spectrum above 6 ghz: global licensing & usage overview...this report provides a snapshot of the...

©Copyright 2019 Global mobile Suppliers Association 1

Spectrum above 6 GHz: Global Licensing & Usage Overview

A special report based on GSA’s continuous LTE and 5G research programme

December 2019

GSA Report | December 2019 | Spectrum above 6GHz: Global Licensing & Usage Overview

©Copyright 2019 Global mobile Suppliers Association2

Introduction

This report provides a snapshot of the global status of national usage of spectrum above 6 GHz for 5G services. It is part of a series of reports which separately also cover spectrum bands below 1 GHz and between 1 GHz and 6 GHz.

This report refl ects a market that is in constant fl ux and feedback is greatly appreciated to keep it current. Please send comments and information to [email protected].

Key statistics:

• Sixty-seven operators in 13 countries hold licences enabling operation of 5G networks using mmWave spectrum.

• Fourteen operators are known to be deploying 5G networks using mmWave spectrum.

• Fourteen countries have announced formal (date-specifi ed) plans for allocating frequencies above 6 GHz between now and end-2021.

• Fifty-nine announced 5G devices explicitly support one or more of the 5G spectrum bands above 6 GHz (though note that details of spectrum support is patchy for pre-commercial devices). Eleven of those devices are known to be commercially available.

(Note: all references to countries in this document can be read as also including territories, special

administrative regions, disputed territories and dependencies.)

Frequency range designations and bands

In this report, we consider spectrum in specifi c bands for which auctions or long-term designations are being considered. These include new 5G/NR bands defi ned by 3GPP in Release 15, which are being defi ned in the two frequency ranges (FR) shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Frequency rangesFrequency range designation Corresponding frequency rangeFR1 410–7125 MHzFR2 24250–52600 MHz

This report is concerned with the FR2 frequency ranges, as shown in Table 2.

Sixty-seven operators hold

licences enabling operation of 5G networks

using mmWave spectrum

mailto:[email protected]



Table 2: FR2 bandsNR operating band Uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) Duplex moden257 26500–29500 MHz TDDn258 24250–27500 MHz TDDN259 39500–43500 MHz TDDn260 37000–40000 MHz TDDn261 27500–28350 MHz TDD

At WRC-2019 in November, delegates identifi ed several new frequency ranges for IMT and IMT-2020 (5G). These encompassed many of the existing 3GPP-bands plus some new spectrum ranges:

• 24.25–27.5 GHz

• 37–43.5 GHz

• 45.5–47 GHz

• 47.2–48.2 GHz

• 66–71 GHz.

Other spectrum being considered by national regulators and international bodies, or that has been used in operator trials, that is not yet covered by 3GPP specifi cations sits within the 71–86 GHz range.

5G deployments in bands above 6 GHz

Spectrum bands above 6 GHz are being explicitly opened up to enable provision of 5G services. GSA is aware of the following usage for 5G.

The 24250–29500 MHz range covering the overlapping bands n257 (26500–29500 MHz), n258 (24250–27500 MHz) and n261 (27500–28350 MHz) has been the most-used 5G mmWave spectrum range to date:

• 113 operators in 39 countries are investing in 5G (in the form of trials, licences, deployments or operational networks) across this spectrum range

• 66 operators are licensed to deploy 5G in this range

• 12 operators are understood to be actively deploying 5G networks using this spectrum.

113 operators are investing in 5G (in the form

of trials, licences, deployments

or operational networks) using spectrum from 24250–29500

MHz



Figure 1: Use of 5G spectrum between 24.25 GHz and 29.5 GHz, countries plotted by status of most advanced operator activities

Band n260, covering 37000–40000 MHz, is also already being used, with three companies in the USA actively deploying networks using this spectrum.

In addition:

• Eight operators in seven countries have reported running 5G tests/trials at 15 GHz.

• One operator has reported running 5G tests/trials at 18 GHz.

• Thirteen operators in eleven countries have been evaluating/testing/trialling 5G using spectrum from 66 GHz to 76 GHz.

• GSA has identifi ed four operators that have run tests/trials using spectrum from 81 GHz to 87 GHz.

