Massive Wi-Fi speed boost coming for the UK
Key Points
- Ofcom has opened the Upper 6 GHz spectrum band to Wi-Fi, ahead of Europe
- Wi-Fi gets priority in 160 MHz of the band, mobile in the remaining 540 MHz
- Wi-Fi can also use the mobile portion under an Automated Frequency Coordination system
- Stadiums, schools, offices and smart glasses should see the biggest gains
- The move prepares spectrum for 6G mobile rollout in the 2030s
Ofcom has opened the upper 6 GHz spectrum band to Wi-Fi services, moving ahead of Europe in a decision that promises faster wireless speeds across UK homes, stadiums, schools and offices.
The regulator published its statement on Monday (20 July), confirming a prioritised spectrum sharing framework that splits the Upper 6 GHz band between Wi-Fi and mobile services for the first time.
Wi-Fi gains priority access to the lower 160 MHz of the band, spanning 6425 to 6585 MHz, while mobile operators receive priority in the upper 540 MHz, running from 6585 to 7125 MHz.
Crucially, Wi-Fi devices can also access the mobile priority portion on a non-prioritised basis, unlocking the full 6 GHz band for wireless networks while mobile deployment ramps up in the 2030s.
Ofcom is making the Wi-Fi priority portion available on the same licence exempt basis as the Lower 6 GHz band, covering low power indoor use and very low power use. Outdoor and higher power use is also on the table, provided devices operate under an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system.
David Willis, Group Director for Spectrum at Ofcom, said the decision responds to what consumers actually want.
“Everybody in the UK wants faster Wi-Fi and better mobile performance. Our decision today will allow mobile and Wi-Fi services to share the airwaves in the future, helping make this need a reality.”
Wi-Fi services take first access to the upper band, with mobile following in the 2030s. This marks the first time the two services will share the same frequency band in the UK.
Previously, different technologies could not occupy the same parts of a spectrum band because crossed signals risked interference. Ofcom is solving this with AFC, a system the regulator describes as an air traffic control for wireless devices, coordinating frequencies automatically so networks do not clash.
What it means for your Wi-Fi
Congested venues stand to benefit most from the new spectrum. Stadiums, schools and offices should see meaningful capacity improvements as Wi-Fi networks gain access to fresh spectrum, easing the bottlenecks that plague busy locations.
Emerging technologies will also gain headroom. Ofcom singled out smart glasses as a category that will run better on the expanded band, while the mobile allocation prepares the ground for next generation 6G networks later this decade and beyond.
Ofcom is now consulting on draft regulations and an updated Interface Requirement, draft IR 2030, to implement the Wi-Fi priority decision and extend existing Wi-Fi use from 5925 to 6425 MHz up to 6585 MHz.
