Business · Companies · 3 hrs ago
Brazil’s 6 GHz spectrum debate pits internet providers against phone operators
Brazil’s telecom regulator, Anatel, is consulting on how to use the 6 GHz radio spectrum, which can serve both mobile networks and Wi-Fi routers.
In August, Anatel assigned nearly 60% of the upper part of the band to mobile networks, leaving the rest for routers.
Regional internet providers want more spectrum for Wi-Fi, which distributes wired internet around homes and businesses.
They plan to challenge the August decision and propose sharing the band between mobile and fixed internet services.
Phone operators oppose that sharing proposal and want more spectrum reserved for mobile networks such as 5G and future 6G.
The dispute matters because more spectrum can help companies offer faster, higher-quality connections.
Anatel’s public consultation on the mobile spectrum auction is due to close this month, and the auction is planned for 2028.
Brazil’s telecom regulator is consulting on how to use the 6 GHz spectrum band, setting regional internet providers against major phone operators.
The providers want more of the band available for Wi-Fi routers, while phone operators want a larger share for mobile networks such as 5G and future 6G.
In August, Anatel allocated almost 60% of the upper 6 GHz band to mobile networks and the remainder to cable internet routers.
The regional providers plan to challenge that allocation and propose sharing the band between mobile and fixed internet services.
Anatel is also consulting on automated frequency coordination systems used by Wi-Fi networks.
- Who
- Regional internet providers and phone operators are on opposing sides of the debate.
- What
- They disagree over how to divide the 6 GHz spectrum band between Wi-Fi routers and mobile networks.
- When
- Anatel’s public consultation on the mobile-band auction notice ends in October 2026. The auction is planned for 2028.
- Where
- Brazil.
- Why
- More spectrum can improve the speed and quality of services. Providers also want enough capacity for fast home internet, while phone operators seek spectrum for mobile networks.
Regional internet providers
Phone operators
Spectrum allocation
Regional internet providers
Regional providers want a larger share of the 6 GHz band available to Wi-Fi routers.
Phone operators
Phone operators want Anatel to preserve a larger share for mobile internet networks, including 5G and future 6G.
Sharing proposal
Regional internet providers
Abrint plans to defend sharing the band between mobile and fixed internet services.
Phone operators
Conexis opposes Abrint’s sharing proposal.
Anatel allocated the upper 6 GHz band to mobile networks, giving phone operators almost 60% of the spectrum and routers the remainder.
Anatel is due to close a public consultation on the auction notice for the upper 6 GHz band for mobile networks.
The auction of the upper 6 GHz band for mobile networks is planned.
- Spectrum range
- 5,925 MHz to 7,125 MHz
- August allocation
- Almost 60% of the upper band for mobile networks; the remainder for cable internet routers
- Planned auction
- 2028
- Provider association
- Abrint represents regional internet providers
- Phone operator association
- Conexis opposes the sharing proposal
What people are saying
Temos associados entregando internet com 10 gigabits por segundo na casa dos assinantes. Se ele não tiver capacidade ali dentro de casa, [usando a faixa mais alta] para entregar mais velocidade, a gente vai morrer na praia.
Sources
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