Spectrum for Terrestrial 5G Networks: Licensing Developments Worldwide

Transcription

1 Spectrum for Terrestrial 5G Networks: Licensing Developments Worldwide GSA 5G report based on information in the GSA Networks, Technologies and Spectrum (NTS) database July

2 Introduction This report provides a snapshot of the global status of national 5G spectrum plans as of the end of July As national regulators plot their countries moves towards 5G, there are important choices to be made about which portions of the spectral range should be either dedicated for use by terrestrial 5G networks and services, or at least accessible to 5G networks and services. This report summarises recent 5G spectrum activity worldwide including auction and allocation plans. Frequency range designations and bands GSA has counted 42 countries or territories formally considering spectrum bands for terrestrial 5G services, or holding consultations on suitable spectrum allocations for 5G, or that have reserved spectrum for 5G, or have have announced plans to auction frequencies, or have already allocated spectrum for 5G use. Another 15 are undertaking such initiatives in relation to spectrum not specifically allocated to 5G. In this report, we consider spectrum in specific bands for which auctions or long-term designations are being considered. These include new 5G/NR bands defined by 3GPP in Release 15, which are being defined in the following two Frequency Ranges (FR) in Table 1. Table 1: Frequency ranges Frequency range designation FR1 FR2 Corresponding frequency range MHz MHz FR1 bands at the time of development of this paper are defined in Table 2. Table 2: FR1 bands NR operating band Uplink (UL) operating band Downlink (DL) operating band n MHz MHz FDD n MHz MHz FDD n MHz MHz FDD n MHz MHz FDD n MHz MHz FDD n MHz MHz FDD n MHz MHz FDD n MHz MHz FDD n MHz MHz FDD n MHz MHz FDD n MHz MHz TDD n MHz MHz TDD n MHz MHz TDD n MHz MHz TDD n MHz MHz TDD n MHz MHz TDD n MHz MHz FDD n MHz MHz FDD Duplex mode 2

3 NR operating band Uplink (UL) operating band Downlink (DL) operating band n MHz MHz FDD n75 N/A MHz SDL n76 N/A MHz SDL n MHz MHz TDD n MHz MHz TDD n MHz MHz TDD n MHz N/A SUL n MHz N/A SUL n MHz N/A SUL n MHz N/A SUL n MHz N/A SUL n MHz N/A SUL Duplex mode FR2 bands at the time of development of this report are defined in Table 3. Table 3: FR2 bands NR operating band Uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) n MHz TDD n MHz TDD n MHz TDD n MHz TDD Duplex mode There are also a number of other spectrum bands being considered by national regulators that were at the time of writing (end-july 2018) not considered by 3GPP specifications: MHz, considered in USA and CEPT ( MHz) for unlicensed use GHz, or parts thereof. Note that various parts of the GHz range are considered differently in different regions. For instance, GHz is set aside for unlicensed use in North America and is under consideration in CEPT (66 71 GHz), and also GHz and GHz are under study in ITU-R as a possible range for IMT-2020, to be decided at WRC-19. In many cases regulators are making subsets of the newer bands available; freeing them up in chunks when they can migrate existing users (such as satellite, military, broadcasters or other users to different blocks of spectrum). The analysis in this report excludes temporary short-term licences awarded for the purpose of trialling/testing 5G networks (this latter category is covered in our analysis of 5G trials, available separately). 3

