GSA welcomes agreement on future of 5G and 6G spectrum at WRC-23

The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) today welcomed the agreement reached by governments and regulators at WRC-23 on the future of 5G and 6G spectrum. ITU has agreed to identify the upper 6 GHz spectrum for IMT in Europe, RCC, ASMG and Africa regions, in addition to other countries in Latin America and Asia.

ITU also agreed to study the 7-8.5 GHz range for 6G in time for the next ITU World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027. This global agreement ensures the ongoing growth of 5G around the world and paves the way for 6G from 2030 onwards. Technical work now starts to determine the sharing and compatibility of 6G with incumbent uses of the identified spectrum.

Joe Barrett, President of GSA, commented: “The global agreement reached by ITU represents a significant milestone not just in the continued growth of 5G and 5G-Advanced connectivity, but also in the path to 6G. The entire global mobile ecosystem can now innovate with confidence and a clear sense of the spectrum requirements for 6G, both in terms of its future availability and compatibility with other users of the spectrum. At GSA we appreciate the hard work and diligence of ITU and its members that has gone into reaching this welcome global agreement at WRC-23. GSA’s Spectrum Group will continue to contribute studies and technical analysis to international, regional and individual country policymakers and regulators to facilitate the timely availability of spectrum for use by mobile network operators. As an industry, we now look forward to continued 5G growth, 6G innovation and the socio-economic benefits mobile connectivity brings globally.”

The GSA Spectrum Group is the supplier focus group for technical and regulatory matters of radio spectrum pertaining to the successful evolution of International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT) and associated radiocommunication systems and comprises a team of 185 spectrum and regulatory affairs specialists from our Executive Member and Member companies. The Spectrum Group is subdivided into various, highly focused teams, including regional groupings as well as global teams that focus on such areas as high-band, mid-band, low-band, spectrum licensing and messaging. In addition, GSA reports regularly provide updates on global spectrum harmonisation efforts and developments including auctions, assignments, allocations, and re-farming activities.

GSA has nine Executive Members, including Apple, Ericsson, Huawei, MediaTek, Nokia, Intel, Qualcomm, Samsung and ZTE. With a further 80+ Members and Associates, GSA draws its membership from across the global mobile ecosystem, including mobile operators, regulators, analyst firms, academia and an extensive vendor community spanning chipsets to devices, and network equipment to FWA and private mobile specialists. GSA is a Market Representation Partner in 3GPP and co-operates with other key organisations including ITU, GCF, CITEL, COAI, ETSI, GSMA, CEPT-ECC, ATU, and other regional regulatory bodies.

News release from Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), 15/12/2023

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