Europe’s telecom operators are gaining ground in the battle for control over the upper 6GHz spectrum, a crucial frequency range for the development of next-generation 6G networks. An advisory body to the European Commission is supporting the allocation of most of this spectrum to telecom carriers, despite strong opposition from major tech companies, Reuters news report said.
The dispute involves major European telecom operators such as Deutsche Telekom, Orange, TIM, and Vodafone facing off against global tech giants including Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft over access to key spectrum resources.
By 2030, Europe is projected to have about 80 percent of mobile connections on 5G from 30 percent at the end of 2024, GSMA report said.
Here are the ten main points summarizing this key development.
1. European Commission advisory body backs telecoms
The Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG), an advisory body to the European Commission, has proposed allocating the majority of the upper 6GHz spectrum to telecom operators, marking a major policy direction in Europe’s future wireless strategy.
2. Telecoms and tech giants in conflict
Telecom operators including Deutsche Telekom, Orange, TIM, and Vodafone have been competing against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft, who also seek control over the same spectrum band for wi-fi and digital services.
3. Spectrum critical for 6G development
Telecom operators argue that the upper 6GHz spectrum is essential for 6G mobile networks. Without access to this band, Europe could lag behind the United States and Asia in rolling out next-generation mobile technology.
4. Tech companies defend wi-fi expansion
Technology firms emphasize that the 6GHz band is vital for improving wi-fi performance, which underpins many connected devices, cloud services, and emerging digital applications.
5. 540 MHz allocated to mobile operators
The RSPG has recommended that 540 MHz of the upper 6GHz band be assigned to mobile operators, ensuring they have sufficient mid-band spectrum for future 6G deployment.
6. 160 MHz reserved for wi-fi
The remaining 160 MHz portion will be temporarily held for potential wi-fi usage. Its final allocation will be decided after the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in 2027.
7. Decision aligned with international coordination
The European decision will be coordinated with the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), which oversees regulatory and technical standards across 46 countries.
8. CEPT to define usage conditions
CEPT will determine how telecom operators can use the allocated 540 MHz spectrum, ensuring consistency across member states and preventing interference between services.
9. Global differences in 6GHz usage
While Europe leans toward mobile use, countries like the United States, Canada, and South Korea have already opened most of the 6GHz spectrum for wi-fi, highlighting regional policy differences in digital infrastructure development.
10. 6G expected to launch in 2030s
Experts project commercial 6G services to emerge in the early 2030s. The spectrum decisions made today will shape how Europe competes in global connectivity, innovation, and digital leadership over the next decade.
RSPG’s proposal to allocate most of the 6GHz spectrum to telecom operators marks a pivotal step in shaping the continent’s 6G future. The balance between mobile and wi-fi services remains a contentious issue, with the final outcome dependent on global coordination at the 2027 WRC.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
