Latin America. Technical standardization and successful trials conducted with 5G have led to the first global commercial deployments of this generation of technologies. An increase in the number of commercial launches and wider deployments of 5G is expected in the coming years, particularly in North America and key markets of Asia Pacific and Europe.
"The next important elements to ensure the success of 5G are network density along with the availability of sufficient amounts of internationally harmonized low-, mid- and high-band spectrum," said Chris Pearson, President of 5G Americas.
The 5G Americas association released the 5G Spectrum Vision report, which outlines the opportunities of spectrum inventory for 5G in the Americas and other parts of the world. The White Paper presents a relevant analysis of the sector with the characteristics of a range of bands along with the challenges and opportunities of using different bands for 5G.
The document identifies bands that have potential for use for 5G services and also makes recommendations on mechanisms to release and share spectrum and the actions that the sector and regulators must take towards achieving greater licensed spectrum so that 5G technologies can progress.
"5G Spectrum Vision accumulates a wealth of information about spectrum inventory and discusses the opportunities and constraints that may be encountered, and the actions needed by regulators to cover low, medium and millimeter wave spectrum bands. The document also provides recommendations for establishing a competitive spectrum portfolio for 5G," said Bill Chotiner, Director of Radio Access Network Evolution at Ericsson and joint leader of the working group that produced the report.
There are key factors that will ensure the investment in 5G and its success, which depend largely on the availability of sufficient spectrum supply. 5G Americas' report, 5G Spectrum Vision, offers recommendations, including:
Operators need to have access to a sufficient amount of low-, medium- and high-band harmonised spectrum supply in order to deliver on the promises of 5G
Processes in North America must be accelerated to introduce the necessary spectrum and thus develop the global 5G ecosystem
Further consideration of opportunities for identification and allocation of spectrum below 3 GHz is needed
Licensed use of spectrum in the 7-24 GHz range should also be further explored.
The entire 3.70-4.20 GHz band, or at least a significant portion of it, should be made available as soon as possible for flexible licensed deployments
Chris Pearson added: "It is encouraging to see market dynamics and policies towards a favourable climate for 5G – largely developed by the way regulators have identified and allocated more spectrum under licence. Considerable developments in the North American region towards the availability of new low-, mid- and high-band spectrum will be the precursors of a 5G-connected world."
5G Spectrum Vision was written by members of 5G Americas and can be downloaded for free by clicking here.
