The global adoption of the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi is in the spotlight. The 6 GHz spectrum, ranging from 5.925 to 7.125 GHz, offers a significant bandwidth of 1,200 MHz, making it an attractive option for Wi-Fi’s growth. This frequency is being considered as a key enabler for new wireless technologies across different regions.
Just a year ago, the World Radio Conference discussed harmonizing mid-band spectrum globally. During the conference, Broadcom’s Director of Technology Strategy, Christopher Szymanski, pointed out inconsistencies in the spectrum allocation process. Recently, Szymanski reiterated the need for a minimum of three 320 MHz channels per market for optimal Wi-Fi performance.
In EMEA, the 6425-7125 MHz band has been earmarked for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), although it’s also essential for deploying Radio Local Area Networks (RLANs) like Wi-Fi. The UAE has already allocated this band for IMT, which Szymanski criticizes as premature due to the lack of supporting market infrastructure for 6 GHz IMT. He noted, “This appears to be premature. There is no market yet for 6 GHz IMT.”
Europe is extensively studying the technical details that would allow Wi-Fi and IMT to coexist. Experts propose managing this through indoor and outdoor use-separation or utilizing frequency coordination databases. Szymanski believes, “Indoor Wi-Fi and outdoor IMT shows the most promise.” Yet, if technical conditions don’t suffice, a spectrum split might be necessary, potentially offering Wi-Fi another 320 MHz channel.
In the Americas, only Brazil and Mexico have designated the upper 6 GHz range for IMT post-conference. Brazil’s regulatory body, ANATEL, aims to revise current regulations for this band. However, this move raises concerns about existing enterprise investments in full-band Wi-Fi infrastructure. Unlike Brazil and Mexico, upper 6 GHz developments in the rest of the Americas remain stagnant for now.
Asia-Pacific countries have diverse strategies post-WRC. While APAC secured the 7025-7125 MHz band for IMT, Kazakhstan stands out for adopting the full 5925-7125 MHz for Wi-Fi, reflecting its progressive stance. Conversely, in Hong Kong, operators found the spectrum auction premature due to the absence of 6 GHz user equipment, highlighting the challenges of quickly implementing the new spectrum for IMT.
According to the Wi-Fi Alliance, numerous countries have embraced the full 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi use, although some still consider partial allocations. As for countries insisting on IMT identification within this spectrum, there’s a growing need to allocate additional space for Wi-Fi.