What use of the 6 GHz band? A global update

The 6 GHz spectrum band is suitable for both Wi-Fi and 5G/6G technologies, leading to competing industry demands in recent years. This Global Trends Report provides an update about the state of play, regulatory debates and plans to use the 6 GHz band, following decisions at the latest World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23).

The report covers:

• Why the 6 GHz band is key for the latest generations of Wi-Fi and of mobile services
• Status of upper 6 GHz band allocation for 5G/6G use in certain jurisdictions
• Updates for selected jurisdictions that opened the full 6 GHz allocation for Wi-Fi

Highlights from the report

Over the past few months, several national regulators around the world have been working on regional and national plans about the future vision for the upper 6 GHz band.

Amongst the jurisdictions that plan to use the upper 6 GHz band (or parts thereof) for international mobile telecommunications (IMT), only Hong Kong already licensed the band to mobile operators. Other jurisdictions, like Brazil and the United Arab Emirates are preparing doing so.

Regulators in Australia, in the European Union and in the United Kingdom, have been working on planning options. Amongst other aspects, these regulators consulted on the possibility of splitting the upper 6 GHz band and reserving some of this spectrum for licensed mobile use.

In jurisdictions that have opted for opening the full 6 GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use, including Saudi Arabia or the United States, regulators have launched Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) databases to allow the shared use this spectrum between Wi-Fi and incumbent wireless service users.

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