Consultation: Expanding access to the 6 GHz band for commercial mobile and Wi-Fi services

Upper 6 GHz (6425–7125 MHz) has been identified for use by both Wi-Fi and mobile services. Today we have published a consultation to authorise both services to use the band through sharing. We are also consulting on authorising standard power Wi-Fi to use Lower 6 GHz (5925–6425 MHz) using an AFC database, including outdoors, if there is sufficient interest from industry. 

In May 2024, we published our vision for the Upper 6 GHz band, stating that we want to see sharing between mobile and Wi-Fi to unlock the maximum possible benefits of the band to all band users. As we work with international partners to push for harmonised standards of this, we are proposing to introduce low-power, indoor Wi-Fi into the band as early as is feasible - ideally by the end of 2025. We are further proposing to introduce mobile into the band later, once European harmonisation is more mature. We will introduce sharing mechanisms to facilitate coexistence between both services. We believe that this phased approach will maximise the benefits to citizens and consumers, allowing Wi-Fi to seed the market with devices capable of using Upper 6 GHz, and providing greater certainty to both services.

We also are seeking input on industry demand for authorising standard-power Wi-Fi (including outdoor use) using an AFC database, which we believe should help meet demand for outdoor use-cases such as stadiums. 

Responding to this consultation

Please submit responses using the response form (ODT, 101.21 KB) no later than 5pm 8 May 2025.