The 4 GHz spectrum band could play a significant role in meeting future wireless capacity requirements driven by artificial intelligence, 6G, and continued growth in mobile data traffic, according to a new report from CTIA, the wireless industry association.

The report calls for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to begin a study of the 4 GHz band within the next 60 days. CTIA says an accelerated study could help inform U.S. spectrum policy and support the country’s participation in international discussions ahead of the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27).

As AI applications and next-generation wireless technologies develop, CTIA says the United States will need additional large, contiguous blocks of mid-band spectrum capable of supporting high-capacity networks. The association identifies the 4 GHz band as part of a broader spectrum pipeline that also includes the Upper C-Band, 2.7 GHz, and 7 GHz bands.

According to CTIA, the 4 GHz band could potentially provide up to 400 MHz for future wireless applications. The organization also points to the band’s compatibility with existing 5G and emerging 6G standards as a factor that could facilitate future deployment.

"Beginning work this fall is our best chance at freeing up the spectrum needed to meet surging AI demand, fuel innovation, expand access to affordable broadband, and reassert America's global wireless leadership,” said Ajit Pai, President and CEO of CTIA.

Growing Demand for Mid-Band Spectrum

CTIA’s report points to continued growth in wireless network traffic as a key driver for additional spectrum. The association cites a 20% increase in wireless demand over the past year and AI will accelerate that trend. Analysts project that U.S. networks could require an additional 820 MHz of mid-band spectrum.

The report also cites Accenture analysis estimating that, without additional spectrum resources, nearly one-third of future wireless demand could go unmet, with potential economic implications for the United States.

CTIA identifies several characteristics that it says make the 4 GHz band a potential candidate for addressing that capacity requirement:

• Mid-band characteristics: The 4 GHz range offers a combination of coverage and capacity that can support mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, and emerging AI applications.

• Potential for wider channels: More than 500 MHz is currently under study in the broader 4 GHz range, according to CTIA, potentially creating opportunities for wider channels needed by AI applications such as industrial automation and wireless sensing.

• Existing device ecosystem: CTIA says the band already benefits from a global commercial ecosystem, including approximately 1,500 compatible devices. The association identifies smartphones from Apple, Google, and Samsung among the devices supporting the relevant spectrum.

• Government operations: CTIA says existing federal uses of the spectrum could potentially be accommodated through measures such as repacking, retuning, and coordination.

International Considerations

CTIA also frames the 4 GHz band as an issue of international spectrum policy.

The association points to ongoing global discussions surrounding the future use of the 6 GHz band and notes that the United States has designated the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use. CTIA argues that the 4 GHz band could provide another path for expanding licensed mid-band spectrum capacity, noting that the band is already supported in more than 50 countries.

The organization says beginning a U.S. study this year would provide additional time to develop international support ahead of spectrum-related decisions at WRC-27.

CTIA's full report, Optimizing the 4 GHz Band for America’s Economic and National Security, provides additional analysis of the band and the association’s recommendations for its future use.

Source: CTIA

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