Ofcom is taking comments on its proposal<\/a> until March 20. Wi-Fi devices using the future mobile priority airwaves would have to use an automated frequency coordination system, which would make them easier to clear out of the band for mobile carriers.<\/p>\n \u201cThe UK\u2019s decision is a really big deal for the Wi-Fi industry, which is U.S.-based, and for U.S. tech companies and consumers globally,\u201d Michael Calabrese, director of the wireless future project at New America\u2019s Open Technology Institute, said in an email.\u00a0<\/p>\n He said the decision could put pressure on Europe to change its course. The E.U. telecom regulator opted to designate much of the 6 GHz band for licensed mobile use last year.<\/p>\n \u201cMobile operators have been winning the debate in Europe about whether Wi-Fi should be authorized in large channels across the entire 6 GHz band, as the U.S., Canada and most of the Americas do today,\u201d Calabrese wrote. \u201cBut now the UK is leaning heavily toward the U.S. framework, which will give Wi-Fi a huge head start to demonstrate its value and put increasing pressure on European regulators to adopt a similar approach.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The Ofcom proposal comes as the American Federal Communications Commission is planning a vote to allow new, higher-power devices in the 6 GHz band, which Wi-Fi proponents are also excited about<\/a>.<\/p>\n WifiForward pleased with the UK news<\/p>\n WifiForward, which represents major tech companies, cable ISPs, and others that favor shared spectrum over the exclusive licenses used by mobile carriers, was also pleased with the UK news.<\/p>\n \u201cUnder the first Trump Administration, the United States made a wise decision to open the entire 6 GHz band for unlicensed use,\u201d the group said in a statement<\/a>. \u201cWe\u2019re seeing that leadership make a difference today with Ofcom\u2019s announcement and are encouraged that regulators globally are recognizing the need to create a spectrum pipeline for unlicensed technologies. We look forward to the continued work here in the U.S. to unlock more unlicensed spectrum, which will be a win for American consumers, our economy, and our collective national security.\u201d<\/p>\nDiagram from Ofcom<\/p>\n