Three companies in the USA

are actively deploying 5G

networks using Band n260



Awards and allocations for spectrum above 6 GHz (2015 onwards)

Table 3 lists the recent (post 2015) auctions/allocations of spectrum above 6 GHz that have taken place. In addition to usage for 5G, spectrum above 6 GHz has also historically been awarded for fi xed point-to-point and some FWA usage; those historic allocations are not listed here.

Table 3: Recent LTE and 5G suitable spectrum awards and allocations concerning spectrum above 6 GHz (2015 onwards)

Region/country Spectrum bands Licensing basis (e.g. exclusive 5G, mobile broadband etc.)

Auc� on/award date

Greece 24.5–26.5 GHz Fixed wireless access 2017Hong Kong 26.55–27.75 GHz Public mobile and fi xed

wireless services (specifi cally including 5G)

March 2019

Italy 26 GHz 5G October 2018Japan 27.0–28.2 GHz,

29.1–29.5 GHz5G April 2019

Republic of Korea

26.5–28.9 GHz 5G June 2018

UK 24.25–26.6 GHz (indoor usage only)

Allocated for localised shared spectrum licences (technology neutral)

July 2019

Uruguay 27.5–28.35 GHz Mobile services May 2019USA (inc. Guam)* 28 GHz

24 GHz

Technology neutral

Technology neutral

January 2019

May 2019*Note that due to the typically technology-neutral status of licences in the USA, multiple historic auctions are relevant for 5G including 28 GHz (March 1998 and May 1999) and 39 GHz (May 2000). See: https://www.fcc.gov/auctions for full details.

5G device support for bands above 6 GHz

5G device support for spectrum bands above 6 GHz is still at an early stage. GSA’s GAMBoD database includes 59 announced 3GPP compliant 5G devices that do or will support mmWave spectrum bands. Eleven of those are commercially available. The numbers of devices identifi ed as supporting specifi c bands is much lower, as details of spectrum support is patchy for pre-commercial devices.

mmWave 5G licences have been awarded in Asia, North-America and

Europe

https://www.fcc.gov/auctions



Figure 2: Known support for 5G spectrum bands above 6 GHz in announced 5G devices

Future licensing activity detail by country

This section summarises, by region and country, the mmWave spectrum activity observed by GSA in the course of its research programme. This includes bands being considered for release, soon to be auctioned, considered for auction and those already granted to operators. All dates indicated for allocations/auctions are correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, but should be treated as provisional or aspirational until all consultations and legal processes have been completed.

GSA has identifi ed 59

announced 5G devices that do or will support

mmWave bands. Eleven of those

are commercially available



The Americas

Figure 3: National 5G spectrum positions in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands – The Americas (ITU Region 2)

Brazil (Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL))

Anatel stated in June 2019 that there will be an auction in March 2020 covering four bands including 26 GHz (24.3–27.5 GHz TDD)

Canada (Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada)

In June 2018, Canada published its spectrum auction plan 2018–2022.

Spectrum at 26 GHz, 28 GHz, 37–40 GHz and 64–71 GHz is expected to be made available for fl exible terrestrial use towards the end of 2021.

Following a consultation, ISED also announced its decision with regard to use of mmWave spectrum for 5G. This included the decision to adopt a fl exible licensing model for fi xed and mobile services in the 26.5–27.5 GHz and 27.5–28.35 GHz frequency bands, enabling the deployment of fi xed or mobile services using a single licence (subject to some sharing of the spectrum with satellite users). Only TDD systems will be permitted.

A fl exible licensing model is also to be adopted for spectrum in the 37.6–40 GHz frequency band, with TDD use only. A decision on the use of 37.0 GHz to 37.6 GHz has been deferred to a later date.

ISED also designated the 64–71 GHz frequency band as licence-exempt (once technical standards for licence-exempt equipment have been issued).



In addition, Canada is considering plans to release the 32 GHz and 80 GHz bands for mobile use, subject to ongoing analysis.

Chile (Under-Secretary of Telecommunications (Subtel))

In July 2018, Subtel opened a consultation on use of the 27.5–28.35 GHz band for 5G.

