Key Points:
- 58 internet providers urge the EU to free up the upper 6GHz band for Wi-Fi use. Telecom operators want the same spectrum reserved for 5G and 6G development.
- Dynamic Spectrum Alliance warns Europe that it risks falling behind globally regarding Wi-Fi technology.
- Most internet traffic in Europe occurs via indoor Wi-Fi connections, not mobile. Unlike the EU, countries like the U.S. and Canada have already allocated 6GHz for Wi-Fi.
- EU’s Digital Networks Act, expected in late 2025, will propose spectrum reforms.
A coalition of 58 internet providers and industry groups has appealed to the European Union to open up more radio spectrum for Wi-Fi services, sparking a conflict with telecom operators who want the same frequencies for 5G and 6G networks.
In a letter addressed to Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s incoming tech chief, the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance urged the European Commission to allocate the upper 6GHz frequency band for unrestricted Wi-Fi usage. They argue this move is critical to meeting the surging demand for fast, reliable wireless connectivity across homes, offices, and industries.
Wi-Fi provides internet access and supports connectivity for devices like TVs, smart appliances, and industrial sensors. According to the alliance, limiting access to the 6GHz band could increase operational costs and slow Europe’s digital transformation, putting its businesses at a global disadvantage. “Europe is already behind other countries in adopting the latest Wi-Fi standards,” the letter warns.
The request sets the stage for a showdown with major telecom operators, who petitioned the EU earlier this month to reserve the same spectrum for future mobile networks. These companies argue that reserving the 6GHz band for exclusive 5G and 6G use is essential for advancing mobile connectivity across the continent.
Countries like the United States, Canada, and South Korea have already allocated sections of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi, while Europe has taken a more cautious approach. Advocates like Martha Suarez, president of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, emphasize that most data usage occurs indoors via Wi-Fi, not mobile networks. “There’s a lot of hype about 5G and 6G,” Suarez said, “but users primarily connect through Wi-Fi.”
The EU Commission will introduce the Digital Networks Act, including spectrum policy reforms, in late 2025. A key Radio Spectrum Policy Group meeting is scheduled for June 17, which may influence the direction of these decisions.
