The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that it will hold an auction for 2.5GHz mid-band spectrum this July, paving the way for the development of sixth generation (6G) wireless networks.
FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel made the announcement at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
Expectations for the mid-band spectrum auction are running high as it will combine great wireless coverage over long distances and the ability to carry lots of data. T-Mobile (TMUS), which already uses some 2.5GHz spectrum, is reportedly planning to acquire a big chunk of the airwaves that will be auctioned off in order to expand its existing 5G wireless service.
Since Rosenworcel became FCC chair last December, she’s been outspoken about the lack of cohesive spectrum policy and the impact it has had on America’s 5G rollout, especially in the wake of a clash between the aviation industry and wireless carriers that erupted earlier this year.
Rosenworcel has also said that it is important to begin paving the way for 6G wireless networks.
For 6G, which is still years away from real-world deployment, she wants to start identifying mid-band spectrum now that can support faster speeds and wider coverage.
“It’s not too early to harmonize these efforts around the world, because that’s how we will ensure that this next generation can reach everyone everywhere,” said Rosenworcel at the Spanish conference.
Rosenworcel has tasked the FCC’s Technological Advisory Council with staying on top of new developments to ensure that the U.S. can turn the latest scientific research into the communications technologies of the future, with a particular focus on the development of 6G wireless networks.
