Statement: Improving spectrum access for wifi – spectrum use in the 5 and 6 GHz bands

Statement published 24 July 2020

Spectrum provides the radio waves that support wireless services used by people and businesses every day, including Wi-Fi. We are reviewing our existing regulations for spectrum for unlicensed use to meet future demand, address existing problems of slow speeds and congestion, and enable new, innovative applications.

People and businesses in the UK are increasingly using Wi-Fi to support everyday activities and new applications are driving demand for faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. To meet this growing demand, we are proposing to increase the amount of spectrum available for Wi-Fi and other related wireless technologies, and to remove certain technical conditions that currently apply.

We have decided to:

• Make the lower 6 GHz band (5925-6425 MHz) available for Wi-Fi and other RLAN technologies.
• The release of this spectrum will also enable very low power (VLP) outdoor use.
• Remove the Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) requirements from channels used by Wi-Fi in the 5.8 GHz band (5725-5850 MHz).