EU Frequency Group: Upper 6 GHz Band Needed for 6G, WLAN Loses Out

The Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) published its long-awaited recommendation on Monday for the future use of the upper part of the 6 GHz band (6425 to 7125 MHz) in Europe. This spectrum is highly sought after as it represents a large "data highway" urgently needed for new mobile communication standards like 6G as well as for high-performance wireless local area networks (WLAN). It is the only remaining large frequency portion in the mid-band available for high capacity.

The EU Commission's frequency advisory body attempts to balance the interests of licensed mobile communication and unlicensed WLAN systems on 28 pages. At the same time, it wants to protect existing radio services that currently use these frequencies. The core of the recommendation is a clear division of the band, with each side being assigned its own priority area.

The upper part of the spectrum in the range of 6585 to 7125 MHz is to be according to the RSPG primarily allocated to mobile communication. Mobile communication operators can thus use this area to expand their networks and introduce new technologies like 6G. However, the experts also support WLAN systems potentially using this area – but only if they do not interfere with mobile communication.

In this regard, the RSPG advocates for non-prioritized use: If mobile communication requires the space, WLAN would have to yield. Individual countries in Europe will also be allowed to decide for themselves whether they permit this co-use by such wireless radio networks. Furthermore, 160 MHz could potentially be released for WLAN from the end of 2027.

Sharp Criticism from Associations

The group sees the lower part of the band (6425 to 6585 MHz) mainly as a kind of protection strip. It is intended to prevent mobile communication signals or signals from the upper part of the band from interfering with activities in the lower part (5945 to 6425 MHz), which the Commission has already released for WLAN. The goal is to secure existing WLAN spectrum.

In addition, the RSPG wants to ensure that important existing users are not affected. This includes point-to-point radio links from companies and government agencies, satellite communication, and scientific applications. In particular, a small sub-band (6650 to 6675.2 MHz) is to be preserved for radio astronomy, as important measurements of star formation are carried out there. For Earth observation satellites that collect sea surface temperature data in this band, Europe is looking for alternative frequencies in the long term.

The RSPG line serves as a recommendation for the Commission in establishing binding usage conditions in the Frequency Committee, which are then implemented in the member states. The German government, contrary to an appeal from associations and companies from the broadband, energy, and municipal sectors, advocated in the committee for allocating the entire upper 6 GHz frequency band primarily to mobile communication.

The lobby groups Breko, BDEW, and VKU are now calling on the Commission to critically review the RSPG's decision. They argue that it should "in the interest of society, the economy, and educational institutions, ensure even now that 320 MHz are available for license-free WLAN use in the upper 6 GHz band." Otherwise, the new Wi-Fi 7 standard might not reach its full potential. Mobile communication use, on the other hand, would only be feasible in densely populated areas.

(vbr)