4 This report uses information published by regulators and governments who are not always completely specific about plans for frequency ranges, and whether national allocations will be aligned to recognised bands. Some of the higher spectrum bands, not currently allocated for commercial mobile communications, are broadly defined. It is likely that these bands will be more formally defined by national regulators and through the international harmonisation process in due course. Analysis of spectrum plans is divided into two main groups: plans associated with bands that are explicitly designated for 5G (or LTE and 5G), and separately, plans associated with bands licensed or allocated on a technology neutral basis, or allocated much more broadly for mobile services or mobile broadband services. We have excluded plans for spectrum being set aside specifically for LTE, 3G or 2G technologies. Four European countries have already completed auctions of 5G spectrum. Another three have recently completed auctions of spectrum that could potentially be used for 5G. Ten European countries have confirmed 5G spectrum auctions between 2018 and 2020, with three others planning auctions of potentially suitable bands. Global overview At present, GSA is aware of 42 countries (all references to countries in this document can be read as also including territories) in the world that are either formally considering introducing certain spectrum bands for terrestrial 5G services, holding consultations regarding suitable spectrum allocations for 5G, have reserved spectrum for 5G, have announced plans to auction frequencies or have already allocated spectrum for 5G use. This figure excludes countries undertaking such initiatives in relation to spectrum that is not being specifically allocated to 5G (of which there are another 15). Some countries have multiple initiatives underway. In Europe, four countries have already completed auctions of 5G spectrum (Ireland, Latvia, Spain and UK) with another three (Germany, Greece, Norway) having recently completed auctions of spectrum that could potentially be used for 5G. Ten countries are known to have confirmed 5G spectrum auctions between 2018 and 2020 (Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland) with three others planning auctions of potentially suitable bands (Norway, Slovakia and Switzerland). There are 5G auctions/allocations confirmed in at least six countries in Asia- Pacific (Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea). In June 2018 Korea completed a 5G auction for spectrum in the GHz and GHz frequency bands. Meanwhile, Taiwan, New Zealand and Singapore have initiated consultations to consider both mid-band and mmwave bands. 4

5 In the Americas, the USA has issued spectrum on a technology neutral basis that can be used for 5G in the 600 MHz range. It has also confirmed rights to use the spectrum at 28 GHz ( GHz) and 39 GHz (37 40 GHz) for 5G that was awarded many years ago. The USA will also use 2.5 GHz band for 5G. Meanwhile, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico and USA are planning auctions/allocations of spectrum potentially suitable for 5G services, Argentina and Chile are considering options, whilst Canada has announced the technology neutral licensing of spectrum at 600 MHz. Of the countries in the Middle East and Africa, Saudi Arabia recently concluded an auction of spectrum suitable for next generation wireless high speed data services, Tanzania awarded spectrum at 700 MHz for ICT services, and South Africa is planning an auction in the 800 MHz range for IMT services. At least 89 5G-relevant auctions in different bands are due to take place in At least 28 additional 5G-relevant auctions are planned between 2019 and Five countries in the world have completed 5G allocations or licensing procedures in at least one spectrum band. These are Ireland, Latvia, UK, USA and South Korea. Germany, Greece, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Tanzania and the USA have also completed spectrum allocations on a basis that could include but does not necessarily require 5G (such as technology neutral licences, or licences for mobile broadband services). Seventeen other countries have announced formal (date-specified) plans for allocating 5G suitable frequencies and ten countries have stated plans to auction off bands that can potentially be enabled for 5G use. Licensing activity detail by country Table 4 summarises, by region and country, the 5G spectrum activity observed by GSA in the course of its research programme. This includes bands being considered for 5G, soon to be auctioned, considered for auction, and those already granted to operators. All dates indicated for 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. In addition to those countries with licensing plans specifically designated for 5G, the table also includes a number of other countries considering, planning or in the process of auctioning bands that could be used for any technology (licensed on a technology neutral basis), or used to deliver mobile broadband services, and hence are potentially usable for 5G but are not explicitly designated for 5G at this stage. The table excludes short-term/temporary licences awarded for the purpose 5

