Ofcom Proposes Unlicensed Use of Full 6 GHz Band

The U.S. adopted its 6 GHz rules during the first Donald Trump administration, in 2020. At the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023, the top U.S. priority was ensuring that the band remained available for unlicensed use against a push by China to use the spectrum for international mobile telecommunications (see 2401220066). The U.K.'s move could prove helpful as Europe examines the band's future, Wi-Fi advocates said Thursday.

Under the Ofcom proposal, standard-power Wi-Fi, at up to 4 watts, would be allowed, with automated frequency coordination (AFC) potentially similar to the U.S., in the lower 6 GHz band. The rules would allow for indoor and outdoor use. “This would be subject to a clear expression of demand from industry and an indication that industry parties are willing to provide AFC database services,” Ofcom said. Ofcom also proposed allowing LPI use of the entire band, with power levels of up to 250 milliwatts; a decision is expected this year.

The consultation also proposes allowing more traditional licensed use of part of the band, though how much remains to be determined. Ofcom plans to propose a specific sharing mechanism once European harmonization is clearer.

“We are currently leaning towards a prioritised spectrum split as our preferred outcome with between 160 and 400 MHz prioritised for Wi-Fi,” Ofcom said. “We expect the remainder (a minimum of 300 MHz) would be prioritised for mobile, enabling high power mobile deployments while still allowing Wi-Fi access to the full band where there is no mobile deployment.” Comments are due May 8.

Ofcom “pays close attention to trends in industry and understands that the FCC’s decision to open the full 6 GHz band has produced significant economic value to the U.S. economy,” as much as $1.2 trillion by 2027, said Salt Point Strategies’ Mary Brown. “It’s no surprise that the proposal to open upper 6 GHz to unlicensed [use] leans heavily on getting devices into the upper 6 GHz band quickly by giving itself a fall deadline for decision,” said Brown, who advises WifiForward.

Ofcom’s proposal on how international mobile telecommunications (IMT) technologies might be incorporated into part of the band “in a limited geography also appears to have successfully avoided the worst of the unworkable sharing regimes that have been discussed in Europe over the past year,” Brown said.

CTIA, meanwhile, applauded the focus on IMT in part of the band. “The UK’s effort to identify additional mid-band licensed spectrum underscores the pressing need for similar decisive action in the U.S.,” a spokesperson emailed. “For our economic competitiveness and wireless leadership, America needs a pipeline of full-power, licensed spectrum.”

Making the spectrum available for LPI is important for consumers, “since in Europe an estimated 90% of mobile device data traffic is indoors over Wi-Fi,” said Michael Calabrese, director of the Wireless Future Program at New America. U.K. regulators “know that’s where the need is,” and “they seem inclined to accommodate sharing with mobile carriers.”

Expanding Wi-Fi access in the band “will enable delivery of high-performance, low latency, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity to help alleviate congestion and enhance broadband performance,” the Wi-Fi Alliance said Thursday. “The expansion will also ensure that UK consumers and enterprises can fully leverage the latest Wi-Fi technologies, including Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.”