The Battle for 6GHz: Wi-Fi vs. Mobile Operators
June 25, 2025, 6:34 pm
In the ever-evolving landscape of telecommunications, a fierce tug-of-war is unfolding over the 6GHz frequency band. This battle pits Wi-Fi advocates against mobile operators, each vying for a slice of the spectrum pie. The stakes are high, and the implications could reshape connectivity as we know it.
The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) has taken a stand. They urge regulators, like South Africa's Icasa, to open the upper portion of the 6GHz band for unlicensed use. Wi-Fi has been starved for new spectrum for over two decades. Meanwhile, mobile operators have a buffet of bands at their disposal. The DSA argues that the best use of the 6GHz band is for license-exempt services, not for mobile giants.
The numbers tell a story. Cellular companies already have access to a multitude of bands: 800MHz, 900MHz, 1.8GHz, 2.5GHz, and more. They are well-fed, while Wi-Fi has been left hungry. The DSA's president highlights this disparity, emphasizing that the mobile sector has enough spectrum to thrive. The call is clear: let Wi-Fi flourish.
Globally, the battle for the 6GHz band is taking different forms. In the United States, Canada, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, the entire band has been allocated to Wi-Fi. This decision has spurred the rapid adoption of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 technologies. In contrast, the UK has opted for a split approach, reserving part of the band for mobile services. China, however, has gone all-in for mobile operators, dedicating the entire band to future 6G services.
In South Africa, the lower portion of the 6GHz band is already earmarked for unlicensed Wi-Fi services. But the fate of the upper portion remains uncertain. The DSA argues that giving more spectrum to license-exempt services will yield better returns. This perspective is gaining traction as the mobile sector grapples with declining voice revenues and the challenges of upgrading infrastructure.
Mobile operators have invested heavily in their networks. Yet, they face a conundrum. The transition from 4G to 5G has not delivered the returns they anticipated. The struggle is real, as many operators find it hard to recoup their investments. The recent auction of 6GHz frequencies in Hong Kong illustrates this dilemma. A quarter of the available spectrum went unsold, signaling a lack of interest from mobile operators.
Hutchinson Telecommunications, a major player in Hong Kong, opted out of the auction. Their reasoning? The ecosystem for 6GHz mobile services is still immature. There are few compelling use cases, and existing spectrum is deemed sufficient. This reluctance highlights a growing sentiment: perhaps license-exempt services are better suited for this band.
The DSA's argument gains weight when considering the ecosystem surrounding license-exempt services. With over 1,200 devices already supporting the latest Wi-Fi technologies, the infrastructure is ready. Modern modems, routers, smartphones, and laptops are equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 chipsets. This readiness opens the door for innovation and connectivity improvements.
The DSA believes that license-exempt services lower barriers to entry. Smaller players can contribute to the ecosystem without the burden of high spectrum fees. This democratization of access fosters innovation, leading to new solutions and technologies. The internet of things, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth have all thrived in such an environment.
As the debate rages on, the future of the 6GHz band hangs in the balance. Will regulators side with the mobile giants, or will they heed the call for more unlicensed spectrum? The outcome will shape the connectivity landscape for years to come.
The implications extend beyond just technology. They touch on economic growth, innovation, and the very fabric of our digital lives. A decision favoring Wi-Fi could lead to a surge in new applications and services, enhancing connectivity for millions. Conversely, a mobile-centric approach may stifle innovation and limit access.
In the end, the battle for the 6GHz band is more than a technical dispute. It’s a fight for the future of connectivity. The world is watching, and the decisions made today will echo for generations. As we stand at this crossroads, one thing is clear: the outcome will define how we connect, communicate, and innovate in the digital age.
The clock is ticking. The spectrum gold rush is on, and the stakes have never been higher. Who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes game? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the fight for 6GHz is just beginning.
The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) has taken a stand. They urge regulators, like South Africa's Icasa, to open the upper portion of the 6GHz band for unlicensed use. Wi-Fi has been starved for new spectrum for over two decades. Meanwhile, mobile operators have a buffet of bands at their disposal. The DSA argues that the best use of the 6GHz band is for license-exempt services, not for mobile giants.
The numbers tell a story. Cellular companies already have access to a multitude of bands: 800MHz, 900MHz, 1.8GHz, 2.5GHz, and more. They are well-fed, while Wi-Fi has been left hungry. The DSA's president highlights this disparity, emphasizing that the mobile sector has enough spectrum to thrive. The call is clear: let Wi-Fi flourish.
Globally, the battle for the 6GHz band is taking different forms. In the United States, Canada, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, the entire band has been allocated to Wi-Fi. This decision has spurred the rapid adoption of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 technologies. In contrast, the UK has opted for a split approach, reserving part of the band for mobile services. China, however, has gone all-in for mobile operators, dedicating the entire band to future 6G services.
In South Africa, the lower portion of the 6GHz band is already earmarked for unlicensed Wi-Fi services. But the fate of the upper portion remains uncertain. The DSA argues that giving more spectrum to license-exempt services will yield better returns. This perspective is gaining traction as the mobile sector grapples with declining voice revenues and the challenges of upgrading infrastructure.
Mobile operators have invested heavily in their networks. Yet, they face a conundrum. The transition from 4G to 5G has not delivered the returns they anticipated. The struggle is real, as many operators find it hard to recoup their investments. The recent auction of 6GHz frequencies in Hong Kong illustrates this dilemma. A quarter of the available spectrum went unsold, signaling a lack of interest from mobile operators.
Hutchinson Telecommunications, a major player in Hong Kong, opted out of the auction. Their reasoning? The ecosystem for 6GHz mobile services is still immature. There are few compelling use cases, and existing spectrum is deemed sufficient. This reluctance highlights a growing sentiment: perhaps license-exempt services are better suited for this band.
The DSA's argument gains weight when considering the ecosystem surrounding license-exempt services. With over 1,200 devices already supporting the latest Wi-Fi technologies, the infrastructure is ready. Modern modems, routers, smartphones, and laptops are equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 chipsets. This readiness opens the door for innovation and connectivity improvements.
The DSA believes that license-exempt services lower barriers to entry. Smaller players can contribute to the ecosystem without the burden of high spectrum fees. This democratization of access fosters innovation, leading to new solutions and technologies. The internet of things, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth have all thrived in such an environment.
As the debate rages on, the future of the 6GHz band hangs in the balance. Will regulators side with the mobile giants, or will they heed the call for more unlicensed spectrum? The outcome will shape the connectivity landscape for years to come.
The implications extend beyond just technology. They touch on economic growth, innovation, and the very fabric of our digital lives. A decision favoring Wi-Fi could lead to a surge in new applications and services, enhancing connectivity for millions. Conversely, a mobile-centric approach may stifle innovation and limit access.
In the end, the battle for the 6GHz band is more than a technical dispute. It’s a fight for the future of connectivity. The world is watching, and the decisions made today will echo for generations. As we stand at this crossroads, one thing is clear: the outcome will define how we connect, communicate, and innovate in the digital age.
The clock is ticking. The spectrum gold rush is on, and the stakes have never been higher. Who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes game? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the fight for 6GHz is just beginning.