GSMA Urges Global Governments to License 6 GHz Spectrum for 5G
Recently, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) has issued a strong appeal to governments worldwide to allocate the 6 GHz mid-band spectrum for licensed 5G use. The association warns that failure to reach a global consensus on this critical spectrum could jeopardize the future scalability, performance, and economic impact of 5G networks.
According to the GSMA, regulatory approaches to the 6 GHz band remain fragmented:
- China has committed the entire 1200 MHz (5925–7125 MHz) exclusively to 5G.
- Europe has split the band: the upper portion (6425–7125 MHz) is under consideration for 5G, while a new 500 MHz segment is being opened for Wi-Fi.
- Africa and parts of the Middle East are adopting a similar split approach.
- In contrast, the United States and much of Latin America have allocated the entire 6 GHz band (5925–7125 MHz) to unlicensed uses like Wi-Fi, with no provision for 5G.
Why the 6 GHz Band Matters for 5G
The GSMA emphasizes that the 6 GHz mid-band spectrum is essential to unlock 5G’s full potential—delivering the high capacity, low latency, and widespread coverage required for advanced applications in:
- Smart factories and Industry 4.0
- Intelligent transportation systems
- Smart cities and public infrastructure
- Affordable, high-speed mobile broadband
According to analysis by Coleago Consulting, operators will need approximately 2 GHz of additional mid-band spectrum</strong over the next decade to meet surging data demands and realize 5G’s promised capabilities.
“5G has the potential to boost the world’s GDP by $2.2 trillion,” said John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer at the GSMA. “But there is a clear threat to this growth if sufficient 6 GHz spectrum is not made available for 5G. Clarity and certainty are essential to fostering the massive, long-term investments in this critical infrastructure.”
GSMA’s Global Spectrum Recommendation
To balance innovation, investment, and coexistence, the GSMA calls on governments to:
- Make the upper 6 GHz band (6425–7125 MHz) available for licensed 5G services globally.
- Protect existing fixed wireless backhaul operations in this range.
- Consider opening the lower 6 GHz segment (5925–6425 MHz) for license-exempt, technology-neutral uses (e.g., Wi-Fi), depending on national needs, incumbent services, and fiber availability.
This balanced approach, the GSMA argues, would support both mobile network evolution and unlicensed innovation—while ensuring that 5G can fulfill its role as a foundational pillar of the digital economy.
