The 6 GHz spectrum sharing proposal outlines a Wi-Fi-first, mobile-later method
In sum – what to know:
Wi-Fi first, cell later – The split-priority method provides Wi-Fi early and broader entry to the higher 6 GHz band — below AFC management — whereas reserving spectrum for cell companies to be launched later in high-demand city areas.
A definite 6 GHz path – Ofcom’s proposal blends European mobile-centric pondering with components of U.S.-style unlicensed entry, signaling a practical try and steadiness speedy connectivity wants with long-term cell and 6G planning.
The U.Ok.’s Ofcom is trying to broaden entry to the 6 GHz band for each cell and Wi-Fi companies by way of a brand new spectrum sharing proposal. The proposal outlines permitting current low-power Wi-Fi expertise to make use of this portion of the spectrum by the tip of the yr. “Cellular will come later, stated Ofcom, with a concentrate on serving densely populated areas the place demand is highest.”
Beneath the proposal, the decrease 160 MHz of the band (6425–6585 MHz) could be designated as “Wi-Fi-priority”, whereas the higher 540 MHz (6585–7125 MHz) could be reserved for “mobile-priority” use.
Ofcom says the Wi-Fi-priority portion could be made accessible on the identical foundation because the Decrease 6 GHz band, supporting indoor and very-low-power Wi-Fi, in addition to out of doors and higher-power Wi-Fi deployments the place operation is managed by an automatic frequency coordination (AFC) system.
The regulator can also be proposing to permit early Wi-Fi entry within the mobile-priority portion of the Higher 6 GHz band. Nevertheless, in response to suggestions from its February 2025 session, Ofcom would prohibit this entry to AFC-controlled Wi-Fi, guaranteeing that Wi-Fi use might be cleared on a location- and channel-specific foundation as cell networks are deployed.
“This new spectrum-sharing method would offer a big enhance in capability for each cell and Wi-Fi companies,” Ofcom claimed. “This might assist the broadband sector to offer superior Wi-Fi to companies, trade, and houses. It could additionally assist cell firms sustain with demand in busy places, assist data-hungry applied sciences like digital actuality and AI, and put together for the introduction of 6G in [the] future.”
In a separate resolution, the fee can also be proposing adjustments to how the Decrease 6 GHz band is used. Whereas the band is at present restricted to low-power and indoor Wi-Fi, it will be opened as much as higher-power and out of doors Wi-Fi deployments, enabled by means of using AFC.
The announcement comes mere days after the U.S. Federal Communications Fee (FCC) stated it is going to vote this month on an order to broaden unlicensed operations within the 6 GHz spectrum. The vote, it stated, would create a brand new class of excessive‑energy, outdoor-capable units generally known as “geofenced variable energy” (GVP) units, which promise quicker, extra versatile wi-fi connectivity for customers and companies alike.
In contrast to AFC-managed programs, GVP units would function at an intermediate energy stage inside outlined exclusion zones to guard incumbents, permitting larger vary than very-low-power units with out requiring AFC checks.
Business observers famous that the FCC’s transfer highlights a rising divergence between U.S. and European approaches to six GHz spectrum coverage. “Whereas Europe is trying to reserve the higher 6 GHz band for cell, the U.S. is doubling down on unlicensed entry,” stated Richard Haas, a spectrum coverage marketing consultant at LS Telecom. “Quite than simply defending the 6 GHz band from cell, the FCC is increasing the probabilities of what you are able to do within the band.”
Broadcom’s Director of Product Advertising Chris Szymanski informed RCR Wi-fi Information that each are “very constructive developments.” He continued: “I’m excited that the U.Ok. is transferring ahead with normal energy within the decrease 6 GHz. This can present much-needed capability in out of doors areas… Whereas I’m dissatisfied that they haven’t but moved ahead with a rule to allow opportunistic use within the Higher 6 GHz, I’m glad they proceed to think about such use.”
What this implies for Wi-Fi distributors, cell operators, and customers
For Wi-Fi distributors, Ofcom’s proposal creates a near-term progress alternative. The staged entry mannequin permits Wi-Fi gear that already exists — notably Wi-Fi 6E and upcoming Wi-Fi 7 platforms — to broaden into further 6 GHz capability with out ready for cell deployments. The flexibility to function indoor and very-low-power Wi-Fi with out AFC, mixed with AFC-enabled standard-power out of doors use, provides distributors a clearer path to deploy higher-performance networks for enterprises, campuses, and industrial websites.
For cell operators, the framework is extra about safety than immediacy. Whereas operators don’t acquire near-term entry to the higher 6 GHz band, Ofcom is preserving a mobile-priority section and guaranteeing that any early Wi-Fi use there might be cleared as wanted. This safeguards future 5G-Superior and 6G deployment choices, notably in dense city areas, with out forcing operators to put money into spectrum or gear years forward of demand.
It looks as if Wi-Fi distributors may profit first, however operators preserve the long-term benefit. Ofcom’s method prioritizes the speedy capability wants of Wi-Fi, one thing the trade has been noting for a while. As Szymanski commented, will probably be a few years earlier than IMT can “deploy something of advantage within the Higher 6 GHz band — if ever.”
However Ofcom additionally isn’t foreclosing the band’s future position in cell and 6G networks — a compromise that many really feel displays timing realities greater than a shift in spectrum ideology. For Szymanski, although, this additionally signifies that the U.Ok. trade and customers may have an “impaired wi-fi broadband expertise” in contrast to people who have opened up the entire band, just like the U.S. and Canada. “I hope that the U.Ok. will prioritize this effort and transfer ahead speedily in order that its residents will be capable of use wi-fi broadband gear to its full capability,” he stated.
Ofcom has opened a public session on the proposal, with responses due by 20 March 2026.