The Global System for Mobile Communications Association has warned that delays in decisions on the 6GHz spectrum band are stalling essential mobile network infrastructure as the world transitions from 5G to early 6G networks.

This follows a statement by the GSM director-general, Vivek Badrinat, on Monday.

The 6GHz is a radio frequency band used for wireless communications and can add capacity to mobile networks. The upper 6GHz band covers 6.425GHz to 7.125GHz and is regarded as valuable mid-band spectrum for mobile connectivity.

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

He noted that global mobile data traffic was continuing to grow, making additional mid-band spectrum increasingly important for future network development. According to him, the mobile ecosystem is prepared to deploy services in the upper 6 GHz band at scale.

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

Mr Badrinath urged governments to translate international harmonisation of the band into improved connectivity by prioritising it for full-power mobile services.

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

The director-general stressed that pro-investment spectrum policies would help countries achieve their digital ambitions while supporting efficient and inclusive mobile development.

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

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

Mr Badrinath said countries representing more than 80 per cent of the world’s population now support mobile use of the upper 6GHz band. He explained that the band had been harmonised for mobile use at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023.

According to him, the international harmonisation has allowed upper 6 GHz to be incorporated into national spectrum roadmaps across several markets. He noted that this was creating the scale required to support a strong global ecosystem for mobile devices, chipsets and network equipment.

Mr Badrinath disclosed that more than 60 mobile operators, device manufacturers, chipset makers and network equipment providers had joined the industry’s call for deployment. He added that the first assignments of upper 6GHz spectrum had already been completed, with further awards expected across major regions.

The GSMA chief identified Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas as regions where additional assignments were expected as market demand developed. He called on governments and regulators to include the full upper 6 GHz band in clear and forward-looking national spectrum roadmaps.

Mr Badrinath also urged policymakers to make the band available for full-power macro-cell mobile use to meet growing connectivity needs, explaining that full-power macro-cell networks could use the upper 6GHz to provide valuable city-wide capacity.

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

Mr Badrinath maintained that the band would also play an important role in the future introduction of 6G mobile networks. He explained that channel bandwidths of between 200MHz and 400MHz would be required during the 6G era.

According to him, the bandwidth requirement underscores the strategic importance of the upper 6GHz band in preparing networks for the next generation.

“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.

Mr Badrinath stressed that spectrum assignments should be timely and market-driven, with balanced conditions that encouraged operators to invest. He explained that this approach would enable efficient spectrum use while supporting connectivity, innovation and economic growth.

He noted that the international framework for the upper 6GHz band was already in place and the mobile ecosystem was ready for deployment, and urged national policymakers to act promptly, stressing that their decisions would determine whether the band became a cornerstone of sustainable future mobile connectivity.

(NAN)