WInnForum launches Ofcom AFC task group for UK 6 GHz spectrum

The Wireless Innovation Forum has formed an Ofcom AFC Task Group to help shape automated frequency coordination for standard-power use in the UK’s 6 GHz band. The group is meant to support Ofcom’s requirements, improve interoperability and speed deployment across 5925-7125 MHz.

Why it matters: - The task group is intended to help make standard-power Wi-Fi and other wireless uses work more smoothly in the UK’s 6 GHz band. - A common AFC framework could reduce interference risk while supporting broader spectrum access across 5925-7125 MHz. - The effort matters for vendors, operators and regulators trying to align UK deployment with existing AFC experience in the U.S.

What happened: - The Wireless Innovation Forum formed an Ofcom AFC Task Group to support implementation of Automated Frequency Coordination systems in the United Kingdom. - The group brings together AFC providers, device manufacturers, network operators, technology suppliers, regulators and industry experts. - The Forum previously helped create the standards framework for the 6 GHz band in the U.S. with the Wi-Fi Alliance, via the 6 GHz committee. - The announcement was issued Aug. 18, 2026, from Washington.

The details: - The task group will develop a specification documenting UK AFC requirements. - The specification will identify differences between UK requirements and existing FCC-based AFC frameworks. - The group will address the standardized device-to-AFC protocol and recommend needed modifications to the Wi-Fi Alliance’s existing U.S.-based protocol. - The task group will create requirements traceability resources and support AFC testing activities. - The group will also evaluate whether supplementary technical guidance documents are needed. - The task group is reviewing Ofcom’s finalized AFC system specifications, test requirements and related regulatory materials. - The group is also conducting technical analysis of differences between UK and North American AFC frameworks. - The work covers the full 5925-7125 MHz band. - Forum projects are supported by platinum sponsor Shure.

Between the lines: - The task group looks designed to translate U.S. AFC lessons into a UK-specific framework rather than start from scratch. - By organizing requirements, testing and protocol changes in one forum, the industry may be trying to reduce fragmentation before deployments scale. - Masoud Olfat of Federated Wireless chairs the task group, and his remarks frame the effort as a push for interoperability, consistency and regulatory compliance.

What's next: - The task group is seeking participation from member organizations and individuals with experience in AFC systems, spectrum management, wireless networking, regulatory compliance, testing, propagation modeling, cybersecurity and 6 GHz technologies. - Interested parties can join the Wireless Innovation Forum to participate in the Ofcom AFC Task Group through the Forum’s website. - The group is expected to continue refining specifications and technical guidance as Ofcom’s AFC framework develops.

The bottom line: - WInnForum is building the industry scaffolding needed to turn Ofcom’s 6 GHz AFC rules into a deployable UK framework.