India, Oct. 27 -- The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has urged the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to expedite amendments to the rules governing the lower 6 GHz band to permit standard-power outdoor operations, arguing that the move could help address last-mile broadband connectivity gaps.

The industry body is seeking implementation of a recommendation by a DoT-appointed expert committee led by Professor Radha Krishna Ganti of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The committee recommended permitting outdoor operations at a power level of 36 dBm in the 5925-6425 MHz band.

Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General of COAI, the association said the proposed changes could enable wider use of the 500 MHz band for br...