Ofcom’s 6 GHz Consultation: What It Means for UK Businesses

The regulator is exploring expanded access to the 6 GHz spectrum band for both commercial mobile networks and next‑generation Wi‑Fi services, with the aim of supporting innovation, capacity growth and economic development.

Why the 6 GHz band matters

The 6 GHz spectrum band is particularly promising for indoor wireless performance. Combined with WiFi calling technology — including wifi calling on iPhone, Samsung, and Android devices — the additional bandwidth could dramatically improve call quality in offices and warehouses where traditional mobile signal is weak. The Ofcom coverage checker already shows significant indoor coverage gaps that this spectrum allocation aims to address.

The 6 GHz band offers a large amount of high‑quality spectrum, making it ideal for modern connectivity requirements. It can support faster speeds, lower latency and greater reliability, particularly in dense or high‑usage environments such as offices, campuses, healthcare facilities and industrial sites.

Ofcom has already enabled part of the band for Wi‑Fi 6E and emerging Wi‑Fi 7 technologies. This new consultation goes further, proposing shared use of the 6 GHz band so that mobile and Wi‑Fi services can operate efficiently alongside one another.

What Ofcom is proposing

Ofcom’s proposals focus on:

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• Expanding access to the 6 GHz band for commercial mobile services

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• Supporting continued growth of high‑performance Wi‑Fi

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• Introducing spectrum‑sharing models rather than exclusive allocation

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• Protecting existing users while enabling long‑term innovation

This approach is designed to ensure spectrum is used more efficiently as demand for wireless capacity continues to grow.

What this means for UK organisations

For UK businesses, Ofcom’s consultation points to several potential benefits:

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• Improved network performance – More spectrum means greater capacity and reduced congestion

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• Enhanced enterprise Wi‑Fi – Supporting next‑generation Wi‑Fi for modern workplaces

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• New private network opportunities – Greater flexibility for tailored connectivity solutions

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• Futureproofing – Helping organisations prepare for increasing digital demands

While no immediate changes are being implemented, the consultation signals the direction of travel for UK connectivity policy and spectrum access.

For businesses already using wifi to wifi calling on iPhones and Android devices, the 6 GHz expansion means faster, more reliable connections. Call via WiFi on iPhone will benefit particularly, as Apple devices are expected to support the new WiFi 7 standard that utilises this spectrum. The Ofcom mobile coverage checker will be updated as the new allocations take effect.

How Connection Technologies can help

At Connection Technologies, we help businesses understand and plan for changes in the connectivity landscape. From advanced Wi‑Fi deployments to private and hybrid network solutions, we ensure organisations are ready to take advantage of emerging spectrum opportunities.

Contact Connection Technologies to find out how developments in the 6 GHz band could support your organisation’s connectivity strategy.

Sources

Ofcom – Consultation: Expanding access to the 6 GHz band for commercial mobile and Wi‑Fi services https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/innovative-use-of-spectrum/consultation-expanding-access-to-the-6-ghz-band-for-commercial-mobile-and-wi-fi-services

Ofcom – Innovative use of spectrum https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum

Ofcom – Spectrum strategy and economic growth https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum

Written by

Karl Hallin

Key Account Manager

Karl is an experienced Key Account Manager with over a decade of expertise in customer service, account management, and team leadership within the telecommunications and financial services sectors.

Key AccountsFleet ManagementTelecoms

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