This decision paves the way for the public and businesses to enjoy better, faster, and more stable Wi-Fi connections across the EU, for video conferencing, streaming and sharing content, telemedicine or the use of augmented reality technologies.

The harmonization will almost double the amount of available spectrum by adding to the 538.5 MHz in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The enhanced spectrum will reduce network congestion and thus increase network speed. Countries around the world, including the US and the UK, are gradually making the spectrum in the 6 GHz band available so that adapted devices can easily reap the new benefits.

Making more bandwidth available for Wi-Fi services is key to facilitating innovation and reaching the EU’s proposed Digital Decade targets for 2030, according to which all European households should have gigabit connectivity. Member States have to make this frequency band available by 1 December 2021.

The 6 GHz harmonization decision is part of the Radio Spectrum Decision framework, which allows the Commission to harmonize radio spectrum bands in a timely manner to support the innovative markets and technological development.