Europe's 6 GHz Spectrum Dispute: Wi-Fi vs. Cellular Networks
A heated debate is brewing in Europe over the allocation of the 6 GHz wireless spectrum. The crux of the issue lies in the competing interests of Wi-Fi and cellular network operators. While some advocate for shared use, others push for exclusive licensing, sparking a potential showdown.
The Wi-Fi Alliance and Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) have raised concerns in open letters to EU digital ministers. They fear that the upper 6 GHz band (6425 to 7125 MHz) might be restricted for Wi-Fi networks in the European Union. This is due to the advanced capabilities of newer Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, which can utilize the entire 6 GHz band for enhanced performance.
However, mobile operators are also vying for this spectrum for 5G and 6G network services. The European Commission's Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) is exploring ways to share the upper 6 GHz band between license-exempt technologies like Wi-Fi and mobile networks. The lower part of the band is already license-exempt, and Britain's telco regulator Ofcom is adopting a similar policy.
The Wi-Fi camp is concerned that the German government may have shifted its stance to favor exclusive mobile network use of the upper 6 GHz band. A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport stated that mobile network operators' frequency requirements in the upper 6 GHz band are deemed more critical for future 6G applications than those of Wi-Fi.
In response, the Wi-Fi Alliance and DSA are warning that limiting Wi-Fi access to the upper 6 GHz band would hinder Europe's digital progress. They argue that Wi-Fi is the primary internet access method for consumers, and restricting it would impact technological advancement.
The mobile telecoms industry, however, sees things differently. Vodafone has conducted tests in the upper 6 GHz frequencies, achieving impressive download speeds of up to 5 Gbps. They argue that the spectrum should be made available to boost cellular capacity when current bandwidth is exhausted.
Nokia and Swedish telco Telia also conducted a pilot deployment using the upper 6 GHz spectrum, claiming it can add massive capacity in built-up areas while achieving high throughput in suburban or rural regions. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) supports this stance, having allocated the upper 6 GHz band for cellular services at the World Radio Conference in 2023.
Interestingly, the U.S. telco regulator, the FCC, reserved the entire 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed operations in 2020. This decision leaves room for individual countries to determine their own spectrum allocation policies.
The outcome of this spectrum allocation debate will significantly impact Europe's digital landscape. All eyes are on the RSPG's upcoming Plenary Meeting on November 12th, where a decisive decision (if any) is expected. The European Commission aims to harmonize technical standards for the upper 6 GHz band, with a final report due from the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) in July 2027.
