spectrum allocationUpdated Feb 2026

6G Candidate Spectrum Bands and Allocations

Overview of candidate frequency bands being studied for 6G deployment, their bandwidth availability, and current allocation status.

Data

LabelValue
4.4-4.8 GHz (C-band ext.)400 MHz Under study
7.125-8.5 GHz (Upper mid)1.375 GHz WRC-27 agenda
10-15 GHz (Mid-band)5 GHz Under study
17-24 GHz (Upper mid)7 GHz Under study
47-71 GHz (mmWave)24 GHz Partially allocated
92-175 GHz (W/D-band)83 GHz Experimental
252-325 GHz (Sub-THz)73 GHz Research only

Key Insights

7-24 GHz upper mid-band is the most strategically important range for 6G capacity.

Sub-THz bands (above 90 GHz) offer massive bandwidth but limited range.

WRC-27 will be decisive for 6G spectrum allocation globally.

Coexistence with existing services is the primary challenge for new allocations.

Data Sources

ITU-R, FCC, ETSI, 3GPP TR 38.820

Last updated: Feb 2026. Data is compiled from publicly available reports, industry analyses, and proprietary research.