6 of trialling/testing 5G technologies (this latter category is covered in our analysis of 5G trials, available separately). Table 4: National 5G and other relevant licensing activities Country/ territory Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Bahrain Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Bulgaria Regulatory/ licensing authority Ministry of Modernization Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and (RTR) Belgian Institute for Post and (BIPT) Regulatory Authority (TRA) Regulatory Agency (RAK) Brazilian National Agency (ANATEL) Regulation Commission (CRC) Summary of relevant spectrum activities The government has begun the re-farming process for the MHz band and is considering an auction of the MHz band. ACMA plans to auction off the 3600 MHz band for 5G use in Q It is also considering the allocation of GHz band for 5G in Q3/Q (subject to consultation). The 1500 MHz spectrum is planned for auctioning in Q The band is currently in a process of re-farming for mobile services and broadcasting satellite services. RTR plans to hold an auction in the MHz frequency for 5G services. The auction is expected to take place in the second or third quarter of Belgian Institute for Post and (BIPT) plans to auction the 700 MHz, 1400 MHz and 3600 MHz bands for 5G in According to TRA s Management current and future requirement release plan, the MHz and MHz bands could be considered to be made available for very high capacity broadband using channel bandwidths larger than 20 MHz per operator. Bosnia s Regulatory Agency (RAK) adopted new regulations for the use of the MHz, MHz, 800 MHz and 2600 MHz bands, allowing mobile/fixed communications on a technology neutral basis. Brazilian telecom regulator (ANATEL) is considering revising the regulations regarding the MHz band in order to allow its use by terrestrial services in coexistence with satellite applications in adjacent bands. According to ANATEL, the MHz band should be the first to be deployed for 5G. The regulator also published a resolution on opening 100 MHz of spectrum in the MHz band for mobile services. ANATEL plans to auction the 700 MHz band and MHz band in In addition, part of the MHz band may also be made available. All those bands are expected to be licensed on a technology neutral basis. Bulgarian telecom regulator (CRC) launched a public consultation on the use of the MHz band and the MHz band for 5G services before

7 Country/ territory Canada Chile China Colombia Czechia Egypt El Salvador Finland France Regulatory/ licensing authority Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada Under-Secretary of (Subtel) Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) Ministry of Information and Technologies (MinTIC) Czech Office (CTU) National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA) Superintendence of Electricity and (SIGET) Finnish communications regulator (Ficora) Regulatory Authority for Electronic and Posts (ARCEP) Summary of relevant spectrum activities The Innovation, Science and Economic Development of Canada is to auction spectrum licences in the MHz band on a technology neutral basis. It launched a consultation on the framework to auction spectrum licences in the 3.5 GHz ( MHz), 3.8 GHz ( MHz) and 28 GHz ( GHz) band for 5G and a consultation on releasing spectrum in the GHz and GHz bands for 5G. Canada is also considering plans to release the 1500 MHz, 1600 MHz, 26 GHz, 32 GHz and 80 GHz bands for mobile use, subject to ongoing analysis. In July 2018, Canada published its spectrum auction plan for The first auctions will be in March 2019 for spectrum in the 600 MHz band. Mid band spectrum at 3500 GHz is expected to be auctioned in 2020, while spectrum at 26 GHz, 28 GHz, GHz and GHz is expected be made available for flexible terrestrial use towards the end of The 32 GHz, 70 GHz and 80 GHz bands are set to be available for backhaul in 2019/2020. The government confirmed intentions to have the first 5G auctions on Q It has also frozen current licences in the MHz band to prepare for future auction. In July Subtel opened a consultation on use of GHz and GHz for 5G. MIIT reserved the MHz and MHz bands for 5G services. China is also expected to use the GHz band and the GHz band and has recently initiated a stakeholder consultation on these bands. These are currently being used for 5G trials. MinTIC has indicated its intentions to auction the 700 and 1900 MHz spectrum bands. CTU awarded frequencies in the MHz band to local operators for high speed data networks. It is also formally considering releasing the 700 MHz band for mobile services. NTRA is formally considering using MHz for IMT. The government is planning to auction the 1700/2100 MHz bands. In July 2018 the Finnish communications regulator launched an auction for spectrum in the 3500 MHz frequency band ( MHz), with registrations to bid due in August. It is also considering the use of GHz band and other high frequency bands for 5G. ARCEP plans to start auctioning frequencies in the MHz band. In May 2018, it launched a public consultation on the future use of the 26 GHz band for 5G. 7

