“This matters for Wi‑Fi 7 as well as Wi‑Fi 6,” Feld wrote today replying to the Carr plan. “But we need an actual pipeline to deliver more unlicensed spectrum. Glad to see the value of unlicensed acknowledged. Looking forward to more of it.”
Threat to Wi‑Fi spectrum looks limited
Even with the favorable reaction to Carr’s proposal this week, Wi‑Fi’s hold on the 6 GHz band still faces a possible challenge. The 1,200 MHz span from 5.925 to 7.125 GHz was set aside for Wi‑Fi in April 2020, but plans to auction spectrum to mobile carriers could carve out portions of that range from unlicensed use.
A law signed by Congress and Trump in July 2025 mandates that the FCC auction at least 800 MHz of spectrum, some of which might be taken from the 6 GHz band now reserved for Wi‑Fi or from the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) between 3550 MHz and 3700 MHz. The FCC retains discretion over which blocks it auctions, and its forthcoming decision will attract strong attention from groups aiming to protect and expand Wi‑Fi and CBRS availability.
Calabrese said in June 2025 that 6 GHz and CBRS “are the most vulnerable non-federal bands for reallocation and auction.” But following statements from the Trump administration touting 6 GHz Wi‑Fi as a signature achievement and backing from House Republicans, Calabrese told Ars today that reallocating Wi‑Fi frequencies “seems far less likely.” He added that advocates are “far more worried about CBRS now than 6 GHz.”
Alongside consumer advocates, the cable industry has been pushing for protections for Wi‑Fi and CBRS, placing it at odds with the mobile industry which favors more exclusive licenses for spectrum. Cable trade group NCTA said yesterday it is “encouraged by the FCC’s action to enhance usage in the 6 GHz band. With Wi‑Fi now carrying nearly 90 percent of mobile data, securing more unlicensed spectrum is essential to keep up with surging consumer demand, power emerging technologies, and ensure fast, reliable connections for homes, businesses, and communities nationwide.”
