China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has officially announced the cancellation of two regulatory documents governing the 40–50 GHz frequency band. This move is part of China’s broader strategy to streamline spectrum management and enhance the efficiency of radio frequency utilization.
Scope of Withdrawal
The cancellation affects the following two guidelines, both originally released in 2013:
- Technical Rules for Point-to-Point Wireless Access in Fixed Services within the 40–50 GHz band
- Guidelines for Broadband Wireless Access in Mobile Services using the same frequency range
As of January 1, 2026, radio regulatory authorities will no longer accept or process new licensing applications for systems operating under these frameworks.
Impact on Existing Systems
This regulatory change will not affect previously licensed systems. Any wireless access stations legally established under the repealed guidelines may continue operating until they are voluntarily decommissioned or reach end-of-life. However, no new expansions or deployments will be permitted.
Policy Rationale
This update reflects China’s push to adopt more advanced and efficient spectrum usage policies. By retiring outdated regulatory frameworks, MIIT aims to foster the deployment of modern radio communication technologies, better align national spectrum strategy with evolving industry standards, and support innovation in next-generation wireless networks.
