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Will private 5G generate demand for mmWave spectrum?

Despite all of the controversy surrounding identifying spectrum for mobile broadband above 24 GHz, most of the recent 5G deployments have been in the mid-band frequencies, specially around 3.5 GHz. Earlier this year, acting FCC Commissioner, Jessica Rosenworcel, praised the FCC's pivot from high-bands to mid-bands. But as we document in a new Research Note, mmWaves, especially the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands, are now being made available for…
| Toby Youell

Despite all of the controversy surrounding identifying spectrum for mobile broadband above 24 GHz, most of the recent 5G deployments have been in the mid-band frequencies, specially around 3.5 GHz.

Earlier this year, acting FCC Commissioner, Jessica Rosenworcel, praised the FCC’s pivot from high-bands to mid-bands.

But as we document in a new Research Note, mmWaves, especially the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands, are now being made available for private 5G. Regulators in several major economies such as Germany, Japan, and the UK have made parts of the band available for localised licences that might be interesting for use cases such as process automation in manufacturing.

These initiatives are in addition to mid-band spectrum, especially in the 3.7 – 4.2 GHz range, that are also available for private 5G in many administrations.

More information is available in our new research note, Private 5G: a wide range of spectrum options, available to Spectrum Research Service subscribers here.

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