techUK Webinar: Ofcom Sharing Upper 6GHz Consultation

11am – 12pm 22 May 2025 Online

Join techUK’s Communications Infrastructure and Services team for an in-depth discussion on our response to Ofcom’s consultation regarding expanded access to the 6 GHz band for commercial mobile and Wi-Fi services. This timely consultation comes at a critical moment in the evolution of wireless communications, as technologies such as 5G continue to advance and the groundwork for 6G is being laid.

The session will delve into the key questions raised by Ofcom and outline the rationale behind techUK’s recommendations. We aim to reflect the diverse views and priorities of our members, acknowledging the varying preferences around access to the Upper 6 GHz band for both International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and Wi-Fi. As demand grows for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity, ensuring efficient use of the radio spectrum has never been more important.

Background

Mobile and Wi-Fi technologies are evolving rapidly. Commercial 6G deployments, expected by 2030, will depend on access to a mix of spectrum bands to deliver the ultra-reliable and responsive services envisioned. In parallel, Wi-Fi is making significant strides, with Wi-Fi 6E already improving speed and capacity and Wi-Fi 7 poised to further enhance efficiency. Wi-Fi 8 will introduce features such as deterministic performance and advanced spectrum management, opening doors to innovative applications in healthcare, education, public services, and industry.

As the primary means of internet access for many households and businesses, Wi-Fi’s social and economic importance continues to grow. However, realising the full potential of both mobile and Wi-Fi services hinges on timely and fair access to suitable spectrum. At the same time, it is essential to safeguard incumbent users of the Upper 6 GHz band. Fixed links, which play a critical role in supporting the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), must be protected from potential performance degradation caused by new sharing arrangements. Moreover, the continued interference-free operation of the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) feeder-links, particularly in the 6425–6575 MHz range, is vital for delivering safety services globally and within the UK.

Objectives

Ofcom’s consultation is therefore pivotal to shaping the UK's digital future. The decisions made today on spectrum allocation and coexistence strategies will directly impact national competitiveness, innovation, and the availability of cutting-edge connectivity for citizens and businesses.

This event will provide an opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in balancing innovation with protection of existing services, and how the UK can adopt a regulatory approach that supports both.

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Future Telecoms is techUK’s exploration of what the connectivity of tomorrow will look like. We will highlight the criticality of communications to our future prosperity and economic growth, and how the future telecoms ecosystem acts as the engine of innovation. Visit our Future Telecoms Hub to learn more or to register for regular updates.

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