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Countdown to WRC-19: progress on the 5G mmWave bands

WRC-19 will consider identifying 11 possible bands between 24-86 GHz for 5G and opinions so far show that two are receiving the most backing: 26 GHz and 40 GHz. However, support for 26 GHz  is subject to ongoing studies regarding downlinks for earth observation data and the range of frequencies supported around the 40 GHz mark varies from region to region. Generally, the higher the band the more support for…
WRC-19 will consider identifying 11 possible bands between 24-86 GHz for 5G and opinions so far show that two are receiving the most backing: 26 GHz and 40 GHz. However, support for 26 GHz  is subject to ongoing studies regarding downlinks for earth observation data and the range of frequencies supported around the 40 GHz mark varies from region to region. Generally, the higher the band the more support for 5G identification decreases and a key theme of discussions so far is the efforts of science-related services to protect their services from mobile usage. The full Research Note, which also gives a breakdown of regional opinion, is available here.

Research Notes

Countdown to WRC-19: Part 1 – agenda, processes and timelines

November 2017 marked the half-way point between WRC-15 and WRC-19, the regular inter-governmental meeting tasked with amending the Radio Regulations. In a series of Research Notes, we take stock of global preparations for the meeting.

Countdown to WRC-19: Part 2 – HAPS and non-5G mobile

This Research Note looks at agenda items contained in Chapters 1 and 2 of the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) Report, principally new spectrum for High Altitude Platforms (HAPS); the identification of frequencies for some transport applications; extending the 5GHz Wi-Fi band; and terrestrial and satellite coexistence around 2 GHz.

Countdown to WRC-19 Report: Part 3 – satellite services

This research note looks at the satellite agenda items in Chapter 3 of the CPM Report, focussing on the removal of a restriction on broadcasting-satellite services and improving spectrum access for movable earth stations and non-geostationary satellites.

Countdown to WRC-19 Report: Part 4 – scientific and other issues

This note looks at agenda items contained under Chapters 4, 5, and 6 of the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) report, focussing on additional spectrum for the control and tracking of satellites; protecting data uplinks from ocean buoys and weather stations; accommodating the new Global Maritime Distress Safety Systems; and making an amateur service allocation

Countdown to WRC-19: Part 5 – mmWave spectrum for 5G

The outcome of Agenda Item 1.13 will be the most important factor for most national regulators in deciding which frequencies to make available for mmWave 5G services. Unsurprisingly, it is the most hotly discussed agenda item and is the topic for this Research Note.

Auction Tracker updates

UK 2.3 GHz, and 3.4 GHz bands

France 3.5 GHz

France 2.6 GHz

Spain 3.4 to 3.8 GHz

Japan 1.7 GHz and 3.4 Ghz

News articles

Mobile operators attend 28 GHz band meeting for the first time

Operators from countries such as South Korea, Japan and the US attended a meeting held by a group that backs 28 GHz for the first time. Mexico’s regulator was also represented. The 5G 28 GHz Frontier Workshop held its third meeting in Seoul, capital of South Korea, following previous gatherings in South Korea (December 2016)

Mexican regulator to give Telcel’s rivals first choice in 2.5 GHz band auction

Mexico’s independent telecoms regulator, the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones, has set rules for an upcoming 2.5 GHz band auction that may curb the power of the country’s dominant mobile operator, Telcel. Telcel belongs to America Movil, a business empire owned by Mexico’s richest man Carlos Slim.

US eyes 3450-3550 MHz military spectrum for wireless broadband

The US National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will study the band – currently used by the Department of Defense – as a potential way to increase the amount of mid-frequency spectrum available for commercial purposes. The move has strong support from the US regulator.

Poland to amend telecoms law ahead of spectrum auctions

A senior Polish digital affairs official says the country’s 5G contests and the redistribution of spectrum in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands mean Poland’s telecommunications laws have to be amended. The changes will include the ability for telecoms regulator UKE to reshuffle spectrum on its own if operators fail to reach an agreement.

EU institutions reach preliminary accord on new spectrum measures

The European Parliament, Council and Commission have reached provisional political agreement on key spectrum-related provisions of the proposed European Electronic Communications Code. The agreement, reached on 1 March, includes the availability of spectrum for 5G by 2020 in the EU, 20-years’ investment predictability for spectrum licences and closer coordination and peer review of planned spectrum.
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