The tests conducted by Telefónica Germany demonstrate that, with the right regulation, the upper 6 GHz band can provide tangible benefits to society, accelerating the arrival of advanced 5G and laying the groundwork for 6G.
The upper 6 GHz band (6425–7125 MHz) has become one of the most relevant topics in the global discussion on radio spectrum. Its potential role in the future of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) is undeniable, especially given the urgent need for more mid-band spectrum for next-generation mobile networks.
Results from recent field tests conducted by Telefónica Germany (O₂) have confirmed what theoretical models already suggested: this band can offer mobile performance comparable to traditionally licensed spectrum, but with additional advantages in efficiency, coverage, and scalability. However, for these benefits to materialize on a large scale, it will be essential for the band to be officially recognized for IMT mobile services in international forums such as the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23).
Real-world tests: 6 GHz serving the end user
Telefónica Germany conducted trials in urban environments to evaluate the behavior of mobile networks using carriers in the upper 6 GHz band. The results showed:
- High data transmission speeds in real conditions, comparable to that of the 3.5 GHz spectrum.
- Efficient coverage in dense environments, outperforming higher frequencies (such as mmWave) in penetration and stability.
- Ability to operate with wide bandwidths, allowing for higher peak speeds and support for more simultaneous connections.
These tests reinforce the viability of the 6 GHz band as a cornerstone of the evolution from 5G to 5G Advanced and as a launchpad for the future 6G standard.
The key lies with WRC-23: decisions that will shape a decade
At the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), organized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), member countries will need to make a critical decision: whether to identify the upper 6 GHz band as part of the IMT spectrum. This identification would allow mobile operators to deploy commercial networks in that band under harmonized regulatory frameworks with guarantees for exclusive or priority use.
Telefónica, along with other European operators and industry associations, has urged national and international regulators to support this identification under appropriate technical conditions that would allow for:
- Deployment of high-power mobile networks (macrocells).
- Maximizing spectral efficiency through the use of carriers of up to 200 MHz.
- Ensuring international interoperability, preventing fragmentation of the 6G ecosystem.
Tangible social benefits
If allocated correctly, the 6 GHz band could provide direct benefits to millions of citizens. Some of the expected impacts include:
- Increased network capacity for densely populated areas, reducing congestion.
- Improved user experience: lower latency, higher speeds, and stable connections.
- Reduction of the digital divide in urban and rural areas through fixed wireless access (FWA) technologies.
- Boost to critical services such as connected vehicles, digital health, Industry 4.0, and remote education.
All this with a more energy-efficient footprint than other solutions based on higher frequencies or greater antenna density.
What about Wi-Fi? Complementary, not exclusive
One of the main arguments against allocating 6 GHz for mobile use has been the demand from the Wi-Fi ecosystem. However, studies from operators and independent experts have demonstrated that the lower part of the band (5925–6425 MHz), already allocated for unlicensed use in Europe, is sufficient to meet future Wi-Fi needs, even in optimistic scenarios.
Furthermore, with technologies such as FTTR (Fiber To The Room) and smart access points, homes can achieve speeds exceeding 1 Gbps without requiring more spectrum. Therefore, freeing the entire 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi would imply an excessive opportunity cost and limit Europe’s ability to compete in the development of advanced mobile networks.
Conclusion: an opportunity that must not be wasted
The upper 6 GHz band is the only viable short-term option to expand the available mid-band spectrum in Europe and other regions. Telefónica’s tests have confirmed its potential, and the decision made at WRC-23 will chart the course of the digital ecosystem for the next decade.
From Telefónica, the message to regulators is clear: allocating this band to IMT with appropriate conditions is essential to ensure powerful, efficient, and inclusive mobile connectivity. The opposite would mean stalling innovation, fragmenting the market, and compromising Europe’s technological leadership.
The connectivity of the future starts today. And policymakers must rise to the challenge.