China Approves Early 6G Trials in the 6GHz Band

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) approved trials in the 6GHz band for 6G technology. IMT-2030 (6G), which is the government’s main coordinator for 6G development, authorised field trials for 6GHz spectrum in certain regions across China.

MIIT explained that the move is aimed at advancing technical research, testing, and validation based on key scenarios and performance indicators, defined by the ITU for 6G. The move will further accelerate China’s push for 6G R&D, standardisation, industrialisation, and promote the sector, MIIT added.

China first allocated the use of 6GHz for 5G and 6G services in 2023, which was a world first at the time. It has, however, held back on approving trials until now. The situation differs in both the US and Europe, where access to 6GHz is a contentious issue. The US opened up the band for Wi-Fi use in 2020, while Europe is yet to decide on how to farm it out.

Operators in Europe have called on regulators to make the entire upper 6GHz band available for mobile services, arguing the move is necessary to ensure the region does not fall behind others in 6G development. However, players in the Wi-Fi industry are also seeking access. As a mid-band spectrum, 6GHz is considered ideal for some of the use cases the ITU has identified for 6G, including mass AI deployment, holographic communications, and autonomous transport.