Update on the 6 GHz band

The upper 6 GHz band (6425 to 7125 MHz) is currently used by a variety of services in the UK, including satellite services and radio astronomy.

There is now significant industry interest in its use for high power licensed mobile use, where it is due to be considered at the next World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) in 2023.

While Ofcom sees potential for consumer benefit from either higher-power licensed mobile or from lower-power Wi-Fi of the upper 6 GHz band, the case between the two is currently finely balanced.

Based on the balance of risks and opportunities, Ofcom favours a “no change” outcome to the upper 6GHz band in discussions at WRC-23, which will provide flexibility to respond to future market and industry developments.

This document sets out our rationale and supporting evidence to develop our position in WRC-23, which is informed by our wider work on mobile spectrum issues. We will be consulting on the use of the band in the UK at a later point, where we will invite feedback from all relevant stakeholders.

Update on the upper 6 GHz band: our current position in preparation for WRC-23 (PDF, 372.8 KB)