The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) revealed the 7 GHz band has emerged as a leading candidate in the selection process for 6G spectrum.

The agency refreshed its dedicated Spectrum portal with a page tracking band repurposing studies across the 1.6 GHz, 2.7 GHz, 4.4 GHz, and 7 GHz bands. NTIA revealed most of those bands are still in the funding phase.

The 7 GHz study has progressed through eight stages so far, including completed spectrum modeling and interference analysis. The next phase involves preparing reports to be submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

NTIA has already identified an initial five-megahertz of spectrum between 1675 MHz-1680 MHz for repurposing, with the body continuing to work with federal partners to determine how to reallocate the remaining spectrum. It added that federal agencies holding assignments across these four bands have applied for and are receiving support from the Spectrum Relocation Fund (SRF) to evaluate the most effective and efficient approach to repurposing this spectrum.

The agency also stressed it is committed to meeting or surpassing the timelines set by President Donald Trump and the Working Families Tax Cut Act (WFTC) that was passed last year. The act directed NTIA to identify 500-megahertz of federal spectrum between the 1.3 GHz and 10.5 GHz bands to repurpose for full-power commercial licensed use.

Referencing a Presidential Memorandum from President Trump on “Winning the 6G Race,” NTIA emphasized that 6G will be critical to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic strength, adding that it is official U.S. policy to lead global development of 6G technologies.

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Arielle Roth, President Trump's pick last year to lead NTIA, commented: "Now the work shifts to us. We have a mission: to build one big, beautiful spectrum pipeline that will deliver faster wireless networks, fuel innovation, and secure America’s position as the world’s technological powerhouse.”

China is also aggressively moving on its 6G plans having this week advanced its 6G timeline by approving the 6 GHz band for technical standardization and large-scale field trials.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) will reportedly allow local engineers to transition 6G testing into practical urban and industrial settings, supporting China's goal of commercializing 6G by 2030.

6G remains central in the nation’s current planning cycle, covering 2026 to 2030. The country reportedly accounts for roughly 40% of global 6G patent filings, leading industry trade group GSMA to identify China as one of the key markets expected to lead early 6G deployments, alongside the United States, Europe, and India.