[802.19] UK Ofcom's consultation on AFC fir Wi-Fi in 6 GHz

[Edward Au <edward.ks.au@xxxxxxxxx>]

Dear 802.18 participants,
cc. 802.11, 802.15, 802.19 participants,

On 9 January 2026, the UK Ofcom began a consultation on its proposal in enabling the use of Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) for Wi-Fi in the 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz band.  In summary, as extracted from the consultation:
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Registration process and Registration conditions for AFC service providers

We are proposing a three-phase registration process for AFC service providers to apply for, obtain, and maintain Registration with Ofcom to provide AFC services in the UK.

We are proposing conditions of Registration that AFC service providers will need to comply with in order to achieve and maintain Registration with Ofcom, including the technical calculations necessary to protect existing services in the band; ensure licence data is kept securely; and requirements to manage and respond to interference.

We do not propose to set a fixed Registration term and are not proposing to charge AFC service providers for registering with Ofcom; or to regulate the prices they charge users for their services.
We have aligned these proposals with existing international frameworks where we consider this to be appropriate, aiming to minimise administrative burden on both prospective AFC service providers and Ofcom.

Technical conditions for the licence exempt use of Wi-Fi under AFC control

We are proposing technical conditions for the licence exempt operation of Wi-Fi under AFC control. These include:

• Standard Power Wi-Fi access points and fixed client devices shall have a geolocation capability and shall access an AFC system to determine the available frequencies and associated maximum transmit power levels at their location prior to transmitting.
• Mobile client devices operating in the 6 GHz band under the control of a Standard Power access point shall not be capable of initiating a network or connecting directly to another client device.

In addition, we are consulting on the draft notices and regulations necessary to register the AFC service provider and to enable the licence exempt use of the associated Wi-Fi devices.

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For details, please visit:
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/innovative-use-of-spectrum/enabling-automated-frequency-coordination-afc-in-the-6-ghz-band

The submission deadline is 20 March 2026.  If you would like IEEE 802 LMSC to submit a response, please kindly prepare a contribution and bring it to IEEE 802.18 to review and consider approval no later than 10 March 2026 (in the March 2026 plenary).

Regards,
Edward

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