The 4 GHz band is key to securing U.S. wireless and AI leadership, according to a new report released by CTIA, the wireless industry association. Launching an NTIA band study in the next 60 days can strengthen America’s ability to shape global 6G discussions at WRC-27 and pave the way to identification during this Administration.
As AI traffic spikes and 6G moves from concept to reality, the United States will need new, large, contiguous blocks of full-power spectrum. The 4 GHz band is a cornerstone of the spectrum pipeline identified by the Administration and Congress, alongside Upper C-Band, 2.7 GHz, and 7 GHz. It is a prime opportunity because of its alignment with existing 5G and 6G standards and its potential to deliver 400 megahertz critical for future advanced network capabilities.
Wireless demand is surging, growing 20% in the last year alone, and AI will only accelerate that trend. Analysts project U.S. networks will need 820 megahertz of additional mid-band spectrum, and Accenture warns that without it, nearly one-third of future demand could go unmet, threatening America’s AI and 6G leadership and putting an estimated $1.4 trillion in economic growth at risk.
Read the full press release here.
