President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum on Friday directing federal agencies to begin clearing government-controlled airwaves so private companies can develop next-generation 6G wireless networks, according to a fact sheet released by the White House.
In practical terms, the action is designed to free up portions of the radio spectrum currently used by federal systems so the private sector can begin planning and building faster wireless networks. The administration says the move is intended to help the United States remain competitive as other countries race to develop 6G technology.
The memorandum orders immediate planning to relocate federal systems operating in the 7.125–7.4 gigahertz band, a range the White House describes as prime spectrum for future wireless services. Federal agencies using that band will have 12 months to submit relocation plans that preserve national security operations while allowing the spectrum to be repurposed for commercial use.
The directive also calls for studies of two additional spectrum ranges — 2.69–2.9 GHz and 4.4–4.94 GHz — to determine whether they can also be cleared for full-power commercial 6G networks.
The White House said the memorandum directs the Secretary of State and other senior administration officials to promote American leadership in 6G through diplomatic engagement, signaling an effort to influence global standards and cooperation around next-generation wireless technology.
Administration officials say 6G networks are expected to support advanced technologies over the next decade, including artificial intelligence systems, robotics, and industrial automation, while offering faster speeds, lower delays, and greater data capacity than current wireless networks.
The White House also linked the spectrum initiative to broader economic policy, including plans to auction wireless spectrum as part of President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Officials said providing early clarity about which airwaves will be available is meant to give U.S. and allied companies certainty as they plan long-term investments in 6G infrastructure.
The memorandum follows a series of technology-focused actions taken by the Trump administration, including initiatives related to artificial intelligence research, cybersecurity protections, federal scientific standards, and aviation innovation. The administration said the combined efforts are aimed at strengthening U.S. competitiveness and leadership in advanced technologies.
