{"id":14271,"date":"2026-02-05T17:09:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T17:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/connectivity-for-good\/spectrum\/?page_id=14271"},"modified":"2026-05-14T13:52:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T12:52:05","slug":"6-ghz-for-imt","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/connectivity-for-good\/spectrum\/6-ghz-for-imt\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of 6 GHz to Mobile Evolution"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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6 GHz for IMT<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

6 GHz marks the next step in mobile\u2019s evolution. The upper band at 6.425-7.125 GHz is today harmonised across a footprint representing over 80% of the global population. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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REPORT:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mobile Evolution in
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REPORT:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

6 GHz IMT Ecosystem
Demand Drives Scale<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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STATEMENT:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Where are we with upper 6 GHz readiness?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why 6 GHz matters and next steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The 6 GHz band at 6.425-7.125 GHz should be made available at full power in clean, contiguous spectrum for licensed, mobile.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2 x 350 MHz channels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6.425 GHz<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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7.125 GHz<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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3 x 230 MHz channels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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LinkedIn Live<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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The Importance of 6 GHz to Mobile Evolution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wed, 27 Nov | 12:30 (GMT)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Watch the recording<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
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Rodrigo C. Gebrim<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anatel<\/p>\n\n\n

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Kalvin Bahia<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GSMA Intelligence<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6 GHz development principles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The research found that the outlook for the 6 GHz IMT ecosystem is robust, with the market aligned on the following principles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Technical barriers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ecosystem readiness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key players in device component and network infrastructure ecosystems are ready to develop 6 GHz IMT products in line with customer demand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Development triggers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main trigger for the commencement of product development will be operator demand, already driven by WRC-23 and national regulatory decisions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Development timeline<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first commercially available devices, starting with CPEs, are expected to arrive in 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The importance of 6 GHz and spectrum planning<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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