Allocation of the 6GHz Spectrum Finalized
The WRC-23 (World Radiocommunication Conference 2023) recently concluded in Dubai, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aiming to coordinate global spectrum usage.
The ownership of the 6GHz spectrum was the focal point of worldwide attention.
The conference decided: To allocate the 6.425-7.125GHz band (700MHz bandwidth) for mobile services, specifically for 5G mobile communications.
What is 6GHz?
6GHz refers to the spectrum range from 5.925GHz to 7.125GHz, with a bandwidth up to 1.2GHz. Previously, the allocated mid-to-low frequency spectra for mobile communications already had dedicated usage, with only the application of the 6GHz spectrum remaining unclear. The initial defined upper limit of Sub-6GHz for 5G was 6GHz, above which is mmWave. With the expected 5G lifecycle extension and grim commercial prospects for mmWave, formally incorporating 6GHz is crucial for 5G’s next phase of development.
3GPP has already standardized the upper half of 6GHz, specifically 6.425-7.125MHz or 700MHz, in Release 17, also known as U6G with the frequency band designation n104.
Wi-Fi has also been vying for 6GHz. With Wi-Fi 6E, 6GHz has been included in the standard. As shown below, with 6GHz, Wi-Fi bands will expand from 600MHz in 2.4GHz and 5GHz to 1.8GHz, and 6GHz will support up to 320MHz bandwidth for a single carrier in Wi-Fi.
According to a report by the Wi-Fi Alliance, Wi-Fi currently provides most network capacity, making 6GHz the future of Wi-Fi. The demands from mobile communications for 6GHz are unreasonable since much spectrum remains unused.
In recent years, there have been three viewpoints on the 6GHz ownership: First, fully allocate it to Wi-Fi. Second, fully allocate it to mobile communications (5G). Third, split it equally between the two.
As can be seen on the Wi-Fi Alliance website, countries in the Americas have mostly allocated the entire 6GHz to Wi-Fi, while Europe leans toward allocating the lower portion to Wi-Fi. Naturally, the remaining upper portion goes to 5G.
The WRC-23 decision can be considered confirmation of the established consensus, achieving a win-win between 5G and Wi-Fi through mutual competition and compromise.
Although this decision may not impact the US market, it does not prevent 6GHz from becoming a global universal band. Moreover, the relatively low frequency of this band makes achieving outdoor coverage similar to 3.5GHz not too difficult. 5G will usher in a second wave of construction peak.
According to GSMA’s forecast, this next wave of 5G construction will start in 2025, marking the second half of 5G: 5G-A. We look forward to the surprises 5G-A will bring.
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Post time: Jan-05-2024