“Delays in 6GHz allocation block mobile network infrastructure”

The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has warned that the delay in decisions on the 6GHz spectrum band is blocking essential mobile network infrastructure as the world transitions from 5G networks to early 6G networks.

This is according to a statement released on Monday by GSMA director general Vivek Badrinath.

6 GHz is a radio frequency band used for wireless communications and can provide additional capacity for mobile networks.

The upper 6GHz band covers 6.425GHz to 7.125GHz and is considered valuable midband spectrum for mobile connectivity.

Badrinath explained that timely decisions on spectrum would give operators the certainty needed to invest in networks and expand capacity.

He noted that global mobile data traffic continues to grow, making additional mid-band spectrum increasingly important for future network development.

According to him, the mobile ecosystem is ready to deploy large-scale services in the upper 6 GHz band.

“The message from the mobile ecosystem is clear: we are ready to put the upper 6 GHz spectrum to serve consumers and businesses around the world,” he said.

Badrinath urged governments to translate international band harmonization into better connectivity by prioritizing full-power mobile services.

It warned that delayed decisions on spectrum could affect operators’ investment plans and slow the deployment of capacity needed to meet future demand.

The Director General highlighted that investment-friendly policies would help countries achieve their digital ambitions, while supporting efficient and inclusive mobile development.

He described the upper 6GHz as one of the most important opportunities to secure the capacity of next-generation mobile networks.

“Timely, pro-investment decisions are needed to give operators the certainty to invest and help countries realize their national digital ambitions,” he said.

Badrinath revealed that countries representing more than 80% of the world’s population now support mobile use of the upper 6GHz.

He explained that the band was harmonized for mobile use at the 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference.

According to him, international harmonization has enabled the upper 6 GHz to be incorporated into national spectrum roadmaps in several markets.

He noted that this is creating the scale needed to support a strong global ecosystem for mobile devices, chipsets and networking equipment.

Badrinath revealed that more than 60 mobile operators, device manufacturers, chipset manufacturers and network equipment suppliers have joined the industry’s call for implementation.

It added that the first allocations of spectrum above 6 GHz have already been completed, with further allocations expected in major regions.

The CEO identified Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas as regions where further assignments are expected as market demand develops.

Badrinath called on governments and regulators to include the entire upper 6 GHz band in clear and forward-looking national roadmaps.

It also urged policymakers to make bandwidth available for full-power mobile use of macrocells to meet growing connectivity needs.

The GSMA chief explained that full-power macrocellular networks could use the upper 6 GHz to provide valuable capacity throughout the city.

He noted that the additional spectrum would help operators manage increased data traffic while supporting the evolution of 5G-Advanced.

Badrinath says the bandwidth will also play an important role in the future rollout of 6G mobile networks.

He explained that channel bandwidths between 200 MHz and 400 MHz will be needed in the 6G era.

He says the bandwidth requirement highlights the strategic importance of the upper 6 GHz in preparing networks for the next generation.

“The upper 6 GHz represents one of the most important opportunities to secure the capacity needed for the next generation of mobile networks, creating a clear path from 5G-Advanced to 6G,” he said.

Badrinath stressed that spectrum allocations should be timely and market-driven, with balanced conditions that encourage operators to invest.

He explained that such an approach would enable efficient use of spectrum while supporting connectivity, innovation and economic growth.

The director general noted that the international framework for the upper 6 GHz is already in place and that the mobile ecosystem is ready for implementation.

He urged national politicians to act promptly, stressing that their decisions will determine whether the band becomes a cornerstone of future sustainable mobile connectivity.