The CTOs of Major Operators Warn: Without Sufficient Mobile Spectrum, Europe Could Fall Behind in the Global Race for Next-Generation Connectivity.
The Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) of leading European telecommunications operators, including Telefónica, have signed an open letter to the authorities of the European Union and national governments urging urgent action: ensure the full availability of the upper 6 GHz band for mobile networks, crucial for the future deployment of 6G on the continent.
This request comes at a pivotal moment. On the brink of a new technological revolution, operators warn that the lack of mid-band spectrum for 6G could severely limit Europe’s ability to lead the global connectivity ecosystem and provide advanced mobile services to citizens and businesses.
6G Needs Spectrum… and Europe Has Yet to Define It
The CTOs remind us that the only available mid-band spectrum in Europe is the upper 6 GHz band (6425–7125 MHz). Its allocation to mobile networks would be essential to maintaining the continent’s digital competitiveness.
Other globally considered bands are occupied in Europe by military and strategic uses, and repurposing the spectrum currently assigned to 4G and 5G is not viable: those frequencies will still be needed to maintain current services.
Thus, operators believe that if the entire 700 MHz available in the 6 GHz band is not allocated to mobile use, 6G in Europe will be born limited, with inefficient networks, reduced coverage, and lost scale compared to other regions like the United States, South Korea, or China.
“Without full availability of the upper 6 GHz, any 6G service in this band will be significantly limited, jeopardizing Europe’s opportunity to lead the global deployment,” the letter warns.
Wi-Fi or 6G? A False Dichotomy
Part of the European debate revolves around whether this band should be reserved to extend Wi-Fi capacity. However, operators counter with data: the EU already freed 480 MHz of the lower part of the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use in 2021, which is not being fully utilized, even in high-demand residential or business scenarios.
Moreover, new technologies like FTTR (Fiber to the Room) and the use of smart access points enable Wi-Fi performance to increase without requiring more spectrum. In contrast, denying the upper 6 GHz to 6G would block the development of high-capacity, low-power mobile networks, essential for industrial, autonomous, or critical applications.
Europe Needs a Clear Roadmap
The Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG), an advisory body of the European Commission, will publish its draft opinion on the use of this band in June. The final version will be issued in November. Operators urge the RSPG to act decisively and clearly, avoiding further uncertainty.
The RSPG itself acknowledged in its 6G Strategic Vision the difficulties in finding new spectrum in Europe. Therefore, operators deem it essential that the group recommends in its next work plan (2026–2027) the full availability of the upper 6 GHz for high-power mobile deployments, as already outlined in other regions.
Digital Sovereignty at Stake
Access to spectrum is not just a technical issue. According to the CTOs, connectivity is the foundation upon which European digital leadership is built. Without it, digital service developers, smart industries, autonomous systems, and critical networks will not reach their potential.
Operators reiterate their commitment to investing in and deploying new technologies but warn that the lack of a common strategic vision regarding spectrum could jeopardize competitiveness, innovation, and employment in Europe.
The message is clear: Europe cannot lead the next generation of connectivity if it does not ensure, today, the resources it will need tomorrow. The decision regarding the 6 GHz band will be a key test of European technological ambition.
via: Telefónica, GSMA