Spectrum is a major focus for the mobile industry. To meet the increasing demand for higher and higher mobile data rates, the mobile industry eyes spectrum in low and high frequencies.
5G Spectrum
WRC-15 key decisions on IMT allocations and use at the global level, were threefold:
- The 700 MHz band was identified for IMT use in Region 1 (Europe and Africa) and in few countries in Region 3 (Asia-Pacific).
- The 3.4-3.8 GHz band was also identified for IMT in Region 1, Region 2 (the Americas) and a number of countries in Region 3.
- Studies are ongoing on 24-86 GHz spectrum ranges for 5G use. The 25-27.5 GHz, 31.8-33.4 GHz, 37-43.5 GHz, 45.5-50.2 GHz, 50.4-52.6 GHz, 66-79 GHz and 81-86 GHz frequencies are particular targets.
WRC-19 key decisions on mmwave bands for 5G were the most important agenda item (1.13)
- WRC-19 identified in the bands 24.25-27.5 GHz, 37-43.5 GHz, 45.5-47 GHz, 47.2-48.2 GHz, 66-71 GHz for IMT
- The key issues were to decide what could be the power limits and other conditions to protect the satellite. The main issue in 24.25-27.5 GHz was the protection of Earth Exploration Satellites (EESS) in 23.6-24 GHz and Fixed Satellites (FSS) in 24.25-27.5 GHz.
- WRC-19 also agreed for very light conditions to protect FSS in 24.25-27.5 GHz from 5G base stations (5G base station of EIRP above 30 dBW/200 MHz to be selected)
- WRC-19 adopted conditions for use of 18/28 GHz spectrum for E-SIM and suitable provisions to protect terrestrial 5G and microwave links.
Identification of 3300-3400 MHz, 3600-3800 MHz, 4800-4990 MHz, 6425-7025 MHz, 7025-7125 MHz and 10-10.5 GHz bands for 4G/5G is on the WRC-23 agenda.
All pioneer bands: DESI Score
IDATE DigiWorld, December 2020
700 MHz band: DESI Score
IDATE DigiWorld, December 2020
3.6 GHz band: DESI Score
IDATE DigiWorld, December 2020
Frequencies where appropriate sharing and compatibility studies have to be conducted in time for WRC-19 (WRC-19 Agenda Item 1.13)
| Identification for IMT | Additional Allocation |
|---|---|
| 24.25-27.5 GHz | 24.25-25.25 GHz |
| (31.8-33.4 GHz) | |
| 37-40.5 GHz | |
| 40.5-42.5 GHz | |
| 42.5-43.5 GHz | |
| 45.5-47 GHz | |
| 47-47.2 GHz | |
| 50.4-52.6 GHz | |
| 50.4-52.6 GHz | |
| 66-76 GHz | |
| 81-86 GHz |
Source: based on ITU WRC-15 final Acts, Resolution 238
