Presenting an evidence base
for enabling licence-exempt
access to the 6 GHz band (5925-7125 MHz)
WELCOME
Since 2017, the Wi-Fi community has been advocating for access to new mid-band spectrum in support of the latest licence-exempt technologies, applications and services.
The Wi-Fi community strongly supports opening the
6 GHz band (5925-7125 MHz), while ensuring protection to incumbent services, predominantely fixed satellite and fixed services.
Multiple jurisdictions around the world are making all, or part of, the 6 GHz band available on a licence-exempt basis, while others have consultations pending. Standards and certifications are completed, and a variety of licence-exempt 6 GHz equipment is now available on the market.
This resource base has been developed on behalf of the
6 GHz Coalition, which is supported by multiple Wi-Fi ecosystem companies.
It hosts a range of resources, including from global associations The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance and
Wi-Fi Alliance, to support policymakers as they consider how to best enable access to the 6 GHz band
(5925-7125 MHz) to achieve national broadband goals and maximise economic benefits for society.
ENABLING WI-FI IN 6 GHZ
Wi-Fi is critical
for connectivity
An essential part of broadband delivery, there are now over 16 billion Wi-Fi devices in use globally. Wi-Fi enables businesses to get work done and people to get online in urban, suburban and rural areas. A new generation of Wi-Fi / Wi-Fi 6E can enable a raft of new applications bringing both social and economic benefits.
Need for licence-exempt
access to 6 GHz
Companies can harness licence-exempt spectrum to develop new services. The current Wi-Fi bands
(2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) do not provide the contiguous blocks of spectrum for wider channels that will enable Wi-Fi 6E to deliver optimal performance for speed and latency. With appropriate rules Wi-Fi can co-exist with fixed systems and other existing users of 6 GHz spectrum.
Realise the full potential of
the entire 6 GHz band
There is an urgent need to provide licence-exempt access to the full 1200 MHz of the 6 GHz band to meet the ever increasing demands for broadband services and applications. Wi-Fi 6E standards are complete, equipment is on the market and ready to use, plus authorising licence-exempt spectrum in the entire band would benefit mobile offload and backhaul.
GLOBAL PROGRESS TOWARDS
LICENCE-EXEMPT ACCESS TO THE 6 GHZ BAND
In many countries, the entire band (5925-7125 MHz) is now available.
Data correct as of 5th June 2023
Data correct as of 23rd Mar 2023.
Wi-Fi 6E Insights Newsletter
Published by the Wi-Fi Alliance, this newsletter features a comprehensive round up of global regulatory progress towards licence-exempt access to the 6 GHz band.
Download the latest issue here or visit Wi-Fi 6E Insights Newsletter to find past issues.
RESOURCES
Infographics and FAQ
Regionally focused infographics clearly outline the importance of allowing licence-exempt access to the entire 6 GHz band now, as well as explaining how satellite and Wi-Fi can co-exist, harnessing the 6 GHz band to bring broadband to underserved areas.
The Case for Licence-exempt 6 GHz spectrum
MHZ Spectrum: The case for ‘No Change’
The Risks of an IMT Identification
Why Wi-Fi needs the full 1200 MHz
The rapid role out of Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6E – A Game Changer for Education
6 GHz infographic,
Africa
6 GHz infographic,
Europe
6 GHz infographic,
Middle East
6 GHz
Q&A
Satellite and Wi-Fi can share 6 GHz band
DSA: Ensuring Wi-Fi connectivity in Europe
Reports and Analysis
Shorter Reads explain policy issues and options related to enabling licence-exempt access to the 6 GHz band. Some are summaries of analytical reports. Longer Reads provide a detailed and well researched evidence to support decision making.
Shorter Reads
DSA report summary: 6 GHz licence-exempt. Why the full 1200 MHz and why now?
SenzaFili and Intel:Wifi7 –
The next generation in the evolution of Wi-Fi.
Policy Impact Partners: Spectrum Efficiency at 6 GHz – What to consider
Longer Reads
DSA White Paper: How do Europeans connect to the internet?
White Paper:
How to realise the full
potential of 6 GHz Spectrum
DSA report: 6 GHz licence-exempt. Why the full 1200 MHz and why now?
Wi-Fi Alliance study:
Global Economic Value
of Wi-Fi®
DSA: Accessing the economic value of unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band in Indonesia
DSA: Accessing the economic value of unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band in South Africa
DSA: Accessing the economic value of unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band in Nigeria
DSA: Accessing the economic value of unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band in Kenya
DSA: Valor economico de
6 GHz en Argentina
DSA: Valor economico de
6 GHz en Ecuador
Sean F. Ennis: Advantages of
license-exempt spectrum
Technical Briefings
In-depth analysis of specific technical issues.
Aruba: With Wi-Fi 6E, is it time to considera layered network approach?
Aruba: Technical guide to Wi-Fi 6E and the 6 GHz band
Policy Impact Partners: Analysis of Wi-Fi 6E and 5G Spectrum Efficiency at 6 GHz
SenzaFill: Sharing access to the upper 6 GHz band
Podcasts and Videos
Wi-Fi Alliance: Wi-Fi 6E: Expanding Wi-Fi into
6 GHz Spectrum (English)
Intel Technology: Wi-Fi 6E
Congestion Video Call
Intel Technology: Wi-Fi 6E Congestion Gaming Demo Video
MEDIA RESOURCES
Wi-Fi Facts and Figures
Wi-Fi Facts and Figures:
Arab States
Wi-Fi Facts and Figures:
Africa
Wi-Fi Facts and Figures:
Europe
BLOG
Europe’s Top Telcos Turn to Wi-Fi
Europe’s leading telecom operators are relying heavily on Wi-Fi to bring sustainable high-speed connectivity to their customers.
Wi-Fi – the Engine of the Internet Age
New analysis further strengthens the case for making the full 6 GHz band licence-exempt. As Internet traffic rises inexorably, the case for making...
A Critical Time for Connectivity
As they ponder the future of the 6 GHz band, policymakers need a clear view of how we connect today. The coming months could prove pivotal to the...