The Radio Spectrum Policy Group consults on 6G

In PolicyTracker‘s recently updated 6G dossier, we noted that 6G networks would use multiple frequency bands—existing terrestrial bands, repurposed bands, and spectrum in new bands. There’s particular interest in the 7—24 GHz range, particularly 7—15 GHz.

That is reflected in the RSPGRSPG stands for the Radio Spectrum Policy … report, which starts with an outline of what stakeholders have been saying. The key messages the RSPG says it has heard are as follows:

• to achieve reliable nationwide-area coverage, spectrum below 1 GHz is essential. This can be supplemented in the future by non-terrestrial networksNon-terrestrial Networks (NTN) are wireles… (NTN)
• higher frequency bands in sub-7 GHz will be needed, including the upper 6 GHz band, as well as new bands in the 7-15 GHz range, which would supplement low-band deployments
• for use cases in confined areas like cooperating mobile robots and humancentric services, small-cell deployments could be used. Additionally, the millimetre-wave bands or local sub-THz deployments, which are still being researched, can be used to meet even higher data rate and capacity requirements, however with limited coverage.

The report notes that to create a common market for network and terminal equipment, the EU needs to indicate in which bands the first launches of 6G are planned. The RSPG will develop a 6G spectrum roadmap separately to identify which bands should be made available for the launch of mass-market 6G but also to support the development of various vertical markets.

The report also investigates solutions for spectrum sharing, with an emphasis on inter-service spectrum sharing (sharing between different radiocommunication applications). “The key message to policymakers, spectrum managers, users and industry is to achieve a change in mindset regarding inter-service spectrum sharing,” it says.

“When developing the 6G spectrum roadmap, the RSPG will investigate possible actions for the introduction of innovative spectrum-sharing solutions without losing sight of the technology neutrality principle.”

Our 6G dossier, fully updated for 2024, is now available to Spectrum Research Service Subscribers. It includes a section that deals with the spectrum that could be used by IMTInternational Mobile Telecommunications (I… and another that focuses on spectrum targeted for use by NTNs.