Mobile industry prepares for 6 GHz expansion and D2D spectrum competition

The global mobile ecosystem is preparing for the expansion of services into the upper 6 GHz band, specifically between 6.425 and 7.125 GHz. The GSMA reports that countries supporting the use of this band represent over 80% of the world's population. More than 60 companies, including mobile operators, device manufacturers, and chipset developers, have signaled readiness to implement large-scale mobile networks in this spectrum.

In Europe, a separate strategic move is unfolding regarding direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services. Major telecommunications providers Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone are reportedly in informal discussions to form a consortium. This alliance aims to compete with satellite operators like Starlink for the 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum. The current licenses held by EchoStar and ViaSat are set to expire in May 2027, coinciding with new European Commission proposals regarding spectrum allocation rules.