ACMA targets early 2028 for AFC-controlled standard-power 6 GHz Wi-Fi

The Australian Communications and Media Authority wants accredited, AFC-controlled standard-power outdoor Wi-Fi operating in the 5925–6585 MHz band by early 2028, according to a consultation document, Telecom Gazette reported. That would make Australia the fourth market with a commercial 6 GHz automatic frequency coordination system, Telecom Gazette said. The consultation opened on 16 October 2026 and comments are due by 5:00 PM AEDT on 18 December 2026.

ACMA plans to publish a variation of the Low Interference Potential Device class licence and accreditation arrangements in the third quarter of 2027, with the final proposal following between the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028. ACMA said it expects AFC deployment can begin at that point, "enabling accredited AFC system providers to deploy services within the established framework". The schedule is indicative and subject to consultation outcomes, and until new arrangements are adopted, standard-power operation under the AFC framework is not generally authorised.

Australia already allows low-power indoor and very-low-power outdoor devices in the band, with power capped at 25 mW under rules updated in October 2025. ACMA has identified demand for wider coverage in settings such as mines and universities, which needs standard power and therefore coordination to protect incumbent point-to-point links, fixed satellite services and radio astronomy. Australia's allocation extends to 6585 MHz, beyond the 6425 MHz limit typical internationally.

On accreditation, ACMA prefers the UK approach of accrediting the system provider rather than individual software products. The regulator said that, given the potential for increased Australian industry participation and reduced regulatory complexity, a system provider model "is currently our preferred approach". Accredited providers would be responsible for compliance, with possible obligations including cybersecurity requirements, record retention, audit capabilities and incident reporting. ACMA is also considering audits, and failure to meet requirements could lead to withdrawal of accreditation. It favours varying the existing class licence over creating a new licence type.

Coexistence with 5G above 6585 MHz is one open issue, and standard-power Wi-Fi below that line may need a guard band in some areas. Most of the 15 respondents to an earlier mention in ACMA's draft spectrum outlook, including Wi-Fi, spectrum sharing and some satellite players, backed the initiative. Mobile industry respondents raised concerns about interference and future 6G spectrum availability. Four trials are under way, in Benaraby, Landsdale, Berrima and Moss Vale, and Burra, and ACMA reports no observed interference to incumbent services. ACMA cautioned that incumbent activity in the trial areas is relatively limited, so the result does not show all coexistence scenarios are resolved.

Only the US and Canada have commercial 6 GHz AFC systems at present. Ofcom has accepted applications from prospective AFC providers since 1 September 2026, with commercial launch anticipated in early 2027, which would put the UK third. Japan's communications ministry said in August 2026 it will finalise a framework for standard-power 6 GHz Wi-Fi by the end of March 2027.