Analysts say early control over the spectrum could determine which countries shape the future digital economy and security environment.
President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum ordering federal agencies to begin relocating government systems from key wireless frequencies, a move that the White House said is aimed at securing U.S. leadership in the global race to develop next-generation 6G networks.
The memorandum—titled Winning the 6G Race—casts sixth-generation wireless technology as critical to U.S. economic competitiveness and foreign policy, as it is expected to power advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced sensing, and implantable technologies, while strengthening national security and public safety.
“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 the spectrum, standards, and network architecture could determine which countries shape the future digital economy and security environment.
“The country that leads the development and deployment of 6G—the next generation of wireless telecommunications—will control critical infrastructure that is integral to global economic competitiveness, national security, and the functioning of society,” Sam Howell, an associate fellow at the Center for a New American Security, said in a note.
“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 gigahertz (GHz) to 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 GHz to 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 GHz to 7.4 GHz band for full-power commercial licensed use, clearing the way for eventual auction and deployment.
By Tom Ozimek
