A sweeping federal effort is underway to ensure the United States leads the global race to develop sixth-generation wireless technology, citing national security, economic competitiveness, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
In a presidential memorandum titled “Winning the 6G Race,” President Trump declared, “The next generation of mobile communications networks (6G) will be foundational to the national security, foreign policy, and economic prosperity of the United States.” He added that 6G will deliver “faster, more resilient, and more secure communication networks” critical to public safety and defense.
The directive orders immediate action to free and harmonize the radiofrequency spectrum needed for future 6G networks, while safeguarding military, intelligence, and infrastructure operations. The Administration has been reviewing federal spectrum use to determine what can be reallocated to commercial development without undermining national security missions.
Under the memorandum, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information is instructed to begin studies of the 7.125–7.4 gigahertz band to determine how existing federal systems can be relocated, potentially into the 7.4–8.4 GHz range. A report detailing costs, timelines, and security impacts must be submitted to the President within 12 months.
President Trump also ordered the immediate identification of the 7.125–7.4 GHz band for full-power commercial licensed use, as authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Additional studies are required to assess whether portions of the 2.69–2.9 GHz and 4.4–4.94 GHz bands could be made available for future commercial deployment.
The memorandum further directs the State Department to lead diplomatic efforts aimed at shaping international standards for 6G. This includes building coalitions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union’s World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027.
“This technology will play a pivotal role in the development and adoption of emerging technologies,” President Trump said, underscoring the Administration’s view that leadership in 6G is essential to America’s long-term security and prosperity. The initiative aims to secure long-term leadership.