Asia-Pacific country profiles updated for 2024

These jurisdictions are all very different in spectrum terms but some common themes emerged over the last year.

Japan and South Korea are trying to encourage mobile network operators (MNOs) to use the 28 GHz band. Japan has set up a working group to provide recommendations to support better 5G takeup, while South Korea held an auction that included several sweeteners, such as packaging 2 x 10 MHz of 700 MHz frequencies with the 28 GHz spectrum.

Inevitably, the future of the 6 GHz band has also featured prominently in spectrum discussions in all of these countries. China has gone its own way, identifying 6425—7125 MHz for IMT and setting aside the lower part of the band (5925—6425 MHz) for 5G private networks.

Things are not quite so far forward in Australia, where the regulator’s key focus is making all of 3.4—4.0 GHz available for 5G. It has held a workshop on the 6 GHz band and is planning to launch a consultation shortly.

India is also still in the discussion stage on 6 GHz. All eyes there will be on the next 5G auction, which is due to launch later this month. India is the only one of these countries where a big auction is imminent. More auctions will undoubtedly be on the way soon in Australia, as according to the regulator, around three-quarters of long-term spectrum licences are due to expire between 2028 and 2032.

The 2024 Asia-Pacific country profiles are now available to Spectrum Research Service subscribers. More country profiles will soon be added.

• Australia
• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea