The GSMA has issued a new call for governments to allocate 6 GHz spectrum to 5G mobile services, warning that the future of the mobile technology will be at risk if sufficient capacity is not made available in the band. “The 6 GHz band is essential not only for mobile network operators to provide enhanced affordable connectivity for greater social inclusion, but also to deliver the data speeds and capacity needed for smart cities, transport and factories,” said the mobile industry body, adding that 5G networks will require an estimated 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum over the next decade to deliver on the technology’s full potential.
Although China intends to use the entire 1200 MHz in the 6 GHz band for 5G, other governments are less keen, with the US and much of Latin America declaring that the spectrum will be offered to Wi-Fi and other unlicensed technologies rather than 5G. Europe has decided to split the band, with the upper part considered for 5G and a new 500 MHz tranche made available for Wi-Fi. Africa and parts of the Middle East are taking a similar approach, said the GSMA.
Ahead of the next World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023, the GSMA is calling on governments to make at least 6425-7125 MHz available for licensed 5G, ensure backhaul services are protected, and even open up the bottom half of the 6 GHz range at 5925-6425 MHz on a licence-exempt basis with technology neutral rules in certain countries.
