Wireless Innovation Forum Launches Ofcom AFC Task Group for 6 GHz Spectrum in UK

Wireless Innovation Forum Launches Ofcom AFC Task Group to Advance 6 GHz Spectrum Innovation in the UK

Wireless Innovation Forum

Our goal is to provide a practical, industry-driven framework that enables successful AFC deployments in the UK while promoting interoperability, consistency, and regulatory compliance.” — Masoud Olfat, Federated Wireless

The Wireless Innovation Forum (WInnForum) is pleased to announce the formation of its Ofcom AFC Task Group, a collaborative industry initiative dedicated to supporting the implementation of Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) systems for standard-power operation in the United Kingdom's 6 GHz band.

The newly established task group brings together AFC providers, device manufacturers, network operators, technology suppliers, regulators, and industry experts to develop a common framework that supports Ofcom's recently published AFC requirements and promotes efficient, interference-protected spectrum access across the entire 5925-7125 MHz band. The Forum previously created the standards framework for the 6 GHz band in the US along with the WiFi Alliance ( https://winnforum.org/6-ghz-committee/ ).

As part of its work, the task group will develop a specification that documents UK AFC requirements and identifies key differences from existing FCC-based AFC frameworks. The group will also address standardized device-to-AFC protocol by recommending necessary modification to the WiFi Alliance to be incorporated in the existing US-based protocol, create requirements traceability resources, support AFC testing activities, and evaluate the need for supplementary technical guidance documents.

"Our goal is to provide a practical, industry-driven framework that enables successful AFC deployments in the UK while promoting interoperability, consistency, and regulatory compliance," said Task Group Chair Masoud Olfat of Federated Wireless. "By bringing together stakeholders from across the wireless ecosystem, we can accelerate implementation and help ensure a robust and innovative 6 GHz environment."

The group, supported by Ofcom, is actively reviewing Ofcom's finalized AFC system specifications, test requirements, and related regulatory materials while conducting detailed technical analysis of the differences between UK and North American AFC frameworks.

The task group welcomes participation from member organizations and individuals with expertise or interest in AFC systems, spectrum management, wireless networking, regulatory compliance, testing, propagation modeling, cybersecurity, and 6 GHz technologies. Participation provides an opportunity to collaborate directly with industry leaders, influence emerging specifications, contribute technical expertise, and help build a strong foundation for next-generation wireless innovation. For information on joining the Wireless Innovation Forum to participate in the Ofcom AFC Task Group, visit www.winnforum.org .