The ability to use 26 GHz for 5G is limited by the need to protect satellite earth observation services in 24 GHz. But what are the engineering issues behind this? Independent consultant Roberto Ercole explains how they affect the commercial prospects for the band and could influence operators as they… Read more...

Unlike the 2.4 GHz ISM band, the most attractive unlicensed spectrum for low-power IoT networks just below 1 GHz is not globally harmonised. Is better harmonisation needed and how much can be achieved? Read more...

In the second of our series of articles about IoT networks, we consider the benefits of adding a satellite component and the industry progress in achieving this. Read more...

Analysts expect mobile to dominate the market for IoT connections, but there is greater uncertainty about what this will mean for revenues.  The key question seems to be, can operators provide more than just the pipe? Read more...

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. This Note explains how the process works and we examine the agenda items in detail… Read more...

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. The… Read more...

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. Read more...

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… Read more...

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. It is also the most contentious… Read more...

This concluding Research Note on WRC-19 explains the priorities of the regional bodies and how this is leading to consensus in some areas. It also explains the implications of a few bands being studied across several agenda items. Read more...