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Sony launched the PlayStation 5 Pro globally in November 2024, but it was not available in India.
Sony confirmed that the PS5 Pro will not be available in India because the 6GHz Wi-Fi band (used by Wi-Fi 7) has not been approved for use in the country.
Wi-Fi Frequency Bands and Their Evolution
India mainly uses 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.
2.4GHz: Lower data speed but covers a larger area.
5GHz: Faster speeds but limited range.
Wi-Fi 6 (2020): Uses both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously for better speed and efficiency.
Wi-Fi 6E (2021): Introduced a new band, the 6GHz spectrum (5,925MHz to 7,125MHz), which increases speeds to a theoretical 9.6Gbps.
6GHz Spectrum and Its Global Use
Countries like the U.S., U.K., Japan, and others have de-licensed the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi, allowing faster speeds with Wi-Fi 6E.
India and China have not yet allowed the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi.
The 6GHz spectrum in India is currently allocated to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for satellite use.
Telecom operators in India want the 6GHz band for 5G and 6G use, while tech companies (e.g., Google, Meta) argue it should be reserved for Wi-Fi.
The Indian government is expected to decide by 2027.
Impact of 6GHz Spectrum on Consumer Electronics
Some devices (e.g., Apple and Samsung phones) already have 6GHz Wi-Fi support, but in India, these devices are programmed to avoid the 6GHz band.
Sony could modify the PS5 Pro to avoid using the 6GHz band in India, similar to how other devices operate in the country.
Even without 6GHz, Wi-Fi 7 routers in India can still provide faster speeds due to better efficiency and simultaneous use of the existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
What’s Next for Wi-Fi 7 in India?
India’s Department of Telecommunications clarified that devices using de-licensed bands (like 2.4GHz and 5GHz) are allowed, even if they don't use 6GHz.
Sony may release the PS5 Pro in India once the regulatory issue with 6GHz spectrum is resolved or by making a version compatible with older Wi-Fi hardware.
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