Upper 6 GHz: A Strategic Spectrum Resource for the Future of Mobile Connectivity
Jakhongir Aripov, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC Uztelecom, has highlighted the strategic importance of the Upper 6 GHz spectrum band (6425-7125 MHz) for the development of fifth- and sixth-generation mobile networks in an article published on his LinkedIn page. Aripov said that timely spectrum planning and allocation are becoming critical to the continued development of Uzbekistan’s telecommunications infrastructure, attracting investment and enabling the rollout of next-generation digital services.
As 5G-Advanced evolves, 6G approaches, and artificial intelligence drives growing demand for connectivity, mobile operators face an increasingly important question: where will the additional network capacity come from?
One of the most promising answers is Upper 6 GHz (6425-7125 MHz).
According to the GSMA, the band has a harmonized footprint covering more than 80% of the world's population. The ITU's WRC-23 decisions established an important international regulatory foundation for its use by IMT systems, subject to national implementation.
The particular value of Upper 6 GHz lies in its ability to support wider spectrum channels and additional network capacity, including through existing mobile network infrastructure. This creates opportunities for high-speed broadband, FWA, industrial digitalization, and emerging AI-driven services.
The technology is already moving beyond trials. In September 2026, e& UAE announced the world's first commercial activation of an Upper 6 GHz mobile network using 256TRX Giga-MIMO technology.
Uzbekistan has also demonstrated significant technological potential. At ICT Week Uzbekistan 2025, national operator UZTELECOM showcased its first 5G-Advanced demonstration in the Upper 6 GHz band, achieving an impressive speed of 10.16 Gbps.
But the significance of Upper 6 GHz goes far beyond record-breaking speeds. According to the GSMA, more than 60 members of the global mobile ecosystem have expressed readiness to support large-scale deployment of the band.
As AI and the digital economy continue to evolve, timely spectrum availability is becoming not only a technological priority, but also an important factor in investment certainty, new digital services, and the transition towards 6G.
Perhaps the next phase of mobile evolution will depend not only on technological progress, but also on how effectively countries prepare the spectrum resources needed to deploy new technologies.
For Uzbekistan, Upper 6 GHz could become a key spectrum resource for sustaining ICT development and enabling the next generation of digital services.
