President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum ordering federal agencies to begin relocating government systems from key wireless frequencies, a move the White House said is aimed at securing U.S. leadership in the global race to develop next-generation 6G networks.
“It is the policy of the United States to lead the world in 6G development,” Trump wrote in the memo, which directs federal agencies to pursue global leadership in 6G by strengthening U.S. influence in standards-setting organizations and accelerating efforts to identify spectrum suitable for internationally aligned 6G networks.
The Trump administration has been studying how multiple spectrum bands could be reallocated to commercial use for 6G development without undermining national security missions that occur within those bands.
Analysts say early control over spectrum, standards, and network architecture could determine which countries shape the future digital economy and security environment.
“6G is thus a key battleground of U.S.-China technology competition.”
Clearing Prime Mid-Band Spectrum
At the center of Trump’s directive is an order to begin clearing federal systems from the 7.125–7.4 GHz band—defined as “prime” spectrum that is suited for future high-capacity wireless networks. Agencies operating in the band are required to determine how their systems could be relocated, including into the adjacent 7.4–8.4 GHz range.
“Federal incumbents have 12 months to submit relocation plans that protect national security missions while freeing this prime spectrum for American industry,” a White House fact sheet states.
The plans that federal agencies are to develop and submit to the White House must ensure that any relocation does not “materially impair” national security missions or electric grid operations, as determined by the Secretary of War and the Director of National Intelligence.
Certain systems are exempt, including satellite telemetry uplinks and radio astronomy installations at fixed geographic sites.
Trump also directed the assistant secretary of commerce for Communications and Information to immediately begin the formal process—authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—to identify the 7.125–7.4 GHz band for full-power commercial licensed use, clearing the way for eventual auction and deployment.
More Spectrum Under Review
Beyond the 7 GHz band, the memorandum orders new studies of two additional frequency ranges: 2.69–2.9 GHz and 4.4–4.94 GHz. The goal is to determine whether portions of those bands could also be reallocated for full-power commercial 6G use without undermining existing federal operations.
GSMA estimates that demand for mobile network capacity will grow by 15–20 percent through 2030, warning that delays in mid-spectrum availability could lead to network congestion in high-demand areas, reducing service quality and negatively impacting user experience.
