How Taiwan Is Preparing for 6G: Spectrum, Satellites, and the Road to 2030

Officials aim to produce a spectrum‑readiness proposal by the end of 2026, which will guide later steps such as spectrum auctions and licensing for telecom operators.

Several additional factors shape this planning process:

• Taiwan must coordinate with global spectrum standards so devices and equipment remain compatible with international markets.
• Existing users of radio frequencies must be assessed before any reallocation occurs.
• Interference studies and technical analysis are required to ensure new networks can operate without disrupting other services.

The ministry has described spectrum planning as similar to a “hidden urban redevelopment,” because reorganizing frequency bands requires careful negotiation with current users and long‑term infrastructure planning.

Target Timeline: Early Commercialization Around 2030

Mobile communication generations typically evolve in cycles of roughly ten years—from 3G to 4G, then 5G—and industry forecasts widely expect 6G to enter initial commercial use around 2030.

Taiwan is aligning its policy timeline with this global schedule. By preparing spectrum allocations and regulatory frameworks several years in advance, authorities aim to ensure telecom operators can deploy networks quickly once standards and equipment mature.

Investment in 6G and Satellite Connectivity

Beyond regulatory preparation, Taiwan’s government has also launched a major research and development initiative.

The Cabinet approved a six‑year NT$27 billion program focused on developing 6G technologies and low‑Earth‑orbit (LEO) satellite communications, with the goal of supporting commercial services by 2030.

This initiative aims to:

• Strengthen Taiwan’s role in the global next‑generation communications supply chain
• Support domestic technology development and innovation
• Encourage satellite‑communications providers to participate in the ecosystem

Such investments reflect a broader global shift toward integrating terrestrial mobile networks with satellite infrastructure.

Integrating Satellites and Non‑Terrestrial Networks

A key architectural change expected in 6G is the integration of non‑terrestrial networks (NTN)—including satellites—into mainstream mobile systems.

Taiwan’s planning anticipates that future networks will combine traditional ground‑based base stations with satellite links to deliver “ubiquitous” high‑speed connectivity, particularly in remote or difficult‑to‑serve locations.

This hybrid model could enable:

• More reliable coverage in rural or mountainous regions
• improved resilience during natural disasters
• global connectivity for devices such as vehicles, ships, and remote sensors

The approach reflects a wider industry trend where mobile and satellite systems are designed to work together rather than operate separately.

The Regulatory Path for Telecom Operators

Even after spectrum planning is completed, several regulatory steps must occur before 6G services reach consumers.

In Taiwan’s telecom framework:

1. The government prepares and releases spectrum bands.
2. Operators acquire licenses through auctions or allocations.
3. Companies apply to the National Communications Commission (NCC) for network approvals.
4. Infrastructure such as base stations must be deployed before service begins.

Officials note that infrastructure deployment alone can take many months to more than a year, which is why spectrum planning must start years before commercial rollout.

Candidate 6G Spectrum: The 7–8 GHz Range

Globally, researchers and regulators are evaluating several new frequency ranges for 6G. One of the most discussed options is the 7.125–8.4 GHz band, sometimes called the “upper mid‑band.”

This range has attracted attention because it offers a balance between:

• higher bandwidth than many current 5G mid‑band frequencies
• better coverage characteristics than very high millimeter‑wave bands

Industry analyses suggest that each mobile operator could require roughly 400–500 MHz of mid‑band spectrum for 6G services, meaning a national market with several operators might need 1.5–2 GHz of total spectrum available.

Some studies estimate that spectrum in this range could deliver 10–20 times the capacity of existing 5G networks, although this figure represents theoretical potential rather than a confirmed deployment outcome.

Taiwan has not finalized which bands it will use for 6G. Officials have emphasized that final decisions will depend on international spectrum harmonization and global standards development.

Building the Foundations of the 6G Era

Taiwan’s strategy reflects a long‑term approach: prepare spectrum early, invest in technology research, and align national policies with global standards.

By combining spectrum planning, satellite integration, and industry investment programs, Taiwan aims to position itself for 6G commercialization around 2030 while strengthening its role in the future communications ecosystem.