Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed that the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 Pro will not be launching in India due to regulatory hurdles related to the 6GHz spectrum band. This news comes as a major disappointment to Indian gamers who were eagerly awaiting the next-generation console.
The PS5 Pro, which was released globally on November 8th, 2024, leverages the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology to deliver faster wireless speeds and lower latency. However, the implementation of Wi-Fi 7 requires access to the 6GHz spectrum, which is still awaiting regulatory approval in India.
In a statement, Sony India explained, “The PS5 Pro utilizes Wi-Fi 7 technology, which relies on the 6GHz spectrum. As this spectrum band has not yet been allocated for commercial use in India, the console cannot be launched in the country at this time.”
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The delay in 6GHz spectrum allocation is primarily due to ongoing discussions and deliberations between the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and various stakeholders. The TRAI is responsible for regulating telecommunications services in India, and its decision on the 6GHz spectrum will have a significant impact on the availability of Wi-Fi 7 devices in the country.
While the news of the PS5 Pro’s delay has been met with disappointment, some Indian retailers are already offering the console through unofficial import channels. However, these imported units come with a significant price premium, making them inaccessible to many gamers.
It remains unclear when the 6GHz spectrum will be allocated in India, and consequently, when the PS5 Pro might eventually launch in the country. Sony India has stated that they are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, Indian gamers who are eager to experience the next-generation gaming capabilities of the PS5 Pro will have to rely on unofficial import channels or wait for the console to be officially launched in the country once the regulatory hurdles are cleared.