UK wants mobile and Wi-Fi to share upper 6GHz spectrum
UK regulator Ofcom plans to open the upper 6GHz band to both mobile networks and Wi-Fi, instead of reserving it for just one technology. The proposal would allow licensed mobile operators and unlicensed Wi-Fi users to share the same spectrum, using technical controls to manage interference.
Ofcom argues this shared model could support future 5G and 6G services while also giving homes and businesses more capacity for high-speed Wi-Fi. The plan goes against calls from parts of the mobile industry to dedicate the band solely to mobile, and from Wi-Fi advocates who want it fully unlicensed. Ofcom is now consulting on the approach before making final decisions on how the upper 6GHz band will be used in the UK.
More from Telecom
U Mobile has signed a three-year 5G wholesale agreement with Telekom Malaysia. Under the deal, U Mobile will supply 5G MOCN (multi-operator core netwo
MasOrange has picked Ericsson to supply a unified 5G standalone (SA) core network under a six-year deal, replacing its current dual legacy cores. The
Ukrainian operator Kyivstar has acquired regional internet provider Shtorm to strengthen its fixed broadband business. The company did not reveal how
T-Mobile US has formally pushed back on Verizon’s lawsuit over its advertising, calling the rival carrier hypocritical and defending its savings claim
Light Reading has pulled together all of its Mobile World Congress 2026 reporting in one place. The event runs in Barcelona from March 2–5, 2026. The
Cable One’s new CEO, Jim Holanda, is putting mobile service at the center of the company’s future, but he is not promising quick results. Holanda call