Federal users of spectrum in the 7.125-7.4 GHz band must use 2026 to plan the relocation of services to free this spectrum up for “full-power commercial 6G use”
US President Donald Trump is determined to “ensure America’s leadership in 6G development”. To this end, in late December, federal users of 7.125-7.4 GHz frequencies were instructed they must relocate their services from this spectrum.
A White House memo gave them 12 months to “submit relocation plans that protect national security missions while freeing this prime spectrum for American industry” so it can be used “full-power commercial 6G use”.
The President also called for an “immediate study of two other critical spectrum bands – 2.69-2.9 GHz and 4.4-4.94 GHz – as part of an effort to free up even more spectrum for full-power commercial 6G use”.
In addition, he instructed the US Secretary of State “and other members of the Administration to advance American leadership in 6G through diplomatic engagements”. That will be worth watching.
Meanwhile, although specs for the RAN and system architecture are to be included in 3GPP’s Release 21, the organisation is yet to decide even the timeline for 6G specifications. It is expected that a schedule will be agreed by June 2026 and that dedicated RAN and system architecture work groups will be in full swing from March 2027 or thereabouts. The release cycle is normally takes 18 months or so – all in all, plenty of time for US’ federal users to have shifted their services elsewhere.