8 Country/ territory Regulatory/ licensing authority Summary of relevant spectrum activities Germany Bundesnetzagentur Germany auctioned spectrum at 700 MHz for mobile broadband in 2015; the spectrum is expected to be available from In March 2018, Bundesnetzagentur announced the end of the consultation phase for the 2000 MHz ( MHz/ MHz) and MHz bands for 5G services. Both bands are to be auctioned in Greece Hong Kong Hungary India Hellenic and Post Commission (EETT) Office of the Authority (OFCA) National Media and Infocommunications Authority Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) EETT announced that on February 2, 2017 the procedure for granting of the Rights of Use for Radiofrequencies in the band GHz had been completed and three operators were granted frequencies to use for fixed wireless access services. In February 2018, EETT announced that there was interest in the MHz band from operators following a public consultation. Participants said that licences should be allocated before 2020 with the majority of respondents saying Q would be an appropriate time for allocation. OFCA has completed its consultation and decided to release in 2019 the MHz band for indoor mobile services, the MHz band for mobile services (accessible from April 2020) and the MHz band for mobile services. It also invited telecom operators to express interest in, and is currently consulting on assignment options, for the 26 GHz band ( GHz) and 28 GHz band ( GHz) for 5G mobile services with release planned for The National Media and Infocommunications Authority of Hungary is formally considering the following 5G bands 700 MHz, MHz and 26 GHz. In January 2018, TRAI held an Open House discussion on Auction of Spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, MHz and MHz bands. In March 2018, India s Telecom Department asked incumbents to free spectrum in the MHz band for 5G by 30th September India created a 5G High Level Forum to formulate strategy on 5G. The High Level Forum released its recommendation on 5G spectrum. It includes the following spectrum bands: MHz, MHz, MHz, MHz, MHz, GHz, GHz, GHz, GHz and GHz. Indonesia Ireland Ministry of and Informatics of Indonesia (BRTI) Commission for Regulation (ComReg) India s Telecom Department is now preparing an action plan based on this recommendation. Initial indications for the Ministry of and Informatics of Indonesia are that Indonesia will license 5G spectrum by Current bands under consideration for allocation are GHz, GHz and GHz. In May 2017, ComReg allocated slices of the 3600 MHz band for broadband (including 5G) services. The commission also 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 offer mobile services using the spectrum. 8

9 Country/ territory Italy Japan Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Regulatory/ licensing authority Guarantee Authority (AGCOM) Ministry of Internal Affairs and (MIC) Public Utilities Commission Regulatory Authority (RRT) Luxembourg telecommunications regulation authority Malta Authority Federal Institute of (IFT) National Agency for the legalisation of communications (ANRT) Ministry of Economic Affairs Radio Spectrum Management Summary of relevant spectrum activities AGCOM launched a public consultation in March 2018 regarding 5G wireless spectrum. Potential 5G bands identified by the regulator are as follows: MHz, MHz and 26.5 GHz 27.5 GHz. In April 2018, Italy launched a public consultation on the freeing up of the 700 MHz band for 5G with a view to launching an auction in September Japan s (MIC is formally considering the MHz, MHz and the 28 GHz ( GHz) bands for 5G and plans to assign spectrum in these bands by March Technical requirements for use of these bands will be set by summer The MHz band mght also be considered. In December 2017 the Public Utilities Commission announced that LMT had won spectrum in the MHz and MHz bands for 5G services. RRT launched a public consultation on the use of spectrum in the MHz and MHz frequency ranges for 5G. ILR has launched a public consultation on the country s frequency plan. It includes the allocation of the frequency band MHz band coupled with MHz band for provision of mobile/fixed communications networks. Malta plans to open up 700 MHz band to mobile services from mid Mexico is to auction the 600 MHz ( MHz) band for 5G in 2020 after reallocation of digital television services into the lower bands. Separately the telecom regulator is in the process of auctioning spectrum between 2500 MHz and 2690 MHz. 120 MHz will made available in six national 20 MHz blocks: four paired 2 10 MHz FDD blocks and two unpaired 20 MHz TDD blocks. The remaining 10 MHz will be reserved as guard band spectrum. The licences are expected to be awarded by November or December The regulator has stated the spectrum can be used for delivery of 4G and 5G services. Morocco is considering using the MHz band for IMT. The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs plans an auction of the 700 MHz, 1400 MHz and 2100 MHz frequency bands in the autumn of The frequencies will be used for 4G and 5G. The Government of Netherlands is considering the use of 3500 MHz spectrum for mobile services in According to the Radio Spectrum Management s Road map to 5G in New Zealand, the range between 3410 and 3690 MHz could be considered for 5G post October The ranges of GHz, MHz band (L Band) and the 600 MHz band are also to be considered for 5G use. New Zealand plans to start allocating 5G suitable frequencies in 2018/19. 9

