of storage that the PS5 offers, allowing game enthusiasts to store more games and content. A new GPU architecture and AI technology should promise better, smoother gameplay with even more realistic visuals. Far more advanced ray-tracing capabilities enhance the depth of shadows, reflections, and lighting effects. PS5 Pro offers these enhancements at a launch price of $699.99, that’s around ₹58,750.
Solutions and Future Anticipation
India can take a dual approach to solving this problem. It could dedicate a part of the 6GHz spectrum to telecom operators while retaining a part for unlicensed Wi-Fi use. Such a compromise would enable tech firms to tout the sale of Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices, such as the PS5 Pro, side by side with the advancement of telecoms’ 5G and 6G services. The downside with such a solution is that it will take some time. Regulatory decisions need to be interphase with stakeholders, spectrum auctions, and careful assessment of public and commercial needs.
In another variant, Sony can launch PS5 Pro without Wi-Fi 7 in India. Though this would serve the short-term purpose, it will make the gadget completely dead and rob the Indian gamers of promised future-proof connectivity. Now, this approach was employed sometime back by the tech firms while launching the region-specific editions of the products just to secure local compliances.
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Conclusion: Finding Ways Over India’s 6GHz Spectrum Hurdle
Against the backdrop of PS5 Pro’s delayed launch in India, lays bare the complex interplay between regulation policies, telecom growth, and access to innovative technology for the consumer. The battle over the 6GHz spectrum underlines a learning curve India has to undergo as it grapples with global standards. Sonys PS5 Pro faces an isolated grievance on its face but there is an ecosystem of Wi-Fi 7 devices that will be held back because of the lack of clarity from the regulator.
Until then, a waiting game for Indian gamers continues as Sony and other contenders strategize over this roadblock. As policies around spectrum continue to change, tech enthusiasts hope to see a day when such devices can operate at full potential, free from restrictions.
