6G spectrum and the road to extreme performance
Future 6G networks will enable a new age of ubiquitously enriched digital experiences. Delivering the capabilities to realize this new powerful wireless generation will require the availability of new frequency bands in addition to redefining today’s available spectrum.
6G spectrum explained
Future mobile networks will rely on a wide range of frequency bands spanning today’s existing low-, mid- and millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, underpinned by new frequency bands to meet the high capacity and coverage needs of new use-cases and traffic growth driven by large-scale use. Having the right amount of spectrum in different frequency ranges at the right time will be crucial to ensuring the success of 6G networks.
The 6 – 8.4 GHz spectrum range offers a good balance between wide-area capacity and coverage and will serve as the primary frequency range for 6G networks. Spectrum sharing with existing 5G networks through Multi-RAT Spectrum Sharing (MRSS) will enable re-use of frequency bands and efficient coexistence between 5G and 6G. Additionally, considering the need for ubiquitous coverage to ensure inclusive connectivity, the network will require ample spectrum in the low (sub-1 GHz) bands.
Drivers of new spectrum for 6G
Early designs for 6G are driven by expected demands on future mobile networks beyond 5G Advanced. This includes anticipated 6G use cases that are expected to require more capacity and coverage than those of the 5G era.
The ongoing significant growth of data traffic is another key driver. This means additional spectrum will be crucial to ensure continued cost-efficient support for traditional mobile use cases such as mobile broadband, fixed wireless access (FWA), and mixed reality.
Ericsson’s 6G white paper, identifies use case areas that we believe will shape mobile networks and spectral requirements beyond 2030.
Choosing 6G frequencies: how it works and what to expect
Making full use of spectrum assets is key. Both existing and new spectrum will be needed.
Performance, capacity, and coverage requirements of 6G use cases, and rising traffic, will necessitate additional wide-area spectrum beyond what is available today.
6G networks will leverage existing spectrum assets of 5G/5G Advanced networks through the feature Multi-RAT Spectrum Sharing (MRSS). This will complement the 6G launch bands in the 6-8.4 GHz for example, and facilitate refarming of spectrum from 5G to 6G use .
The spectrum ranges of Upper 6 GHz (6425-7125 MHz) and 7125-8400 MHz are ideal to build on currently available spectrum assets. With close proximity to today’s mid-bands, these spectrum ranges offer good propagation characteristics for coverage, and large bandwidths to address use cases that require wide-area coverage and high capacity.
Global internet and continued support for long-lived IoT may require coverage bands in sub 1 GHz spectrum. In particular, the 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands are important here since they can help ensure digital inclusion through excellent propagation characteristics.
Licensing and deployment challenges: What to expect
Decisions on which bands and how much spectrum to allocate for 6G take place on a global and/or regional level, and require cooperation between several stakeholders, including network vendors, service providers, regulators, and research organizations.
Learn more about the pathway to 6G spectrum
Harmonizing national- or regional approaches
Decisions on use of spectrum are taken at various levels: internationally through the ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC), regionally in various regional groups and nationally by individual countries.
Global harmonization of 6G frequency ranges and technical specifications plays a critical role in enabling worldwide interoperability, service continuity and economies of scale that have characterized the mobile industry for many decades. The ITU WRC is the preferred forum to achieve this.
Timeline for 6G spectrum
With initial 6G network launches expected around the year 2030, decisions on what spectrum will be used for these must be taken in line with that timeframe. For some it will be the U6 GHz band, while for others it may be the 7-8.4 GHz frequency range being discussed for WRC-27, or a combination of both.
Learn more about the timeline and process for defining 6G spectrum in our 6G spectrum white paper.
