As a part of its recent advocacy work in representation of the shared interests of telecom operators, governments, technology providers, and the wider digital ecosystem, the SAMENA Council has highlighted the growing strategic importance of the Upper 6 GHz (U6) spectrum (6.425 GHz - 7.125GHz) as a key enabler of the next phase of development across both cellular and WLAN ecosystems, emphasizing its role in supporting inclusive digital growth, innovation, scientific progress, and long-term economic value-creation.
In a panel discussion, held during the 19th edition of the TR Summit in Dubai, the SAMENA Council emphasized that U6 GHz band, beyond its contribution to expanding capacity and improving performance, offers a unique opportunity to advance digital inclusion, accelerate innovation, and unlock new possibilities across cellular and WLAN environments. While much of the discussion around U6 GHz often focuses on technical performance, the SAMENA Council noted that the band also carries broader, less obvious implications.
Izhar Ahmad, Director – Industry Affairs & Communication, representing the Council stated: “In an era increasingly shaped by AI, U6 GHz can support more advanced data-driven collaboration and experimentation across sectors. This joint spectrum and AI capability has the potential to reinforce innovation ecosystems as well as contribute to progress in areas such as scientific research, amplifying new discoveries, transformation across industries, and speeding up wider digital service innovation.” “U6 GHz also has relevance for national digital strategies, including emerging approaches to materializing Sovereign AI”, he added.
From a regulatory and policy standpoint, the SAMENA Council observed that the global approach to U6 GHz allocation remains fragmented. Across regions including Asia-Pacific and South America, countries broadly fall into three groups: those that have allocated the band for IMT use, those that have designated it for WLAN, and those that initially favored WLAN before later shifting toward IMT.
Izhar Ahmad mentioned that “In the case of the UAE, we have an exceptional example. Following WRC‑23, and through the allocation of this spectrum for IMT use, the advancement of 5G and 5G‑Advanced, Fixed Wireless Access, and the issuance of a 6G roadmap, the UAE has demonstrated outstanding regulatory clarity.” While varying approaches around the globe reflect individual national considerations, greater coordination and harmonization would help unlock broader ecosystem benefits and improve efficiency, the SAMENA Council emphasized.
Looking ahead, the SAMENA Council reiterated the need for a balanced approach to U6 GHz development, with particular emphasis on how value is assessed and extracted from spectrum resources. Regulatory frameworks should be aligned with national ICT visions and be grounded in a clear assessment of how economic, social, and innovation value can be drawn from the newly available spectrum. “Maximizing value from each of the 700 megahertz contiguously available in this precious band will require alignment between cellular and WLAN ecosystems, supported by national ICT priorities, standardization, chipset development, and compelling use-cases. The U6 spectrum should be guided by real-world use-cases that encourage cross-industry innovation, while ecosystem development should advance both cellular networks and WLAN environments to ensure seamless experiences for people, machines, and interconnected devices”, Izhar Ahmad concluded.
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Source: SAMENA Council Press Release
