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6 GHz benchmark updated for 2026

It's now over two years since the WRC-23 decision to approve three separate IMT identification footnotes in the 6 GHz band, and its impact can be seen clearly.

| Jonathan Watson

Twenty-two nations now have plans to authorise IMT use of the upper 6 GHz range or portions thereof. This includes 12 nations in Asia (one of which is China) that are now consulting on or planning, IMT/licensed upper 6 GHz band policies.

In Europe, four nations that have implemented unlicensed lower band policies have plans to license upper 6 GHz spectrum. Fourteen nations that have lower band unlicensed policies are also prospectively looking to implement licensed policies in the upper 6 GHz range, or parts thereof.

The future use of the Upper 6 GHz is also the subject of extensive deliberations at the pan-European level, as detailed in the second Research Note included in the benchmark.

Countries in Africa continue to implement unlicensed 6 GHz policies in the 5925-6425 MHz range, while a handful are planning to implement licensed policies in the upper part of the band.

In the Middle East and the Americas, unlicensed use is the most common option, but interest in licensed upper 6 GHz spectrum is also gaining traction.

The updated 6 GHz benchmark is now available to PolicyTracker Spectrum Research Service subscribers.

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