EU Spectrum War: Will the Upper 6GHz Band Go to Wi-Fi 7 or 6G Networks?

The EU is debating who should use the upper 6GHz wireless spectrum, with mobile operators arguing for designation for 5G and 6G, while Wi‑Fi advocates push for unlicensed use to boost home and commercial internet experiences. The band under consideration runs from 6,425MHz to 7,125MHz, distinct from the lower 6GHz range used by Wi‑Fi 6E and Wi‑Fi 7 (5,945MHz to 6,425MHz).

According to the Radio Spectrum Policy Group of the European Commission, the group is exploring ways to allow shared use of the 6GHz band between Wi‑Fi and licensed cellular technologies, rather than granting it exclusively to one side. The lower portion of the band is already available for unlicensed use, and Ofcom in the UK adopted a similar approach in 2023 to encourage spectrum sharing.

The German government has reportedly shifted its stance to favour allocating the band to cellular networks, arguing that 6G will demand more spectrum in this range. The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance warns that blocking Wi‑Fi access to the upper 6GHz band would be devastating to the future of Wi‑Fi technology in Europe, while the organisation itself lists core members including Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Broadcom and Cisco.

For now, the EU’s final decision remains uncertain, with a potential shared‑use model seen as a possible compromise depending on analyses by EU expert bodies.