10 Country/ territory Norway Pakistan Regulatory/ licensing authority Norwegian Authority (Nkom) Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Summary of relevant spectrum activities Nkom plans to auction spectrum in the 700 MHz and 2100 MHz bands. The sale is likely in In June 2018, Nkom published draft auction rules for the award of spectrum in the high 6 GHz, 8 GHz, low 10 GHz, high 10 GHz, 13 GHz, 18 GHz, 23 GHz, 28 GHz and 38 GHz bands. The frequencies must be used for terrestrial radio applications capable of providing electronic communications services. PTA is formally considering the use of the 3500 MHz band for 5G services. Poland Digitalization Ministry The Polish regulator has opened a consultation on the allocation of the following 5G spectrum: 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz, 3.7 GHz and 26 GHz. The consultation ends on 8 August Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore Slovakia National Authority (ANACOM) Regulatory Authority (CRA) National Authority for Management and Regulation in (ANCOM) Ministry of and Information Technology Commission (Saudi Arabia) (CITC) Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) Office for Regulation of Electronic & Postal Services (RU) ANACOM is currently holding a public consultation on a proposed spectrum auction of various bands for 5G: 700 MHz, 450 MHz, 900 MHz, 1500 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz. In June 2018, the regulator approved a roadmap for the distribution of 700 MHz ( MHz) spectrum for future 5G wireless services. According to the regulator, the band which is currently used for digital terrestrial television services will be freed up by 30 June CRA is considering auctioning the 700 MHz band, 3500 MHz band ( MHz) and 26 GHz band ( GHz) for 5G mobile services. The 700 MHz frequency band would be deployed to accommodate the demand of the service providers and for the applications of the public protection and disaster relief (PPDR). ANCOM has announced plans to auction spectrum at 700 MHz for 5G before the end of By the end of 2018 it aims to adopt a national position on the release and use of spectrum in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2600 MHz, MHz and 26 GHz bands for broadband wireless communications. The Russian Ministry of Communication has awarded test licences for 5G trials in the MHz and GHz bands but has yet to formally sort out longterm 5G spectrum licensing. Operators MegaFon and Rostelecom have been looking at the potential to deploy 5G in the MHz and 26 GHz bands. CITC allocated a total of 80 MHz of spectrum across the 700 MHz, 800 MHz and 1800 MHz bands to STC, Zain and Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) in an auction held on 11 February Bands are suitable for next generation wireless high speed data services across Saudi Arabia. IMDA is considering the following bands for future 5G deployments: 800 MHz, MHz, MHz and GHz. RU has awarded MHz licences (non specified purpose). The regulator also launched a consultation on the 26 GHz and 29 GHz bands for 5G. RU is additionally considering allocating spectrum at 700 MHz after freeing it up from use by digital TV. In May 2018 RU launched an auction for spectrum in the 10 GHz band, with the spectrum designated for public wireless access communications. 10

11 Country/ territory Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Regulatory/ licensing authority Agency for communication networks and services Independent Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Ministry of Science and ICT The Ministry of Energy, Tourism and Digital Agenda (MINETAD) Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) Federal Commission The National Commission (NCC) Thailand National Broadcasting and Commission (NBTC) Tanzania UAE Tanzania Regulatory Authority Regulatory Authority (TRA) Summary of relevant spectrum activities Slovenia has launched a public consultation for the allocation of spectrum in the 700 MHz band for 4G and 5G services. ICASA held its first 5G forum meeting to discuss how to implement 5G in the country in The regulator plans to auction the and MHz bands in South Korea held its first 5G auction in the 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz bands on 15 June SK Telecom and KT each acquired 100 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band, the maximum amount allowed per operator, while LG Uplus won 80 MHz; in the 28 MHz band, each operator won 800 MHz. MINETAD launched a public consultation on the 700 MHz frequency band ( MHz) it plans to auction in In May 2018 it ran an auction of the GHz spectrum band for use for 5G services. A total of 200 MHz was auctioned. Orange España separately gained spectrum at 3.5 GHz in an auction in PTS launched public consultations on the demand for 5G frequencies in the GHz bands. The spectrum allocation in this band is expected to take place in PTS has launched an auction for spectrum in the 700 MHz band due to complete in December In June 2018, PTS announced it is to auction wireless spectrum licences for 5G services in the 3.4 GHz 3.8 GHz band in In July 2018 the Swiss Federal Commission launched an invitation to a tender for spectrum in the 700 MHz, 1400 MHz, 2600 MHz and MHz bands. Whilst suitable for 5G they are being auctioned on a technology neutral basis. NCC has opened a public consultation on the allocation of spectrum in the MHz, MHz and MHz bands for 5G in It is also formally considering the 28 GHz band. NBTC plans a technology neutral auction of spectrum in the 2600 MHz band (80 MHz) and 700 MHz for 5G by The regulator plans to auction spectrum in the 850 MHz and 1800 MHz bands in The regulator is also considering awarding spectrum in the 3.5 GHz, 26 GHz or 28 GHz ranges. Tanzania held a 700 MHz band auction. The auction was aimed at promotion, enhancement and facilitation of innovation for new ICT services and technologies to be deployed in the band. TRA is considering an early deployment of 5G in the following bands: MHz MHz and GHz. In addition, the 40 GHz range will be considered for 5G beyond