In May 2019, it launched a further public consultation on the use of spectrum for 5G, stating that it planned to tender spectrum in four bands, including 850 MHz in the 28 GHz band.

A new public consultation was launched in October 2019 on the use of 5G for private networks, specifi cally covering suitability of diff erent spectrum bands for 5G, and including the 28 GHz band. The consultation closed in November 2019.

Costa Rica (Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (Sutel))

Costa Rica is expected to launch a study of spectrum for 5G in H2 2019.

Colombia (Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC))

In April 2019, MinTIC also launched a consultation on frequency bands for 5G. It is now preparing a 5G plan, expected to be published before the end of 2019.

Mexico (Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT))

In April 2019, IFT published the results of its study of spectrum bands for 5G usage, identifying a range of bands that could potentially be used for 5G in Mexico, which included spectrum at 26 GHz, 38 GHz, 42 GHz, 48 GHz and 51 GHz.

Peru (Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC))

Peru is understood to be considering a release of spectrum at 24.25–27.5 GHz.

USA (Federal Communications Commission (FCC))

In the USA, any bands already used for mobile service can also be deployed for 5G; FCC doesn’t require any particular technology and the choice is driven by carriers. This means multiple historic auctions are relevant for 5G including but not limited to those for spectrum at 28 GHz (March 1998 and May 1999) and 39 GHz (May 2000).



FCC is currently undertaking a range of activities with a view to opening up extra spectrum for mobile use.

In 2016, the FCC adopted its Upper Microwave Flexible Use Rules to make spectrum at 28 GHz, upper 37 GHz and 39 GHz available (including for 5G). Then the new Spectrum Frontier order dated 16 November 2017 put in place plans to open up an additional 1.7 GHz of mmWave spectrum in the 24 GHz and 47 GHz bands for fl exible terrestrial wireless use. FCC also enabled use of spectrum between 64 GHz and 71 GHz by unlicensed devices (subject to restrictions).

In October 2018, the Commission issued a notice of proposed rule-making that would open up the 5.925–6.425 GHz and 6.425–7.125 GHz bands for unlicensed use, subject to establishing a mechanism to prevent interference with incumbent services. It specifi cally anticipates – depending upon the part of the spectrum concerned – the use of low or standard power WiFi or variants of LTE for indoor or outdoor use.

The FCC has been running auctions of spectrum in the 24 GHz and 28 GHz bands. The auction of spectrum at 28 GHz (27.5–28.35 GHz) completed in January 2019, with bids totalling more than $700 million. Thirty-three bidders won 2965 licences.

The auction of spectrum at 24 GHz (24.25–24.45 GHz and 24.75–25.25 GHz) ended in May 2019 raising $2.02 billion in net bids. Twenty-nine bidders won 2904 licences.

In June 2018, FCC announced that it is also considering making an additional 2.75 GHz of the 26 GHz and 42 GHz bands available for 5G.

In December 2018, FCC announced an incentive auction (Auction 103) covering spectrum at 37 GHz (37.6–38.6 GHz), 39 GHz (38.6–40 GHz) and 47 GHz (47.2–48.2 GHz) in order to free up more spectrum for 5G. Under the incentive auction, existing rights holders in those bands can choose either to relinquish their rights in exchange for a share of the auction revenue or alternatively receive modifi ed licences after the auction consistent with a new band plan and service rules. Auctions for 37 GHz, 39 GHz and 47 GHz bands are planned by the end of 2019. Procedures for reconfi guring the 39 GHz band, enabling



existing licensees to relinquish or modify their licences were published in March 2019. Technical guides for bidding procedures were published in April 2019, along with the announcement of a process for sharing the spectrum at 37 GHz with the Department of Defense. Timelines for the reconfi guration of existing rights were published in June 2019.

Uruguay (Unidad Reguladora de Servicios de Comunicaciones (URSEC))

In May 2019, Uruguay’s regulator authorised ANTEL to deploy mobile services in the 27.5–28.35 GHz band (originally licensed to ANTEL for the provision of LMDS services).

Asia-Pacifi c

Figure 4: National 5G spectrum positions in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands – Asia-Pacifi c (ITU Region 3)



Australia (Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA))

• In September 2019, ACMA published its fi ve-year spectrum plan, which among other things, detailed its plans for mmWave spectrum.

