The launch of Apple's Vision Pro and other next-generation AR/VR products from major companies like Meta, Sony, and Google in India is being delayed due to regulatory issues surrounding the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band.

Currently, the 6 GHz band is occupied by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for satellite operations, which has raised concerns about potential interference if the band is reallocated for telecom services.

Telecom companies warn that allocating the 6 GHz spectrum without an auction could result in significant losses exceeding Rs 3 lakh crore to the national exchequer.

While telecom firms are advocating for the 6 GHz band to be allocated for 5G services, tech companies argue for its use to enhance Wi-Fi services, highlighting a conflict between the two sectors.

The Indian government is considering reserving the upper portion of the 6 GHz band for telecom services while potentially reserving the lower portion for Wi-Fi, as discussed in a committee of secretaries.

Alan Norman from Meta emphasized that billions of Wi-Fi devices utilizing the 6 GHz band are expected to ship globally this year, indicating a significant opportunity cost for India.

Experts warn that AR/VR devices require low power and high bandwidth, which may not be achievable with existing 5G cellular technology, leading to potential heating issues and poor performance indoors.

Wi-Fi 7, the latest technology that enhances speed and reduces latency, is still awaiting regulatory clearance for use in the 6 GHz band in India, amid ongoing conflicts between telecom and technology companies.

The absence of the 6 GHz band is causing delays for consumers in India who are eager to access next-generation AR/VR products.

Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, which require Wi-Fi 6 for optimal performance, have not yet entered the Indian market due to the lack of this technology.

Sony has announced that the PlayStation 5 Pro will not launch in India because the essential 6 GHz wireless band has not been approved by Indian regulators.

The 6 GHz band is critical for high-speed data transfer and is already utilized for Wi-Fi services in many countries, creating a missed opportunity for India.