12 Country/ territory UK USA Vietnam Regulatory/ licensing authority Office of communications (Ofcom) Federal Commission (FCC) Ministry of Information and Summary of relevant spectrum activities Ofcom issued an update to its 5G strategy, saying that would continue its work to free radio spectrum in the 700 MHz, GHz and 26 GHz bands (as well as considering whether spectrum in the GHz bands may be viable) for 5G. In March 2018, Ofcom allocated spectrum in the 3.4 GHz band ( MHz and MHz) for 5G. In July 2018, Ofcom revealed it is making licence exempt spectrum available in the GHz band, which could be used for future 5G services. The FCC has opened additional mmwave spectrum resources for mobile use. The new Spectrum Frontier order dated 16 November 2017 makes an additional 1.7 GHz of mmwave spectrum in the 24 GHz and 47 GHz bands available for flexible terrestrial wireless use. It also maintains previously adopted spectrum allocations for mobile use in the 28 GHz, 37 GHz and 39 GHz bands, and unlicensed use between 64 GHz and 71 GHz. It also auctioned off the 600 MHz band. FCC is formally reconsidering its MHz band policy. This spectrum is currently used for Citizens Broadband Radio Service, but could be made available for 5G in the future. The commission is considering a consultation on the GHz band for unlicensed use. The FCC plans to hold an auction of spectrum in the 28 GHz band and 24 GHz band for 5G uses starting in November The FCC is considering opening up the 4.9 GHz public safety band possibly for more 5G access and support robotic and drone operations in the future. FCC is formally considering making MHz midband frequencies available for 5G. In May 2018, FCC announced plans to auction the 2.5 GHz band ( MHz) for 5G. In June 2018, FCC announced that it is also considering making an additional 2.75 GHz of the 26 and 42 GHz bands available for 5G. Vietnam s Ministry of Information and is formally considering auctioning the 700 MHz and 2600 MHz bands in the coming year that will be in principle technology neutral. Specifically for 5G the Ministry has stated that the GHz and GHz bands are of interest and (whole or partly) could be made available for 5G services pending international developments. Completed 5G spectrum auctions and allocations Five countries have already auctioned/allocated/licensed spectrum useable for 5G on a long-term basis. Recent auctions include South Korea, where bands where auctioned in June 2018; the UK, where the 3400 MHz band was allocated in March 2018 and Latvia where the MHz and MHz bands were assigned at the end of Table 5 lists the key 5G auctions/allocations that have already taken place. 12

13 Table 5: Completed 5G auctions Region/country Authority Band Licensing basis (e.g. exclusive 5G, mobile broadband etc) Ireland Latvia South Korea Spain UK Commission for Regulation (ComReg) Public Utilities Commission Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) The Ministry of Energy, Tourism and Digital Agenda (MINETAD) Office of communications (Ofcom) 3600 MHz Mobile broadband including 5G MHz and MHz GHz and GHz Auction/ award date G G June MHz 5G July MHz 5G 2018 Other recent potentially 5G-suitable spectrum awards (i.e. that have not been specifically set aside for 5G or LTE and 5G) are shown in Table 6. Table 6: Recent awards/allocations of potentially 5G-suitable spectrum Region/country Authority Band Licensing basis (e.g. exclusive 5G, mobile broadband etc) Germany Bundesnetzagentur 700 MHz Mobile broadband Greece Norway Saudi Arabia Spain Tanzania Hellenic and Post Commission (EETT) Norwegian Authority (Nkom) and Information Technology Commission (Saudi Arabia) (CITC) Ministry of Energy, Tourism and Digital Agenda Tanzania Regulatory Authority GHz Fixed wireless access Auction/ award date 2015 (spectrum available from 2019) MHz Mobile services MHz, 800 MHz, 1800 MHz Next generation wireless highspeed data services 3.5 GHz Mobile broadband services MHz For ICT services

