Ofcom has published an update on its current position on access to the upper 6 GHz band for mobile services.

Ofcom says that wireless broadband traffic has grown significantly over the last decade, and it expects this to continue. The upper 6 GHz band has generated interest from industry to support this ongoing traffic growth, either by licensed mobile use or low power Wi-Fi under licence-exemption. The next World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) in 2023 will discuss any future identification of the band.

Ofcom sees potential benefits for consumer benefit from either higher-power licensed mobile or from lower-power Wi-Fi of the upper 6 GHz band, but the case between the two is currently finely balanced.

Based on the balance of risks and opportunities, Ofcom says that it currently favours a “no change” outcome to the upper 6 GHz band in discussions at WRC-23, which will provide flexibility to respond to future market and industry developments.

This will not, however, preclude Ofcom from making the band available for licensed mobile use in the future. The regulator says that it will consult on proposals for the future use of the band in the UK at a later date. To access Ofcom’s update on the 6GHz band, click here.