• 28 GHz (27.5–29.5 GHz): ACMA has announced plans to enable use of fi xed wireless access services across the band, sharing the spectrum with fi xed satellite earth stations. Change to spectrum allocation arrangements by Q1 2021.

• 26 GHz (24.25–27.5 GHz): a draft spectrum reallocation recommendation has been made to the Minister for Communications to enable use of spectrum in this range for wireless broadband. Proposed allocations in Q1 2021.

China (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT))

China is also expected to use the 24.75–27.5 GHz band and the 37–43.5 GHz band and initiated a stakeholder consultation on these bands.

Hong Kong (Offi ce of the Communications Authority (OFCA))

In March 2019, OFCA announced that, following an administrative process, 400 MHz of spectrum within the 26.55–27.75 GHz range had been off ered to each of three network operators – China Mobile Hong Kong Ltd, Hong Kong Telecommunications and SmarTone Mobile Communications – for the provision of public mobile services (including 5G).

In July 2019, it announced that it would be making 400 MHz in the 27.95–28.35 GHz range available for Localised Wireless Broadband Licences (using 5G or other advanced mobile technologies) on a geographic-sharing basis. It opened up applications for assignment of the shared spectrum later the same month.

India (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI))

India created a 5G High Level Forum to formulate strategy on 5G. The Forum released its recommendation on 5G spectrum in August 2018 which included the following mmWave spectrum bands: 24.25–27.5 GHz, 27.5–29.5 GHz, 29.5–31.3 GHz, 31.8–33.4 GHz and 37–43.5 GHz. India’s Telecom Department is now preparing an action plan based on this recommendation.



Indonesia (Ministry of Communications and Informatics of Indonesia (BRTI))

Initial indications from the Ministry for Communications and Informatics were that Indonesia would license 5G spectrum by 2022. Speaking in April 2019 however, Ministry representatives gave an updated view that spectrum could possibly be issued in Indonesia in 2020. The specifi c frequency bands are expected to be set now that WRC-19 has concluded. The bands under consideration for allocation include 24.25–27 GHz and 27–29.5 GHz.

Japan (Ministry of Internal Aff airs and Communications (MIC))

In February 2019, several of Japan’s operators (KDDI and Okinawa Cellular, Softbank and Rakuten) applied to be allocated 5G frequencies. Final decisions on allocations were issued in April 2019 and included mmWave spectrum:

• NTT DoCoMo: 27.4–27.8 GHz

• KDDI/Okinawa Cellular: 27.8–28.2 GHz

• Softbank: 29.1–29.5 GHz

• Rakuten Mobile: 27.0–27.4 GHz.

Meanwhile, spectrum at 28.2–29.1 GHz is under consideration for ‘local’ 5G service provision and might not be allocated to national mobile operators.

Macau (Macau Posts and Telecommunications (CTT))

In December 2018, Macau’s CTT stated plans to make various spectrum bands available for public land mobile telecommunications, in preparation for the launch of 5G services, including 24.25–27.5 GHz and 27.5–28.35 GHz.

Malaysia (Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC))

The MCMC has formed a 5G Task Group which will make a recommendation on spectrum for 5G to the Malaysian Government. The Group is focusing on the 3.5 GHz, 26 GHz and 28 GHz ranges.

Myanmar (Ministry of Transport and Communications, Posts and Telecommunications Department)

In June 2019, the Ministry launched a consultation based on its initial IMT and 5G spectrum roadmap. Its plan envisages releasing mmWave spectrum in 2024, subject to demand.



New Zealand (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; Radio Spectrum Management; and Commerce Commission)

According to the Radio Spectrum Management’s ‘Road map to 5G’ in New Zealand, spectrum at 24.25–28.35 GHz is being considered for 5G use.

Singapore (lnfocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA))

IMDA intends to hold a tender of spectrum in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands. It plans to allocate four 800 MHz lots in mmWave spectrum (3200 MHz in total) within 24.25–29.5 GHz. Specifi cation of the exact 26 GHz and 28 GHz ranges was delayed until after WRC-2019.

