RSPG decision on the upper 6 GHz band. VTKE: “Europe is slowing down its digital development.”
12 November 2025 – The EU Member States have agreed on a compromise regarding the use of the upper 6-gigahertz frequency band (6.425–7.125 MHz). According to this decision, 540 MHz of the spectrum will be allocated to mobile communications in the future. The remaining 160 MHz will remain unused until the next World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027 (WRC-27). The Association of Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Manufacturers (VTKE) is critical of this decision and fears negative consequences for Europe’s digital future. Instead of paving the way for an innovation-friendly, future-proof and technology-neutral digital ecosystem, a central frequency range is being prioritised unilaterally in favour of mobile communications.
Wi-Fi is indispensable today and in the future
Already today, around 90 percent of data traffic in Germany is handled via Wi-Fi, and the trend is rising. Modern fibre-optic connections and high-performance devices require wide, licence-exempt spectrum to ensure that local networks are reliable and powerful. With Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, technologies are available that depend on exactly this spectrum to fully exploit the potential of fibre all the way to the end device. Any restriction or delay in making this spectrum available weakens Europe’s competitiveness.
Wi-Fi relieves the load on mobile networks
Mobile networks are already significantly relieved by Wi-Fi: around two-thirds of mobile data traffic is transmitted via Wi-Fi. A high-performance digital infrastructure can therefore only emerge through the interplay of both technologies. A frequency policy that favours mobile communications and limits or delays the availability of Wi-Fi spectrum weakens the entire digital value chain from end devices to networks and on to new digital services.
Uncertainty until WRC-27
The decision to keep 160 MHz open for now does not create planning security. Only in 2027 will it become clear whether this spectrum will be permanently available for licence-exempt use.
Meanwhile, other regions of the world, such as the United States of America, have long since established clear frameworks for modern Wi-Fi, strengthening their industries and innovative capacity, while Europe falls behind.
VTKE calls for balanced and needs-based spectrum policy
A future-proof digital Europe requires competition, technological openness and reliable regulatory conditions.
VTKE advocates strengthening Wi-Fi technology as well, for a high-performance, open and competitive digital Europe.