ITU reaches agreement to open new 6 GHz spectrum band for 5G, 6G
Telecom operators will be able to use 6 GHz band radiowaves for 5G and 6G services, with majority of the member countries of the International Telecommunication Union(ITU) agreeing to a global accord in this regard. The agreement was reached at the ongoing ITU spectrum meet WRC 2023 in Dubai.
According to ITU-recognised body IAFI, spectrum in 6 Ghz band has last set of radio frequencies available that can be used for 5G and 6G services at affordable costs while other set of frequencies marked for them are in higher frequency bands.
The wavelength of spectrum frequencies reduces in higher frequency bands, thereby reducing coverage of signals transmitted in high frequency bands.
Therefore, telecom operators are required to install more transmitters or towers in higher frequency bands compared to lower frequency band and the cost of deployment network in respective bands also varies.
«The World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23), ITU's premier event, which is held every four years and is meeting in Dubai, UAE, reached a historic agreement to open a new spectrum band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), the ITU name for 4G, 5G and 6G mobile technologies,» the IAFI statement said.
Some technology companies-backed industry bodies were demanding that the 6 Ghz band be delicensed for wifi services — a proposal opposed by telecom industry bodies.
The Indian contingent played a more active role at the WRC 2023, which started on November 20, convening government representatives for negotiations on the allocation of radio-frequency spectrum.
