The 7.125 to 8.400 GHz range may be the best home for 6G, according to a recent study from 5Gs Americas.

Titled “The 6G Upgrade in the 7.8 GHz Spectrum Range: Coverage, Capacity, and Technology,” the white paper study says use of the spectrum could enable a ten to twenty times increase in capacity compared to current 5G networks. This would support advanced technologies such as smart cities, immersive experiences, artificial intelligence and extended reality, according to 5G Americas’ press release.

5G Americas looks at several issues related to the use of the spectrum, including:

• Spectrum Efficiency: The 7-8 GHz range combined with advanced antennas allows there to be four to five times higher spectral efficiency than current 5G bands. This leads to enhanced performance.
• Infrastructure Reuse: The new band enables the reuse of existing 5G base station sites. This will significantly reduce deployment costs.
• Technology Boost: Advanced beamforming, massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (mMIMO), and AI-driven algorithms will enhance network capacity and coverage.
• Spectrum Sharing: While exclusive licensing is ideal, the study highlights that spectrum sharing may be necessary in certain regions, ensuring flexible and rapid access to the new band.

6G is expected in the 2030 timeframe. The study says that the 7.125 to 8.400 GHz spectrum “is emerging as a globally harmonized band, dubbed the ‘Golden Band of 6G.’”

The paper points out that incumbent users in the United States include federal and satellite services. Transitioning to the 6G user base will require transparency, coordination, and repacking.

“This spectrum range is a critical component in ensuring a seamless transition from 5G to 6G, allowing operators to reuse existing infrastructure while still delivering next-generation performance and capabilities,” Amit Mukhopadhyay, Nokia’s Principal Standardization Leader and leader of the working group, said in the announcement.