FEATURE: MOBILE
Key Drivers of Economic Value:
• Productivity gains: Enhanced 5G and 6G connectivity for industries such as mining, agriculture, logistics and manufacturing
• Digital inclusion: Mobile networks reach rural and remote areas where Wi-Fi cannot
• GDP growth: Billions in additional output by 2030 compounding further into the 2030s
• Future readiness: Enabling 200 – 400 MHz channels for 6G applications like immersive XR, autonomous systems and AI-driven services
• Lower 6 GHz( 5.925 – 6.425 GHz): Unlicensed, supporting Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 innovation
• Upper 6 GHz( 6.425 – 7.125 GHz): Licensed IMT, ensuring 5G and 6G capacity and rural inclusion
This model aligns with the ITU’ s WRC-23 framework and maximizes the benefits of both mobile and Wi-Fi.
Global spectrum strategies: Lessons for Latin America
Latin America’ s decision is not made in isolation. Around the world regulators are experimenting with different 6 GHz policies.
Urban vs Rural impact
• Licensed mobile spectrum: Extends coverage obligations to underserved rural areas
• Unlicensed Wi-Fi: Concentrates benefits in urban households and businesses often skewed to higher-income groups
• Policy implication: To close the digital divide, Latin America must prioritise mobile access to the upper 6 GHz
The Policy Debate: Harmonisation is Key
Spectrum allocation is not just a technical issue – it is a political and economic choice. The GSMA urges Latin American regulators to adopt a harmonised regional approach:
1. North America: Wi-Fi First
• The FCC( USA) opened the entire 5.925 – 7.125 GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi
• Result: Explosive growth of Wi-Fi 6E / 7 devices, adding US $ 870 billion in value by 2024 and projected US $ 1.2 trillion by 2027
• Challenge: Mobile operators warn of looming mid-band scarcity
2. China: Mobile first
• Reserved the upper 6 GHz for licensed IMT
• Strategy supports China’ s goal of being the global leader in 5G and 6G infrastructure
• Less emphasis on Wi-Fi innovation
3. Brazil: The hybrid pioneer
• Initially mirrored the US by opening the full band to Wi-Fi
• Later shifted to a hybrid model: lower 6 GHz for Wi-Fi, upper 6 GHz for licensed mobile
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