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6 GHz for IMT

6 GHz marks the next step in mobile’s evolution. The upper band at 6.425-7.125 GHz is today harmonised across a footprint representing over 80% of the global population.

6 GHz provides city-wide capacity on existing network grids and may be used for 5G-Advanced or 6G. The upper band at 6.425-7.125 GHz is today harmonised across a footprint representing over 80% of the global population. Its capacity can provide connectivity to schools and hospitals, governments and industries, businesses and consumers.

REPORT:

6 GHz in APAC

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REPORT:

6 GHz in Europe

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REPORT:

6 GHz in LATAM

A city skyline with tall buildings and mountains in the background. The image features text discussing 6 GHz mobile evolution in LATAM, highlighting spectrum allocation for mobile and wireless use, the regulatory context surrounding 6 GHz mobile, and its impact on regional connectivity.

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Why 6 GHz matters and next steps

Timely availability of 6 GHz, at reasonable conditions and price, will drive cost-efficient network deployment, help lower the broadband usage gap and support digital inclusion.

Future evolution of mobile will be optimised for wider 200-400 MHz channels per operator and 6 GHz is one of the few spectrum bands that can support multiple operators at these channel sizes.

The 6 GHz band at 6.425-7.125 GHz should be made available at full power in clean, contiguous spectrum for licensed, mobile.

700 MHz of capacity in the upper 6 GHz band allows for wide-channel options that suit 5G-Advanced and 6G. The 6 GHz band can give two operators 350 MHz channels or three operators around 230 MHz.

2 x 350 MHz channels

6.425 GHz

7.125 GHz

3 x 230 MHz channels

Industry letter

Upper 6 GHz Readiness and the Future of Mobile

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6 GHz development principles

The research found that the outlook for the 6 GHz IMT ecosystem is robust, with the market aligned on the following principles:

Technical barriers

There are no technical barriers to developing, and commercialising, 6 GHz IMT solutions. Device and infrastructure solutions can operate in the band, just like any other.

Ecosystem readiness

Key players in device component and network infrastructure ecosystems are ready to develop 6 GHz IMT products in line with customer demand.

Development triggers

The main trigger for the commencement of product development will be operator demand, already driven by WRC-23 and national regulatory decisions.

Development timeline

The first commercially available devices, starting with CPEs, are expected to arrive in 2026.

The importance of 6 GHz and spectrum planning

Vivek Badrinath

Ecosystem readiness

Luiz Felippe Zoghbi

Spectrum planning and roadmaps

Ross Bateson

Spectrum for 6G

Further research

6 GHz CTO letter:
Essential Action for Europe’s Mobile Future

The Evolution of Mid-Band Mobile Spectrum in the US

6 GHz in Thailand

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Mobile Evolution in 6 GHz

A nighttime cityscape with glowing dots connected by light lines above the buildings, symbolising digital connectivity. The city is illuminated by streetlights and building lights, with a bright, winding road visible in the foreground—evoking the seamless flow of 6 GHz mobile networks weaving through urban life.

The 6 GHz IMT Ecosystem

A nighttime cityscape with illuminated skyscrapers and streets. White glowing dots and connecting lines are superimposed over the scene, symbolizing a digital network and connectivity across the urban environment.

6 GHz Readiness

More information on 6 GHz

Where are we now with 6 GHz?

Commercialising the 6 GHz IMT Ecosystem

6 GHz to dominate mobile capacity planning