Winning the 6G Race

12/19/2025
Presidential Memoranda

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Action Summary

  • Purpose: Establish U.S. leadership in the development of 6G mobile communications networks, emphasizing national security, economic prosperity, and the advancement of emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, robotics, implantable technologies).
  • Spectrum Relocation:
    • Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to study relocation of systems operating in the 7.125–7.4 GHz band, in consultation with relevant presidential assistants.
    • Requires a report within 12 months, detailing transition costs/timelines while ensuring that national security missions and electric grid operations remain unaffected.
    • Excludes fixed geographic satellite telemetry and radio astronomy systems.
  • Spectrum Designation: Mandates the initiation of procedures to designate the 7.125–7.4 GHz band for reallocation to full-power commercial licensed use, under the authority of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
  • Spectrum Studies: Authorizes studies on the 2.69–2.9 GHz and 4.4–4.94 GHz bands to evaluate their potential for reallocation for full-power commercial licensed uses.
  • Diplomatic Engagement: Directs the Secretary of State, in collaboration with other key officials, to form a coalition of industry and foreign partners to bolster the U.S. position at the ITU’s World Radiocommunication Conference-27.
  • General Provisions:
    • Clarifies that the memorandum does not impair existing executive department and agency authorities or affect budgetary and administrative functions.
    • Emphasizes compliance with applicable laws and appropriations, while stating that no enforceable rights or benefits are created against the United States or its agents.

Risks & Considerations

  • The focus on 6G development and the reallocation of spectrum frequencies may require Vanderbilt University to adapt its technological infrastructure and research focus to stay competitive and relevant in the rapidly evolving field of telecommunications.
  • Vanderbilt’s research initiatives might face challenges due to potential changes in spectrum availability, particularly if there are existing projects that rely on frequencies subject to reallocation.
  • There is a risk that the emphasis on 6G could lead to increased competition for federal research funding, as resources may be directed towards projects aligned with national priorities in 6G and related technologies.
  • The university should consider potential collaborations with federal agencies and private technology firms to align with the strategic goals outlined in the memorandum and secure funding opportunities.
  • Vanderbilt may also need to assess the implications for data security and privacy, as 6G networks are projected to support sensitive technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics.

Impacted Programs

  • Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased demand for expertise in telecommunications, spectrum management, and emerging 6G technologies, presenting opportunities for curriculum expansion and industry partnerships.
  • The Data Science Institute could play a crucial role in research related to data processing and security, aligning with the government’s focus on resilient and secure communication networks.
  • Programs focused on international relations and policy, such as those within the Vanderbilt Law School, might engage in research and teaching related to the geopolitical implications of 6G deployment.
  • The Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) may benefit from increased interest in research related to advanced materials and technologies required for 6G infrastructure.

Financial Impact

  • Potential reallocation of federal research funding towards 6G initiatives could impact Vanderbilt’s existing grants, necessitating strategic adjustments in research priorities to align with national interests.
  • There may be opportunities for increased funding and partnerships in 6G-related research, particularly in areas involving artificial intelligence, robotics, and secure communications.
  • The university might need to invest in upgrading its technological infrastructure to support cutting-edge research and collaboration in 6G technologies.
  • Engagement in international collaborations could open new funding channels but may require navigating complex diplomatic landscapes.

Relevance Score: 3 (The memorandum presents moderate risks involving compliance and strategic alignment with emerging national priorities.)

Key Actions

  • Vanderbilt School of Engineering should explore research opportunities related to 6G technology development, focusing on artificial intelligence, robotics, and resilient communication networks. Engaging in collaborative projects with federal agencies or industry partners could enhance the university’s research capabilities and influence in technology innovation.
  • The Vanderbilt Institute for Space and Defense Electronics might consider studying the impacts of spectrum allocation changes and identifying potential areas for research or partnership in the reallocation process, particularly regarding satellite telemetry and radio astronomy.
  • Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science can provide insights into the international policy implications of the United States’ efforts to lead in 6G technology. Faculty and students could engage in research or policy discussions on global telecommunications standards and diplomatic strategies.
  • The Office of Federal Relations should actively engage with policymakers involved in spectrum allocation and 6G development to ensure that Vanderbilt is well-positioned to influence and benefit from related federal funding and initiatives.