NSA networks can be deployed in the mmWave bands, but SA networks must be deployed within 24 months of the technology ‘ecosystem’ being ‘ready’. Proposals are due in January 2020, with the winners to be announced in mid-2020.

Republic of Korea (Ministry of Science and ICT)

The Republic of Korea auctioned spectrum in the 28 GHz band on 15 June 2018 each existing operator won 800 MHz of spectrum.

Taiwan (The National Communications Commission (NCC))

Taiwan is planning an auction of 2500 MHz of spectrum at 28 GHz with 5G coverage or 5G base station installation requirements. Consultations are ongoing regarding these plans, in advance of fi nalisation of the application and auction procedures. The auction is expected before the end of 2019. Applications for licences closed on 3 October 2019. The auction is expected to complete before the end of 2019.

Thailand (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC))

In November 2019, NBTC published plans for the auction of spectrum in various bands including 26 GHz (24.25–27.0 GHz), for mobile services. The auction is expected to complete in March 2020.

Vietnam (Ministry of Information and Communications)

The Ministry of Information and Communications has stated that the 24.25–27.5 GHz and 27–43.5 GHz bands are of interest and (whole or partly) could be made available for 5G services pending international developments.



Europe

Figure 5: National 5G spectrum positions in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands – CEPT (ITU Region 1)

Austria (Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications (RTR); Telekom-Control-Commission (TKK))

In June, RTR launched a consultation to collate views on possible plans for spectrum 26 GHz (24.25–27.5 GHz).

Belgium (Belgian Institute for Post and Telecommunications (BIPT))

In 2018, BIPT announced plans to auction various mmWave bands for 5G, according to the following indicative timelines:

• 26 GHz from 2021

• 31.8–33.4 GHz and 40.5–43.5 GHz from 2022 to 2027.

In May 2019, BIPT launched a public consultation on the use of spectrum at 26 GHz for 5G, designed to consider market demand, migration of existing users and the future regulatory framework.



Bulgaria (Communications Regulation Commission (CRC))

CRC has launched a public consultation on the use of the 3400–3600 MHz and 3600–3800 MHz bands for 5G services. In November 2018, it also opened a public consultation on the use of free spectrum in the 2000 MHz and 2600 MHz bands.

CRC opened a public consultation on a draft decision to adopt a new radio spectrum regulatory policy. Key elements include defi ning conditions for releasing at least 1 GHz of spectrum between 24.25 GHz and 27.5 GHz to support the introduction of 5G networks.

Czechia (Czech Communications Offi ce (CTU))

CTU has stated its future intention to issue spectrum at 26 GHz for 5G.

Estonia (Ministry of Economic Aff airs and Communications)

Estonia’s Ministry published a 5G spectrum roadmap in March 2019, which set out plans to open a public consultation on the use of spectrum in the range 24.25–27.5 GHz and noted the potential to use 40.5–43.5 GHz and 66–71 GHz for 5G.

Then in October it launched its consultation about plans for a public tender of spectrum at 26 GHz (24.25–27.5 GHz) for mobile broadband services. The consultation was scheduled to run until mid-December 2019.

France (Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP))

In October 2018, ARCEP launched a consultation on procedures for allocating (through auction or other means) spectrum at 26 GHz.

At the end of March 2019, applications were closed for requests to run 5G trials at 26 GHz. It subsequently revealed that it had received 15 applications. The results were announced in October with 11 schemes backed by public and private network operators.

Germany (Federal Network Agency, Bundesnetzagentur)

Bundesnetzagentur has stated it will be drawing up an application procedure for using the 26 GHz band (for local or regional 5G services or improving rural mobile coverage).



Greece (Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT))

EETT announced that on 2 February 2017, the procedure for granting of the ‘Rights of Use for Radiofrequencies’ in the band 24.5–26.5 GHz had been completed and three operators were granted frequencies to use for fi xed wireless access services.

In October 2018, EETT published a review of frequency bands for 5G which set out further plans for spectrum at 26 GHz (24.25–27.5 GHz), with a public consultation about appropriate use planned for 2019/early 2020.

