The United States has outlined a comprehensive strategy to maintain global leadership in the development of sixth-generation mobile communications networks, known as 6G, emphasizing the technology’s significance for national security, foreign policy, and economic growth. The initiative, articulated in a presidential memorandum, highlights the role of 6G in advancing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and implantable devices, while promising faster, more resilient, and secure communication networks to support both public safety and strategic defense capabilities.
Central to the plan is a coordinated effort to identify and reallocate key spectrum bands for commercial 6G use without compromising national security or critical infrastructure. The memorandum directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to study the 7.125-7.4 GHz frequency band and work with federal incumbents to transition existing operations to other frequencies, including 7.4-8.4 GHz. These studies are expected to assess transition costs and timelines, while ensuring that national security missions and electric grid operations within the band are not materially affected. Certain systems, such as satellite telemetry uplinks and radio astronomy, are exempt from these reallocation efforts.
The memorandum also calls for broader spectrum studies across the 2.69-2.9 GHz and 4.4-4.94 GHz bands to determine the feasibility of reallocating portions for full-power commercial licensed 6G applications. Additionally, the Assistant Secretary is tasked with initiating the process to designate the 7.125-7.4 GHz band for commercial use under existing legislation. These efforts are intended to provide a substantial volume of harmonized spectrum that can support widespread 6G deployment both domestically and in alignment with international standards.
On the international front, the memorandum directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with relevant White House advisors, federal agencies, and the Federal Communications Commission, to advance U.S. objectives in diplomatic forums. This includes building coalitions of industry and foreign partners to support the United States’ positions at the International Telecommunication Union’s World Radiocommunication Conference-27, ensuring that U.S. interests remain at the forefront of global 6G standards. The memorandum specifies that all actions must comply with applicable law and available appropriations, while clarifying that it does not create enforceable rights or benefits against the federal government or its officials.
Through these combined measures, the United States is positioning itself to drive innovation in mobile communications, facilitating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, strengthening national security, and supporting economic competitiveness. By coordinating spectrum reallocation, conducting targeted studies, and engaging diplomatically on an international level, the federal government is laying the groundwork for a leadership role in the next generation of wireless communications.
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