The UK is about to make a bold move in the world of wireless technology, and it’s one that could shape the future of both mobile and Wi-Fi networks. The telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has announced that the United Kingdom will be the first country in Europe to allow low-power indoor Wi-Fi and outdoor mobile broadband networks (like 4G and 5G) to share the Upper 6GHz radio spectrum band (6425 to 7125MHz). But here’s where it gets controversial: this decision comes after years of debate over whether this valuable spectrum should be exclusively licensed for mobile operators to boost 5G and future 6G speeds, or made available for license-exempt consumer Wi-Fi. And this is the part most people miss: existing users of this band, such as fixed services, satellite, and radio astronomy, have raised concerns about potential interference.
Ofcom has already opened the Lower 6GHz band (5925 to 6425MHz) for Wi-Fi use, including under the latest WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 standards. However, the Upper 6GHz band has been a sticking point. Instead of choosing sides, Ofcom has opted for a middle-ground solution: “hybrid sharing.” This approach divides the Upper 6GHz band into two portions—one prioritized for Wi-Fi and the other for mobile—with strict technical conditions to minimize interference. While this compromise aims to satisfy both camps, it’s not without challenges. Co-existence of Wi-Fi and mobile networks in the same band is a complex task, and full implementation will be a slow process, with hardware support for mobile devices not expected until around 2030.
But here’s the kicker: Ofcom is also proposing to allow outdoor and higher-power Wi-Fi devices to operate in the Lower 6GHz band, under the control of an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system. This could significantly improve Wi-Fi coverage in places like sports stadiums, factories, and hospitals. The AFC system, already in use in the US and Canada, automatically identifies frequencies that Wi-Fi can use without disrupting existing services, reducing the administrative burden of spectrum management.
David Willis, Ofcom’s Group Director for Spectrum, emphasized the UK’s leadership in Europe, stating, “Sharing Upper 6 GHz would be a win for businesses and homes across the country who want both better Wi-Fi and mobile networks that are fit for the future.” He also highlighted the potential for economic growth and the development of future innovations like 6G.
Here’s the breakdown of what Ofcom has decided and proposed:
- Lower 6GHz Band: Outdoor and higher-power Wi-Fi devices (up to 36 dBm EIRP) will be authorized under a license exemption, provided they are controlled by an AFC system.
- Upper 6GHz Band: A “Wi-Fi priority” portion (6425–6585 MHz) and a “mobile priority” portion (6585–7125 MHz) will be created. Low-power Wi-Fi client devices will be allowed across the Upper 6GHz band, connected to authorized Access Points, to prepare for future use.
- Mobile Licensing: A sub-national licensing approach will be adopted for mobile use in the “mobile priority” portion, with licenses awarded in high-density areas and local arrangements elsewhere.
But is this the best solution? Some argue that neither mobile nor Wi-Fi will fully benefit from the Upper 6GHz band in every location. Others see it as a pragmatic step toward balancing competing demands. What do you think? Is Ofcom’s hybrid sharing approach a fair compromise, or does it fall short of meeting the needs of either side? Let us know in the comments below—this is a conversation that’s just getting started.