Hungary (National Media and lnfocommunications Authority)

The National Media and lnfocommunications Authority considered releasing spectrum at 26 GHz for 5G; however a consultation in July 2019 revealed limited current market demand, so auction plans have been put on hold.

Ireland (Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg))

ComReg has published a consultation regarding the distribution of spectrum in the 26 GHz band. The new 26 GHz National Block Licences are likely to be restricted to point-to-point (P2P) links and licensees will not be permitted to off er mobile services using the spectrum.

Italy (Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (AGCOM))

In September/early October 2018, Italy ran an auction of spectrum in the various ‘5G pioneer’ bands, including 1000 MHz at 26 GHz.

Kosovo (Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications (ARKEP))

In May 2019, ARKEP published plans to license and open up new bands. The plan included the possibility of issuing licences to use spectrum at 26 GHz in an auction after 2022.

Luxembourg (Luxembourg Telecommunications Regulation Authority (ILR))

ILR has stated its intention to allocate spectrum at 24.25–27.5 GHz in the second half of 2020.

Netherlands (Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and Ministry of Economic Aff airs)

The Netherlands’ Digital Connectivity Action Plan foresees the use of spectrum at 26 GHz either for a very large number of local permits, or for shared use, from 2020. Stakeholder consultations are underway.



Norway (Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom))

In February 2019, NKom published a spectrum roadmap for mobile communications and 5G. This included a preliminary award schedule for spectrum across a variety of bands including 26 GHz (2020 auction for 2023 activation).

In June 2019, Nkom launched a consultation on frequency resources for mobile communications and 5G. The auction of spectrum at 26 GHz (24.25–27.50 GHz) now looks unlikely to happen before 2022.

Poland (President of the Offi ce of Electronic Communications (UKE))

The Polish regulator held a consultation on the allocation of 5G spectrum including 26 GHz, which ended in August 2018.

Portugal (National Communications Authority (ANACOM))

ANACOM has consulted on the allocation of spectrum at 26 GHz.

Romania (National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM))

ANCOM has previously stated plans (subject to consultation) to auction spectrum at 26 GHz (24.25–27.5 GHz) in 2021.

Russia (The Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Communications)

The Russian Ministry of Communication has historically made spectrum available in a variety of bands for the purposes of testing and piloting 5G, including the 25.25–29.5 GHz bands.

The latest local press reports indicate that that spectrum in the 24.5–29.5 GHz range is likely to be auctioned in Q1 2020.

Slovakia (Offi ce for Regulation of Electronic Communications and Postal Services (RU))

In 2017, RU held a consultation on the 26 GHz and 29 GHz bands for 5G.

In May 2018, RU launched a call for tenders for various regional licences to use spectrum in the 10 GHz band for the provision of public fi xed wireless access communications. This followed on from a call in January 2018 covering other areas without active services. Multiple regional licences exist.



Slovenia (Agency for Communication Networks and Services)

In May 2019, Slovenia published its national spectrum strategy, with a request for comments. Following the consultation, it will revise and seek governmental approval for its plans, which include, in the 2021/2022 timetable, tenders for spectrum in other bands identifi ed during WRC-19 and auctions for spectrum at 28 GHz and 32 GHz for fi xed wireless broadband access.Sweden (Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS))

PTS has initiated consultations on the demand for 5G frequencies in the 24.25–27.5 GHz bands.

UK (Offi ce of Communications (Ofcom))

Ofcom has additionally made licence-exempt spectrum available under a technology-neutral regime in the 57–71 GHz band, which could be used for future 5G services.

In addition, Ofcom has been working to free radio spectrum in the 26 GHz band (as well as considering whether spectrum in the 66–71 GHz bands may be viable) for 5G.

Ofcom has decided to enable localised access to spectrum in the 26 GHz band (24.25–26.5 GHz) available on a shared-spectrum basis, but only for indoor use. (Spectrum in the 26.5–27.5 GHz range is used by the military. Ofcom will continue to review possible ways of making this spectrum available in the future.)



