Telekom tests 6GHz frequency spectrum for future mobile communications

Telekom is campaigning for the use of additional frequency bands for mobile communications. The company tested the high frequency spectrum at 6 gigahertz (6GHz) in Bonn under real conditions. Result: The frequencies, which are very high compared to current bands, are ideal for mobile phone use. In the future, they could significantly increase the bandwidth and data speed for the 5G mobile communications standard. The big advantage: Existing radio masts can be easily expanded with the 6GHz frequencies as part of normal network modernization. Whether the 6GHz frequency spectrum can be used for mobile communications from 2025 also depends on the decisions of the World Radio Conference in November next year, which will define the regulatory framework for this. The tests are therefore an important basis for decision-making for radio experts from all over the world. The test series was supported by theFederal Network Agency.

“In order to meet our customers’ increasing demand for more bandwidth with 5G, we will need more frequencies in the future. The tests have shown that the 6GHz frequencies are very well suited for this,” says Walter Goldenits, Head of Technology at Telekom Germany.

For the test, a mobile communications site on the roof of Telekom’s headquarters in Bonn was equipped with a 6GHz antenna. Since there are still no smartphones that can process these frequencies, a special computer was configured as the end device for the speed tests. Three scenarios were checked: the performance of the frequencies at a distance of 100 meters, at a distance of several hundred meters and finally in the building. The best results were measured in the near radius around the antenna. In all three variants, the measurements provided speeds of one gigabit and more. If the frequencies are combined with the previous 5G frequencies at 3.6 gigahertz in the future, transmission rates of more than two gigabits will then be possible with 5G.

In principle, larger contiguous spectrum ranges are available at high frequencies. Their use provides additional bandwidth. But the waves only reach a few hundred meters. This makes them particularly suitable for use in urban environments. Up until now, part of the 6GHz frequency spectrum has been used for radio relay transmissions on mobile phone masts. Since these locations will be almost completely connected with fiber optics in the next few years, the 6GHz frequencies will be free for mobile use in the future. So far, network operators have been using mobile radio spectrum from 700 megahertz to 3.6 gigahertz for the mobile radio technologies 2G, 4G and 5G.

Trial license from the Federal Network Agency
The future use of mobile radio frequencies depends on the course set at the World Radio Conference in November 2023. Telekom’s tests provide a valuable basis for decision-making. The Federal Network Agency supported Telekom’s tests with a test radio license. Alexander Kühn, Head of Division for International and National Spectrum Management at the Federal Network Agency: “The findings of this project will help us to ensure that we make the right decision for the upcoming conference in 2023 and beyond for the supply of Germany with broadband services.” In particular a 700 megahertz block in the upper part of the 6GHz spectrum (6425-7125 MHz) for discussion. The frequencies could then be used in 2025 at the earliest.

CT Bureau