The news agency reports that the remaining160MHz of the available block will be frozen until the WRC-2027 when it could be allocated for Wi-Fi
According to Reuters, Europe’s operators are about to win access to most of the 6GHz spectrum that internet providers are also been keen to access. It is one of the last remaining large blocks of unallocated spectrum in the mid range.
Deutsche Telekom, Europe’s biggest operator group, and other operators have been pushing for more spectrum for mobile services, arguing that otherwise it will fall behind the US in the deployment of 6G: the first commercial services are expected to launch in 2030.
Other technology groups and tech companies claim the spectrum is essential for Wi-Fi and future digital services and products. Countries including the US, Canada and South Korea have already allocated portions of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi.
Both parties have argued that the 6GHz spectrum should be for their use solely.
The Radio Spectrum Policy Group met in Brussels last week and will shortly publish the opinion that 540MHz of the 6GHz band should go to mobile operators, Reuters says, citing unnamed sources.
UPDATE: On 17 November, the group’s opinion confirms that either 665 or 700 MHz of spectrum within the 6.425-7.250 GHz range will be designated for mobile use. This can allow for the minimum of 200 MHz per operators that will be required for 6G launches (6G will operate in 200-400 MHz channels). GSMA said, “it marks a positive step toward building a robust spectrum roadmap for the launch of 6G in Europe”.
The remaining 160MHz, which could be granted for Wi-Fi use, will be frozen until the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 which is run every four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The 2023 conference rather fudged the issue due to a lack of consensus.
The policy group’s opinion will be sent to the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), which comprises 46 countries that cooperate on regulatory and technical standardisation issues.
It will be up to CEPT to define how mobile operators can use the 540MHz, one of the sources said.
