ACMA to free up more 6 GHz band for Wi‑Fi – CyberShack
Summary
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced it will extend the 6 GHz Wi‑Fi allocation from 6425 MHz up to 6585 MHz (covering 5925–6585 MHz for RLAN use). That opens space for wider channel allocations such as 2 x 320 MHz or 4 x 160 MHz, and other combinations of 40/80/160/320 MHz channels for in‑home use.
This change should benefit high‑bandwidth use cases — think AR/VR and heavy NBN connections — and help reduce congestion in busy Wi‑Fi environments. The move could be implemented by November 2025, but accessing the new slices will typically require firmware updates (notably for Wi‑Fi 7 routers). The full upper band (6586–7125 MHz) remains closed for now until international harmonisation via the ITU is achieved.
Key Points
- ACMA extends the usable 6 GHz Wi‑Fi band to 6585 MHz, enabling larger channels (up to 320 MHz).
- Expected benefits include better performance for AR/VR, faster NBN experiences and reduced local congestion.
- Availability could arrive by November 2025 but will usually need router firmware updates (Wi‑Fi 7 gets the most benefit).
- Wi‑Fi 6E can technically access the extra bandwidth but won’t gain Wi‑Fi 7 features like MLO or 4K QAM.
- Transmit power limits remain unchanged: LPI 6 GHz is 24 dBm indoors (250 mW) and 14 dBm outdoors (25 mW) — so range won’t increase.
- Australia has not adopted an AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination) system like the USA, so higher indoor power levels used there are not in place here yet.
- Few current routers sold locally support AFC; some tri‑band models (eg. TP‑Link Deco BE65/BE85) may support it if introduced in future.
Context and relevance
This decision aligns Australia with global moves to free more mid‑band spectrum for consumer Wi‑Fi, improving capacity for data‑hungry home uses and congested urban environments. It’s relevant to home network owners, ISPs, and device makers planning product updates or firmware rollouts. The lack of increased power limits and no immediate AFC means the change is about capacity not range — expect faster local links but not greater coverage.
Why should I read this?
Short and simple: if you like faster, less congested Wi‑Fi at home (especially for AR/VR or high NBN tiers), this matters. Don’t expect miracles on range — it’s all about more lanes on the motorway, not brighter headlights. If you’ve bought a decent tri‑band router this year, keep an eye out for firmware updates so you can use the extra 6 GHz channels when they go live.
Author style
Punchy: this is a useful regulatory change that actually helps real‑world home Wi‑Fi speeds and congestion. It’s not a revolution, but it’s a meaningful upgrade for modern wireless kit — worth paying attention to if you care about faster local wireless or own a Wi‑Fi 7 router.
Source
Source: https://cybershack.com.au/smart-home/acma-to-free-up-more-6-ghz-band-for-wi-fi/
Article Date: 2025-09-08T03:05:01+00:00