Germany’s federal network regulator Bundesnetzagentur has published a framework document for mobile spectrum that can be used for 5G services. The document aims to ensure more investment and planning security while identifying possible frequencies that can be used for 5G services. At the same time, the regulator calls on interested companies to show their interest in the spectrum.
The regulator has identified former UMTS spectrum in the 2 GHz band as well as spectrum in the 3.4-3.7 GHz band as 5G spectrum possibilities and calls on companies to show their interest in nationwide frequency allocations in those bands. Interested parties can react to the framework document or unveil their interest in the frequencies until 30 September.
Based on the frequency requirements, the regulator will develop a draft plan on the spectrum to be made available. This is expected to result in a multi-frequency auction in 2018.
2 GHz details
The Bundesnetzagentur sees 60 MHz of spectrum in the 2 GHz range that will become available in two segments, either in 2020 or 2025 depending on the current licence period. The spectrum will be divided in paired blocks of 5 MHz. This spectrum will be awarded technology-neutral, and the new licence will run until 31 December 2040.
3.4-3.7 GHz details
In the 3.4-3.7 GHz spectrum range, 400 MHz was identified and most of it will become available in 2022 when the current licences run out. Of the spectrum, 3.4 GHz-3.7 GHz will be available for national use and 3.7 GHz-3.8 GHz will be available for regional use. The spectrum will be divided in unpaired blocks of 10 MHz. This spectrum will be awarded technology-neutral, and the new licences will run until 31 December 2040.
Other frequencies
The framework document also identifies other frequencies range that could be used for 5G services. This includes a piece of the 700 MHz range, which was not part of the auction in 2016 and is currently in use for wireless microphones. The 738-753 MHz range could be used for so-called Supplementary Downlink offering operators more capacity needed for the growing data usage and will be considered for possible auction at a later date.
The regulator also considered frequencies in the 26 GHz (24.25 GHz- 27.5 GHz), 28 GHz (27.5 GHz-29.5 GHz) and 32 GHz (31.8 - 33.4 GHz) with 26 GHz being the most important as it has been designated as pioneer spectrum for 5G internationally. Due to current usages of these spectrum ranges, a general allocation for 5G services is not possible and the regulator plans to develop an application procedure for 5G use in these bands, starting with the 26 GHz spectrum.
