Most countries in the Americas have decided to open the full 1,200 MHz of the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use, with most focusing on low power (indoor) applications. Argentina recently also decided to open the full band but Mexico decided to open only the lower part of the band, following the practice of most European countries.

So far, only the USA and Canada have a legal framework for standard power applications, such as for outdoor hot spots.

Only two of the 11 studied countries (Ecuador and Paraguay) have not yet decided on the use of the 6 GHz band.

The 6 GHz band (5.925-7.125 MHz) is currently used in the Americas for satellite services, microwave links, backhaul systems and some other low-power and broadcasting ancillary services. However, in recent years, countries have seen the potential for using the 6 GHz band to expand Wi-Fi capacity and to support emerging technologies such as WiFi 6E.

Cullen International’s latest research details how governments are approaching the use of the 6 GHz band, based on their specific needs, spectrum management policies, and after consultations with industry stakeholders. 

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

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 Radio Spectrum service.