Ofcom has published a consultation on its plans to expand access to the 6 GHz band for mobile and Wi-Fi services.

We commented previously on Ofcom’s work in relation to the 6 GHz band here. In June 2024, Ofcom published a document setting out its vision for the future of the Upper 6 GHz spectrum, stating that it wanted to see hybrid sharing between Wi-Fi and commercial mobile services.

The consultation develops Ofcom’s thinking further, and includes proposals both for the Lower and Upper 6 GHz bands.

Lower 6 GHz

Ofcom proposes to make standard power Wi-Fi (up to 4 Watts) available in the Lower 6 GHz band, including outdoors, provided it is under control of an Automated Frequency Coordination (“AFC”) database.

Under Ofcom’s plans, outdoor and standard power Wi-Fi access points would have to geolocate themselves and contact the AFC database to request permission to transmit. In turn, the AFC database would run checks to analyse the risk of interference and return a list of channels and power levels at which the access point may transmit. That way, Ofcom explains, incumbent services such as fixed links would be adequately protected from any interference. However, it is not proposed that the AFC database would coordinate between Wi-Fi installations or be involved with the protection of Wi-Fi from other users in the band.

The consultation invites views on the industry demand for this system, as well as how it might operate, including matters such as how to manage the approval process for AFC databases (for example, whether to rely on the process used by the Federal Communications Commission in the United States, or require it to be re-run entirely in the UK).

Upper 6 GHz

The plans for the Upper 6 GHz band involve its being shared by both Wi-Fi and commercial mobile.  Ofcom explains that this will ensure the greatest possible benefits for consumers whilst simultaneously being commercially attractive to Wi-Fi and mobile operators, both of whom want access to the band.

As set out last year, two options for the shared use of the band are considered.

First is a ‘prioritised spectrum split’ which would see Wi-Fi having priority in the lower portion of the upper band, and mobile having priority in the upper portion. If there was no risk of interference (i.e. only either Wi-Fi or mobile operated in an area), users would be able to access the other portion of the band.

The second option is an indoor/outdoor split which would involve Wi-Fi providing coverage indoors and mobile providing coverage outdoors (thereby freeing up capacity in other mobile bands to serve indoors).

Ofcom states that it is currently “leaning towards” the first option of a prioritised spectrum split. However, it will not make a final decision on which sharing option to adopt until work currently being undertaken in Europe on a harmonised approach has been concluded (which it expects to be in 2027).

Next Steps

The consultation closes on 8 May 2025, after which Ofcom will publish separate statements outlining its policy decisions. If it decides to proceed with its plans for the Lower 6 GHz band, final details will likely be set out in autumn this year.

As for plans for the Upper 6 GHz band, a phased approach is proposed whereby Wi-Fi would first be authorised (following a statement and consultations likely to be published in autumn this year), followed by consultations on policy proposals in relation to mobile once the outcome of the European harmonisation work has become clearer.

To read the consultation in full, click here.