Brazil 6 GHz spectrum allocation debate

The allocation of the 6 GHz spectrum band in Brazil has become a subject of economic and technical debate involving regulatory bodies, internet service providers (ISPs), and mobile operators.

Initial discussions centered on the economic implications of spectrum use. A study by the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) suggested that allocating the entire 6 GHz band for unlicensed use could generate a positive economic impact of US$ 689.18 billion over ten years, significantly higher than the US$ 447.15 billion estimated if the band were divided with mobile services. The DSA argued that full unlicensed access is necessary for advanced technologies like Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 8.

As the process moved to public hearings held by Anatel, a divide emerged between stakeholders. ISPs are advocating for the full 1,200 MHz band to remain available for unlicensed use to support high-speed connectivity in dense environments. Conversely, mobile operators are requesting that the upper portion of the band be prioritized for mobile networks to expand 5G capacity and prepare for 6G. While studies have been commissioned to explore how these technologies might coexist, Anatel representatives noted that current tests have not yet demonstrated satisfactory coexistence when both technologies operate on the same channel.