Five of the surveyed countries (Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Peru and the USA) decided to open the full 1,200 MHz of the band (5.925–7.125 GHz) for unlicensed use, with most focusing on low power (indoor) applications. So far, only the USA and Canada have a legal framework for standard power applications, such as for outdoor hot spots.

In September 2022, Chile, which previously allocated the whole band to unlicensed use, modified its decision to authorise unlicensed use only of the lower portion of the band (5.925–6.425 GHz).

Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico consulted on the possible unlicensed use of the band. Reportedly, Colombia would open the full 1200 MHz for unlicensed use.

The agenda of the next World Radiocommunications Conference taking place in Dubai in 2023 (WRC-23) includes the suitability of the 6 GHz band for either (unlicensed) Wi-Fi use or the (licensed) mobile broadband service, placing the future allocation of this spectrum in the spotlight.

Cullen International’s latest research reveals how countries in the Americas decided to allocate the 6 GHz band, allowing for the implementation of next generation Wi-Fi or mobile (5G) technologies. Currently, the 6 GHz band in the Americas is used for satellite services, microwave links, backhaul systems and some other low-power and broadcasting ancillary services.

The research shows that new rules and proposals allow coexistence with the existing services, defining power limits and specific use cases for mainly three different power level classes of RLANs.

The benchmark also includes details of the size of the allocated band, the applications that can be used, and the power limits established by eleven administrations in the Americas. 

For more information and to access the full benchmark, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our Americas Spectrum service.