The German Federal Network Agency has published the framework conditions to award 5G frequencies for local use. The spectrum in the 3,700-3,800 MHz band has been set aside for applications such as industrial automation, agriculture and forestry and will be allocated upon application, without an auction.
The regulator is releasing the framework ahead of the auction of the 2 GHz and 3.4-3.7 GHz bands later this month, so bidders know the conditions for the adjacent frequencies. The 3.7-3.8 GHz range has been set aside for use in factories and campus networks, and the winners must coordinate with the mobile network operators to ensure efficient use and no interference with other applications. The Bundesnetzagentur will allocate blocks of 10 MHz for use based on ownership or rights to specific property; the spectrum may not be used for public networks.
The Agency said it received 50 comments from industry representatives, businesses and political institutions to define the future allocation of the frequencies. The vast majority support a restricted allocation of the spectrum, while approving the decision to lift the separation between indoor and outdoor applications. The application process will start in the second half of 2019.
