Ofcom Opens 700MHz of Upper 6GHz Spectrum for UK Wi-Fi, Paving Way for 6G
Updated
Updated · TechRadar · Jul 20
Ofcom Opens 700MHz of Upper 6GHz Spectrum for UK Wi-Fi, Paving Way for 6G
3 articles · Updated · TechRadar · Jul 20
Summary
Ofcom approved use of the upper 6GHz band from 6425MHz to 7125MHz, expanding UK Wi-Fi access now and reserving room for 6G mobile services in the 2030s.
A 160MHz slice at 6425-6585MHz gets Wi-Fi priority first, while the remaining 6585-7125MHz range will later be shared with mobile broadband, which will have priority when launched.
Automated Frequency Coordination underpins the plan, letting Wi-Fi and future mobile services use the same band without harmful interference — a first for the UK spectrum regime.
The move is meant to raise speeds and capacity in dense settings such as offices, apartment blocks and stadiums, while rural areas without 6G could leave more of the band available to Wi-Fi.
Only Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 equipment can use 6GHz, so consumer gains will depend on compatible routers and devices as the expanded spectrum is rolled out.