The move is framed as essential to preserving U.S. leadership in global communications amid rising international competition, even as 5G deployment continues at home.

The Commerce Department will coordinate international positioning, engaging with the ITU to build a coalition in support of American 6G priorities ahead of the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference.

The plan orders studies of two additional bands, 2.69–2.9 GHz and 4.4–4.94 GHz, to assess potential reallocation for full-power 6G use without degrading federal operations.

Additional studies on the 2.69–2.9 GHz and 4.4–4.94 GHz bands will evaluate reallocation options for commercial 6G deployment.

The core action centers on relocating federal use of the 7.125–7.4 GHz band to free it for licensed commercial 6G, with relocation plans due within 12 months and safeguards for national security and critical infrastructure.

State Department involvement is sought to build coalitions and push U.S. positions at the ITU WRC in 2027 for spectrum decisions affecting 6G.

Clearing the mid-band 7.125–7.4 GHz—the prime spectrum for future high-capacity 6G networks—while protecting national security and critical infrastructure and laying out a roadmap within a year.

Officials stress that early control of spectrum, standards, and network architecture could shape the digital economy, national security, and global competition amid the U.S.–China tech rivalry.

The White House presents the plan as adding certainty for U.S. and allied companies planning future networks, linking it to broader tech goals like AI, cybersecurity, and regulatory modernization.

A presidential memorandum directs federal agencies to relocate government systems from key wireless frequencies to enable commercial 6G development and study spectrum needs.

The memorandum outlines a comprehensive U.S. push to lead in 6G by clearing and evaluating spectrum essential for next-generation networks.

Industry groups, including GSMA, emphasize a large, harmonized mid-band block is needed to meet rising 6G capacity through 2030, with delays risking congestion and poorer user experience.