Ofcom launches consultation on enabling spectrum sharing in upper 6GHz band

Article summary

Ofcom has launched a consultation proposing to add the upper 6GHz band to its Shared Access licence framework for lower power, indoor use. Ofcom aims to increase opportunities for businesses and people to access spectrum for innovation and seeks to promote sharing as an effective means of maximising spectrum use. Ofcom highlights potential uses of the 6GHz band for licence-exempt consumer Wi-Fi or licensed 5G mobile networks, but also more local licensed use. Ofcom proposes that licences would cover the full band for the area within a 50 metre radius from a central point, use would be limited to indoors only where the maximum power limit is 250mW EIRP and potential users could apply for multiple licences in order to cover large indoor areas which would be considered on a case-by-case basis, among other things. Ofcom outlines its proposals as enabling greater access to the 6GHz band without precluding future uses...