Europe’s 6G Future Depends on the Upper 6 GHz Band – It’s Time to Act

6G will rely on wide bandwidths to deliver ultra-fast, low-latency services — from advanced manufacturing to immersive technologies. Mobile networks need contiguous blocks of 200 MHz or more to operate effectively. That means the upper 6 GHz band offers a rare opportunity to deliver that scale — and it’s the only viable option Europe has within reach, according to Željko Batistić, VP of Technology at United Group.

Batistić added that any delay or partial allocation would significantly undermine Europe’s ability to roll out high-performance 6G networks, especially since other regions — notably the US — are moving quickly to secure their digital infrastructure.

Why is the upper 6 GHz band so important for Europe’s digital future?
This is Europe’s moment of decision. The upper 6 GHz band is essential for the successful launch of 6G networks. Without it, Europe will struggle to meet growing connectivity demands and risks ceding leadership in the global digital economy. This spectrum is not just about capacity – it’s about competitiveness, sovereignty and innovation.

This call to allocate the upper 6 GHz band is coming from multiple operators – how significant is that industry consensus?

It’s unprecedented in its unity and reach. Leading operators across Europe – including Vodafone Group, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica, BT Group, Telia, TIM, Proximus, KPN, Elisa, A1 Telekom Austria and United Group – have come together to urge the European Commission to allocate the full upper 6 GHz band to mobile. This isn’t just a technical issue – it’s a strategic choice that will shape Europe’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. The fact that such a diverse group of competitors have issued a joint call reflects the urgency and scale of what’s at stake

What are the implications of delaying or splitting the band?
Any delay, or partial allocation, would significantly undermine Europe’s ability to roll out high-performance 6G networks. Other regions, notably the US, are moving quickly to secure their digital infrastructure. If Europe lags behind, we risk fragmentation, higher costs, and diminished influence over global telecom standards and supply chains.

Why does 6G specifically require this spectrum?
6G will rely on wide bandwidths to deliver ultra-fast, low-latency services – from advanced manufacturing to immersive technologies. Mobile networks need contiguous blocks of 200 MHz or more to operate effectively. The upper 6 GHz band offers a rare opportunity to deliver that scale – and it’s the only viable option Europe has within reach.

There’s pressure to reserve more of this band for Wi-Fi. How do you respond?
Europe has already made significant spectrum available for Wi-Fi in the lower 6 GHz band, much of which remains underutilised. Mobile networks, which underpin both consumer and enterprise connectivity, urgently need this capacity. Prioritising mobile use in the upper band is the most strategic and efficient choice for Europe’s digital economy.

What is United Group’s role in this ecosystem?
As a major investor in advanced digital infrastructure across Southeast Europe, United Group is deeply engaged in Europe’s telecom transformation. We’re committed to delivering high-performance networks that unlock growth, innovation and inclusion. Ensuring the right spectrum policy is in place is critical to making that vision a reality.