Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Takes Action to Win the 6G Race
12/19/2025
Action Summary
- Spectrum Reallocation for 6G:
- Directs relocation of Federal systems from the 7.125-7.4 GHz band within 12 months to free prime spectrum for commercial 6G use.
- Mandates an immediate study of the 2.69-2.9 GHz and 4.4-4.94 GHz bands to unlock additional spectrum.
- Diplomatic and Strategic Engagement:
- Instructs the Secretary of State and other Administration members to advance U.S. leadership in 6G through diplomatic efforts.
- Winning the 6G Race:
- Focuses on establishing American global leadership in 6G, a critical infrastructure for future technologies including AI, robotics, and implantable tech.
- Highlights the Working Families Tax Cuts Act as a commitment measure to support the 6G development initiative.
- Advancing Technological Innovation:
- Emphasizes U.S. dominance in innovation by launching initiatives like the Genesis Mission to boost scientific discovery.
- Introduces an Executive Order to restore Gold Standard Science in Federal research, reinforcing U.S. technological leadership.
- Implements measures to strengthen cybersecurity and promote secure technological practices amid foreign cyber threats.
- Promotes supersonic aviation by removing regulatory barriers to enable U.S. companies to lead in this domain.
Risks & Considerations
- The reallocation of spectrum for 6G development could impact research institutions like Vanderbilt, particularly in fields reliant on current spectrum allocations. This could necessitate adjustments in ongoing research projects or collaborations.
- The push for U.S. leadership in 6G and related technologies might increase competition for research funding, especially in areas such as AI and robotics, where Vanderbilt is actively engaged.
- The emphasis on cybersecurity and technological advancements could require Vanderbilt to enhance its own cybersecurity measures, ensuring protection against heightened foreign cyber threats.
- Vanderbilt may need to explore partnerships with industries focused on 6G technologies, creating new opportunities but also requiring strategic alignment with industry goals.
Impacted Programs
- School of Engineering at Vanderbilt could experience increased demand for expertise in 6G technologies, AI, and robotics, leading to potential curriculum updates and research opportunities.
- Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute may find new opportunities in the AI and cybersecurity sectors, aligning research initiatives with national priorities.
- The Office of Research might need to prioritize grant applications that align with federal initiatives in cutting-edge technologies and scientific research.
- Collaborations with international partners could be influenced by U.S. policies on technological innovation and global competitiveness, necessitating strategic adjustments.
Financial Impact
- The focus on 6G and associated technologies could lead to increased funding opportunities from federal sources, but may also heighten competition among universities for these resources.
- Vanderbilt could potentially secure grants for projects aligned with national priorities in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity, enhancing its research portfolio.
- There may be increased pressure to invest in advanced technology infrastructure to remain competitive and aligned with emerging standards in scientific research.
- The potential for new partnerships with tech companies and government agencies could offer additional revenue streams or financial support for relevant programs.
Relevance Score: 3 (The memorandum presents moderate risks involving compliance and a significant need to realign research priorities with national initiatives.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore research opportunities in 6G technology development and its applications in AI and robotics. Collaborating with industry leaders and applying for federal grants can position the university as a leader in next-generation technology.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in spectrum reallocation and engage with policymakers to understand implications for research funding and technological initiatives. This will ensure that Vanderbilt remains aligned with federal priorities and funding opportunities.
- Vanderbilt’s Institute for Space and Defense Electronics could evaluate potential partnerships with defense agencies to address national security considerations related to spectrum reallocation and 6G deployment.
- The Department of Computer Science should focus on curriculum development around cybersecurity, AI, and advanced telecommunication technologies to prepare students for emerging job markets in these fields.
- Vanderbilt Business School should analyze the economic impacts of supersonic aviation developments and 6G technology to offer new courses or research projects that align with industry trends and innovations.
Opportunities
- The emphasis on 6G and AI opens up avenues for Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute to engage in cutting-edge research projects, potentially securing significant funding and strengthening its global reputation.
- Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in engineering and technology to host conferences and workshops on 6G, fostering collaborations with academic and industry leaders to enhance its position as a thought leader in the field.
- The focus on supersonic aviation and enhanced cybersecurity measures provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary research initiatives, combining expertise from engineering, computer science, and public policy to address technological and regulatory challenges.
Relevance Score: 4 (The Executive Order suggests major process changes due to significant opportunities in research, curriculum development, and industry collaboration.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Immediate planning and study directives – The memorandum requires immediate action for planning the relocation of Federal systems and studying additional spectrum bands, indicating an urgency that implies actions should begin without delay.
- 12-month deadline – Federal incumbents are given 12 months to submit relocation plans that protect national security missions while clearing the spectrum for full-power commercial 6G use.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- Multiple Federal Agencies Maintaining Existing Spectrum Use: Federal incumbents currently operating systems in the 7.125–7.4 GHz band are required to submit relocation plans – this broadly impacts any agency relying on these frequencies for national security or other missions.
- Department of State: The memorandum specifically directs the Secretary of State to lead diplomatic efforts that support American leadership in 6G, making the State Department a key player.
- Federal Scientific Research Entities: Through initiatives like the Gold Standard Science Executive Order, agencies overseeing federal research (e.g., NSF, DOE, NIH) are implied to be affected as the administration seeks to bolster U.S. scientific and technological primacy.
- Federal Cybersecurity Agencies: With an Executive Order enhancing cybersecurity efforts against foreign threats, agencies responsible for national cybersecurity (such as DHS and DoD cyber commands) are implicated in strengthening secure technology practices.
- Federal Aviation Regulatory Bodies: The Executive Order that aims to remove barriers to supersonic aviation indicates an impact on agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which govern and regulate U.S. aviation.
Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of distinct Federal organizations are directly or indirectly impacted by the directive.)
Responsible Officials
- Federal Agency Heads – Responsible for submitting the relocation plans for Federal systems using the 7.125-7.4 GHz band within 12 months.
- Secretary of State – Tasked with advancing American leadership in 6G through diplomatic engagements, alongside other senior Administration members.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact White House and Cabinet officials as well as agency heads.)