GSMA and Connect Europe Response to the 6G Strategic Vision Draft RSPG Report
As 5G begins to mature, planning for the next generation of mobile networks that will be used in the 2030s and beyond is gathering pace. The proactive approach from the RSPG to develop better regulatory understanding of 6G networks is important and recognition of the developing needs of the mobile sector will facilitate long-term planning on spectrum issues.
Mobile networks are expected to run out of capacity towards the end of this decade. Therefore, the reuse of only existing bands for 6G would not be possible, and a new technology on a new band represents the best solution to deliver both capacity and new 6G capabilities and use cases, as well as other benefits 6G can offer.
While 6G development is starting, any framework that is put in place must be broad enough to facilitate development without forcing regulatory-led choices on the service. Technology and service neutrality are important as are a number of the best-practice regulatory activities.
The draft report currently presents a compilation of status updates, inputs, views, and opinions from various stakeholders. While this is valuable, the report would benefit from more concrete proposals that align with higher-level EU policy goals.
Recent policy initiatives from the European Commission and key figures such as Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi call for urgent actions to ensure European competitiveness and investments, particularly through spectrum policy. Therefore, it is crucial that the RSPG’s work, including strategies on upper 6 GHz, sub-700 MHz, and the peer review process, should reflect those imperatives and share a unified goal: to bolster Europe's success in the journey towards 6G.
