The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has warned that delays in decisions on the 6GHz spectrum band were stalling essential mobile network infrastructure as the world transitions from 5G to early 6G networks. 6 GHz is a radio frequency band used for wireless communications and can provide additional capacity for mobile networks. The upper 6 GHz band covers 6.425 GHz to 7.125 GHz and is regarded as valuable mid-band spectrum for mobile connectivity.
Badrinath explained that timely decisions on the spectrum would give operators the certainty required to invest in networks and expand capacity. He noted that global mobile data traffic was continuing to grow, making additional mid-band spectrum increasingly important for future network development. According to him, the mobile ecosystem is prepared to deploy services in the upper 6 GHz band at scale.
“The message from the mobile ecosystem is clear: we are ready to put the upper 6 GHz spectrum to work for consumers and businesses around the world,” he said. Badrinath urged governments to translate international harmonisation of the band into improved connectivity by prioritising it for full-power mobile services. He warned that delayed spectrum decisions could affect operators’ investment plans and slow the deployment of capacity needed to meet future demand.
Badrinath disclosed that countries representing more than 80 per cent of the world’s population now supported mobile use of upper 6 GHz. He explained that the band had been harmonised for mobile use at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023. According to him, the international harmonisation has allowed upper 6 GHz to be incorporated into national spectrum roadmaps across several markets.
The Nigerian stake is clear. Nigeria’s telecom sector is rapidly expanding, and access to the 6 GHz spectrum will be critical for the deployment of 5G-Advanced and future 6G networks. Delays in spectrum allocation could slow down the country’s digital transformation and affect mobile connectivity.
From a Nigerian vantage point, the GSMA’s warning is a call to action for Nigerian regulators. The Nigerian Communications Commission must prioritise the allocation of the upper 6 GHz spectrum to ensure that Nigeria is not left behind in the global race to next-generation networks.
The winners: telecom operators and consumers, who will benefit from increased spectrum capacity. The losers: countries that delay spectrum decisions, which will slow their digital transformation.
Bottom Line: The GSMA is warning that delayed spectrum decisions could stall network expansion. Nigeria must act fast or risk being left behind in the race to 6G.