A coalition of 58 internet providers and industry groups has petitioned the European Commission to open up the upper 6GHz band for unrestricted Wi-Fi use, challenging telecom operators who are lobbying for the same spectrum for future mobile networks like 5G and 6G.
In a letter viewed by Reuters, the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance argued that increased access to spectrum is vital to meet rising consumer demand for high-speed connectivity and to support the growing number of internet-enabled devices in homes and industries.
The group warned that without additional spectrum, European businesses may face higher operational costs and limited access to emerging technologies, putting them at a disadvantage on the global stage. “Europe is already behind other countries in adopting the latest Wi-Fi standards,” the letter stated. Meanwhile, countries such as the U.S., Canada, and South Korea have already allowed Wi-Fi operations in parts of the 6GHz band, highlighting Europe’s comparatively cautious stance.
In contrast, major telecom operators have urged EU regulators to reserve the same spectrum for mobile network expansion, arguing it is crucial for the rollout of 5G and 6G technologies. These operators are concerned that U.S. tech firms could pressure European regulators into following the American lead. The debate essentially centers on how spectrum should be allocated—whether shared, as advocated by the Wi-Fi community, or held exclusively by mobile carriers.
Dynamic Spectrum Alliance president Martha Suarez emphasized the critical role Wi-Fi plays in everyday internet usage, noting that most data traffic in Europe occurs indoors and begins or ends via a Wi-Fi connection. She criticized the hype around 5G and 6G, warning that sidelining Wi-Fi could disrupt how users access the internet. The European Commission is expected to present a Digital Networks Act in late 2025 to address such connectivity issues, with the Radio Spectrum Policy Group set to meet on June 17 to further discuss spectrum policy.