Middle East and Africa

Figure 6: National 5G spectrum positions in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands – Middle East and Africa (ITU Region 1)

Cyprus (Department of Electronic Communications)

In August 2019, Cyprus launched a public consultation of the auction of spectrum for 5G in various bands, including 26 GHz (24250–27500 MHz non-paired) with an auction to follow by March 2020.

Nigeria (Nigerian Communications Commission)

Local press reports indicate that the NCC is looking to reserve spectrum at 26 GHz, 38 GHz and 42 GHz for 5G services.

Qatar (Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA))

CRA is considering auctioning the 26 GHz band (26.5–27.5 GHz) for 5G mobile services.

UAE (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA))

TRA is considering deployment of 5G in various bands including 24.25–27.5 GHz and 40 GHz.

Planned 5G auctions and their dates

Fourteen countries have announced formal (date-specifi ed) plans for allocating mmWave frequencies between now and end-2021. A few other auctions/allocations are timetabled to happen from 2022 onwards. Many countries are still deciding whether and when to hold auctions/allocations for spectrum above 6 GHz. Announced events are shown in Table 5.



Table 5: Confi rmed mmWave auctions/allocations and their dates 2019–2021 (excludes test/interim licences and tentative auction plans) Region/coun-try

Spectrum bands Licensing basis (exclusive 5G, mobile broadband)

Auction/award date

Australia 24.25–27.25 GHz Wireless broadband Q1 2021Belgium 26 GHz 5G From 2021

Brazil 26 GHz (24.3–27.5 GHz TDD)

5G March 2020

Canada 26 GHz, 28 GHz, 37–40 GHz and 64–71 GHz

Technology neutral End 2021

Chile 28 GHz 5G Q4 2019

Cyprus 26 GHz (24250–27500 MHz non-paired)

5G March 2020

Hong Kong 27.95–28.35 GHz Shared spectrum/localised licensing

Applications opened July 2019

Kosovo 26 GHz Technology neutral After 2022Luxembourg 24.25–27.5 GHz 2H 2020Netherlands 26 GHz Local permits or shared

use2020

Norway 26 GHz Mobile comms and 5G After 2021Romania 26 GHz (24.25–27.5

GHz)5G 2021

Russia 24.5–29.5 GHz 5G Q1 2020Singapore 26 GHz, 28 GHz 5G Call for

proposals Jan 2020

Slovenia 28 GHz and 32 GHz Fixed wireless broadband access

2021/2022

Taiwan 28 GHz 5G Applications closed; auctions expected before end 2019

Thailand 26 GHz (24.25–27.0 GHz)

Mobile services March 2020

UK 24.25–26.5 GHz Shared spectrum, indoor use

TBC

USA 37 GHz, 39 GHz, 47 GHz

Technology neutral 2019

Fourteen countries have

announced formal (date-

specifi ed) plans for allocating

mmWave frequencies

between now and end-2021.



Figure 7: Countries with (timetable specifi ed) forthcoming auctions, tenders or allocations for spectrum above 6 GHz, 2019–2022

Summary

Spectrum above 6 GHz, and in particular mmWave spectrum, has rapidly become important for mobile telecoms. It is clear, with the number of spectrum awards expected over the coming years, and the agreement of new mmWave spectrum bands at WRC-19, the investment in these spectrum bands by operators and commitments to launch compatible devices by vendors, that the importance of spectrum above 6 GHz is going to continue to grow. GSA will continue to track this trend. This report will be next updated in early 2020.



About GSA

GSA (the Global mobile Suppliers Association) is a not-for-profi t industry organisation representing companies across the worldwide mobile ecosystem engaged in the supply of infrastructure, semiconductors, test equipment, devices, applications and mobile support services.

GSA actively promotes the 3GPP technology road-map – 3G, 4G, 5G – and is a single source of information resource for industry reports and market intelligence. GSA Members drive the GSA agenda and defi ne the communications and development strategy for the Association.

Membership of GSA is open to any supplier of products; systems or services related to the mobile industry and brings many benefi ts including access to the GAMBoD and NTS database. The range of benefi ts includes enhanced discussion, networking and infl uencing opportunities on the key industry topics, and unique promotional/visibility opportunities for your company name, capabilities, positioning and messages. More details can be found at https://gsacom.com/gsa-membership/

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