For Immediate Release
November 9, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
In case you missed it – Industry analyst Dean Bubley of Disruptive Analysis recently published an analysis in Light Reading challenging claims that the lower 7 GHz spectrum band should be reserved exclusively for mobile operators, arguing instead that unlicensed Wi-Fi access would deliver greater public value.
Bubley identifies growing demand for expanded unlicensed spectrum from enterprises deploying AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. Adding spectrum in the 7.125-7.250 GHz range would also significantly improve Wi-Fi performance in dense enterprise environments like stadiums, airports, data centers, hospitals, and factories.
In contrast, Bubley argues that high-powered exclusive mobile licensing of the 7 GHz band faces significant challenges, including technical challenges that will require twice as many cell sites for coverage when compared to other bands. Moreover, early auction data suggests poor revenues for any auction in this band. As a result of these challenges, any decision to exclusively license it would likely result in the band remaining under-deployed in rural areas.
His recommended approach: unlock 7.125-7.250 GHz for unlicensed Wi-Fi, protect incumbents in 7.250-7.400 GHz while exploring coordinated local licensing, and consider dynamic sharing mechanisms where feasible.
“A uniform nationwide auction may only yield meager benefits, whereas extending unlicensed access would probably deliver more actual connectivity, support a wider variety of users, and retain greater strategic optionality,” he concludes.
Read more below.
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Lower 7GHz: Focus On Real End-User Needs, Not Mobile Industry Wishful Thinking
Light Reading
October 5, 2026
There is growing interest in spectrum in the 7-8GHz range, both in the US and internationally. Historically, these frequencies have supported federal communications, satellite, scientific and military systems. They are now attracting commercial attention, as policymakers and industry search for additional capacity for Wi-Fi, 5G and eventually 6G.
As usual, the Wi-Fi and mobile industries offer divergent visions. Some governments, mobile operators and vendors see the prospect of another large upper midband auction. Conversely, the Wi-Fi sector argues that at least the bottom 125MHz would deliver disproportionate benefits, as an extension of the existing 6GHz unlicensed band.
The best answer may not be a binary choice. Unlicensed, dynamically coordinated access could extract more value from the lower 7GHz than clearing the entire band for traditional exclusive, high-power mobile licenses. This article delves into the details.
Check out the full article here.