Opportunities

  • Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in 6G research and development by hosting conferences, workshops, and symposiums that bring together academic, industry, and government stakeholders to discuss the future of mobile communications and emerging technologies.
  • There is an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute to collaborate on projects that analyze the potential uses and impacts of 6G networks, particularly related to new data-driven technologies and applications.
  • The emphasis on national security and economic prosperity within the memorandum suggests potential funding opportunities for interdisciplinary research initiatives at Vanderbilt, bridging fields such as engineering, political science, and economics.

Relevance Score: 4 (The memorandum suggests major opportunities for research and collaboration in 6G technology development that could require significant strategic engagement from various university departments.)

Average Relevance Score: 4.2

Timeline for Implementation

  • Immediate Actions: The Assistant Secretary and other designated officials are instructed to begin studies and processes immediately (Sections 2(a), 3, and 4), indicating an urgent timeline.
  • 12-Month Submission Deadline: The results of the spectrum relocation studies must be submitted within 12 months from the memorandum date (Section 2(b)), which equates to a one-year deadline.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

  • Department of State: Directed to engage in diplomatic efforts to build international coalitions and advance U.S. telecom interests.
  • Department of War: Involved to ensure that spectrum relocation does not impair its national security missions.
  • Department of Commerce: Oversees the spectrum studies and reallocation efforts through its Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information.
  • Department of Transportation: Listed among the agencies receiving directives in this memorandum.
  • Department of Energy: Included in the memorandum’s list of key executive officers to be briefed.
  • Department of Homeland Security: Tasked with ensuring that spectrum adjustments do not affect its existing national security functions.
  • Office of Management and Budget (OMB): The Director is noted in the general provisions regarding budgetary and administrative functions.
  • Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI): Required to assess national security implications concerning spectrum use.
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The Chairman is designated to participate in coordinating spectrum and communication strategies.
  • Assistant to the President for Economic Policy: Charged with coordinating study results and ensuring policy consistency related to 6G.
  • Assistant to the President for Science and Technology: Responsible for guiding technological studies and strategies for 6G development.
  • Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs: Ensures that reallocation studies do not compromise national security missions.
  • Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information: Specifically directed to lead spectrum studies and reallocation efforts in consultation with other officials.

Relevance Score: 4 (Multiple relevant Federal agencies are directly impacted by this broad directive.)

Responsible Officials

  • Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information – Directed to immediately commence spectrum relocation studies, designate spectrum bands for commercial use, and conduct feasibility studies on specified frequency ranges.
  • Secretary of State – Tasked with leading diplomatic engagements to advance U.S. leadership in 6G, coordinating with other officials to build international coalitions.
  • Assistant to the President for Economic Policy – Involved in coordinating consultations with the Assistant Secretary and in receiving and channeling study results to the President.
  • Assistant to the President for Science and Technology – Responsible for coordinating with the Assistant Secretary and evaluating study findings related to spectrum reallocation and technology standards.
  • Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs – Charged with reviewing the study outcomes to ensure that national security missions are not compromised by spectrum reassignment.
  • Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission – Collaborates with the Secretary of State in diplomatic initiatives to support U.S. positions at international telecommunications forums.
  • Secretary of War – Consulted to review and ensure that proposed spectrum relocation does not materially impair national security missions.
  • Director of National Intelligence – Provides consultation to assess and safeguard national security interests during the spectrum study and reallocation process.

Relevance Score: 5 (Impacts multiple Cabinet-level officials and high-level advisors, ensuring coordinated implementation across key national security, economic, and technological domains.)

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