6 GHz 5G spectrum can play a central role in sustainable social and industrial development. With its ability to offer high-capacity, city-wide 5G, mid-band spectrum plays a core role in delivering 5G networks all over the world. It will account for almost 65% of the overall socio-economic value generated by 5G.
For mobile to flourish, each country needs 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum to meet demand by 2030. This is a challenging goal and governments around the world need to make a carefully considered decision as to what the most efficient use of 6 GHz spectrum will be.
The World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023 (WRC-23) defined the international harmonisation of 6 GHz spectrum. Support for 6 GHz at WRC-23 from countries representing 60% of the global population showed the scope for ecosystem scale, and more countries are expected to join the global harmonisation at WRC-27.
The GSMA supports government and industry working together to support the full development of 6 GHz for mobile. We believe that:
- 6 GHz capacity is required to support increasing customer demand at speeds outlined in the International Telecommunication Union’s vision for 5G. It will also be required for the future evolution of mobile.
- Mobile networks are already densified, but 6 GHz can enable the growth of sustainable mobile capacity on existing macro-cell sites.
- 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.
- Mobile networks will need, on average, 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum per country by 2030. This is challenging to achieve without 6 GHz.
- The 6 GHz band at 6.425-7.125 GHz should be made available for licensed, macro-cell mobile.
Follow the latest developments on 6 GHz in our blog section here.
