COAI To DoT: Ban Sale Of Wi-Fi 6E Wireless Routers On Online Shopping Platforms 

An industry body has cautioned about a surge in the illegal sale of Wi-Fi 6E wireless routers, which utilise the 6 GHz frequency band, on various e-commerce websites and online shopping platforms.

The industry association called on the DoT to intervene and implement stringent measures to impose a total ban.

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An industry body has cautioned about a surge in the illegal sale of Wi-Fi 6E wireless routers, which utilise the 6 GHz frequency band, on various e-commerce websites and online shopping platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart in India, the media has reported.

According to a letter obtained by news agency IANS addressed to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) highlighted that these unauthorised Wi-Fi 6E routers are being offered to consumers despite the government not permitting their use.

The industry association called on the DoT to intervene and implement stringent measures to impose a total ban on the sale of Wi-Fi products operating in the 6 GHz band, whether through offline channels or online platforms like e-commerce websites.

"We would like to submit that DoT is yet to m take a policy decision related to the 6 GHz band utilisation,” the letter obtained by IANS read.

Further, such Wi-Fi devices operating in the 6 GHz band “will render customers responsible for these unauthorised transmissions, placing the burden of liability on consumers and shifting the onus of responsibility of such unauthorised transmissions from the real offenders to the consumers”, the report further added.

Under the provisions of the Indian Telecommunications Act of 2023, the government is recognised as the "owner of spectrum, and any individual's utilization of spectrum necessitates assignment from the Central government."

The Telecommunications (DoT) recently issued a warning to Indian citizens regarding fraudulent calls where callers pretend to be DoT representatives. These callers may threaten to disconnect mobile numbers or falsely accuse individuals of involvement in illegal activities.

Additionally, the DoT advisory highlights the issue of WhatsApp calls originating from foreign mobile numbers (such as those starting with +92-xxxxxxxxxx) impersonating government officials to deceive people. It's important to note that Indian mobile numbers typically start with +91, while numbers starting with other country codes, like +92 for Pakistan, are foreign numbers.