EU States See Sufficient Spectrum for 6G Rollout
European Union member states report that there is enough spectrum available to support 6G deployment by 2030. This assessment shifts the focus of 6G development from spectrum acquisition to other key areas, including infrastructure build-out, the development of AI-native networks, and the execution of related technical standards.
- The EU's Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) has identified the upper 6 GHz band as the primary frequency range for the initial rollout of 6G in Europe by 2030. This band is expected to provide at least 540 MHz of continuous spectrum, which can help meet the mobile industry's demand for an additional 200 MHz per operator in the mid-band. - Globally, the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) identified the 6.425-7.125 GHz band for mobile use in all ITU regions, a move supported by countries representing over 60% of the world's population. Further discussions at WRC-27 will explore additional bands for 6G, including parts of the 4.4-15.35 GHz range. - Standardization body 3GPP has a two-release plan for 6G, with Release 20 focusing on studies and Release 21 delivering the first normative specifications. The goal is to submit technology proposals to the ITU for "IMT-2030" in early 2029, with the first commercial systems expected by 2030. - In a competing move, China has already allocated the 6425-7125 MHz band for 5G and 6G services and aims to commercialize the technology by 2030 after setting standards by 2025. The country has reportedly reserved over 300 key technologies and leads in 6G patent applications. - The United States is also preparing for 6G, with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) releasing a National Spectrum Strategy that includes studying the 7.125-8.4 GHz band for wireless broadband use. There is an industry-led initiative, Mission LA 2028, to showcase early 6G technology demos at the Los Angeles Olympics. - The RSPG opinion also encourages the use of currently underutilized high bands (26 GHz and 42 GHz) that were harmonized for wireless broadband in 2019 and 2024, respectively, urging manufacturers to develop devices for these frequencies. - The European Union is funding 6G research and development through the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), a public-private partnership with a budget of €900 million from the EU for 2021-2027, matched by the private sector. The initiative aims to foster European technology sovereignty and support the digital and green transitions. - While the EU's assessment points to sufficient existing spectrum, the mobile industry, represented by the GSMA, argues that new bands will be necessary as mobile networks are projected to run out of capacity by the end of the decade. They advocate for wider channels of 200-400 MHz for 6G, which would require new spectrum allocations.