14 Region/country Authority Band Licensing basis (e.g. exclusive 5G, mobile broadband etc) Auction/ award date Planned 5G auctions and their dates Region/ country Authority Band Licensing basis (e.g. exclusive 5G, mobile broadband etc) Auction/ award date 14

15 Region/ country Authority Band Licensing basis (e.g. exclusive 5G, mobile broadband etc) Hong Kong OFCA MHz; MHz; MHz; GHz Italy Japan Mexico Netherlands Guarantee Authority (AGCOM) MIC (MIC has yet to confirm all the details related to release of this spectrum) Federal Institute of (IFT) Ministry of Economic Affairs 5G MHz 5G , and GHz 5G MHz 4G and 5G MHz; 1400 MHz; 2100 MHz 4G and 5G 2019 Poland Digitalization Ministry 700 MHz 5G 2020 Poland Digitalization Ministry MHz; 26 GHz Romania Sweden Sweden Taiwan USA National Authority for Management and Regulation in (ANCOM) Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) The National Commission (NCC) Federal Commission (FCC) 5G MHz 5G 2019 Auction/ award date 700 MHz 5G Registrations open; auction due to complete December MHz 5G MHz; 3600 MHz; 28 GHz 24 GHz; 28 GHz (unassigned licences); 2500 MHz 5G G

16 Table 8: Other planned auctions for potentially 5G-suitable bands Region/ country Brazil Canada Colombia Malaysia Norway Slovakia South Africa Authority Band Licensing basis (e.g. exclusive 5G, mobile broadband etc) Brazilian National Agency (ANATEL) Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Ministry of Information and Technologies (MinTIC) Malaysian and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Norwegian Authority (Nkom) Office for the Regulation of Electronic and Postal Services Independent Authority of South Africa (ICASA) 700 MHz; MHz; MHz Technology neutral MHz Technology neutral 700 MHz; 1900 MHz Technology neutral 700 MHz Mobile broadband services 700 MHz; 2100 MHz 10 GHz ( GHz) and MHz Switzerland Swiss Federal Council 700 MHz; 1400 MHz; MHz; MHz; 2600 MHz Thailand National Broadcasting and Commission (NBTC) 850 MHz, 1800 MHz Auction/ award date 2019 March 2019 Tentatively Mobile services 2019 Public wireless access communications to provide services to end users IMT 2019 Technology neutral Digital infrastructure Under way Invitation to tender under way, auction due to complete

17 Figure 1: Countries with confirmed (timetable specified) forthcoming 5G (or technology neutral) spectrum auctions Common spectrum bands GSA has analysed ongoing spectrum activities worldwide, to identify patterns in spectrum licensing related to 5G. Figure 2 shows how many countries are considering, issuing or have issued spectrum that is set aside for, or could be used for, 5G. It shows clear centres of activity around the 700 MHz, MHz and GHz ranges. Countries are not all currently working with the exact same spectrum ranges, so the chart shows the degree of variation by splitting larger bands into smaller spectrum chunks. For instance in order to show how national activities currently vary, the MHz range (band n78) is also subdivided in the chart into seven distinct and overlapping ranges. There is no doublecounting of activity where bands overlap. Some unique bands in the broad range 6 23 GHz (marked * in the figure) are being examined by Norway and Slovenia only. 17

18 Figure 2: Count of countries with various 5G licensing status, by spectrum band 18

19 Summary As the widespread commercial introduction of 5G approaches, the number of 5G spectrum-related initiatives by telecom regulators around the world is growing rapidly. Whilst only a handful of countries have yet allocated any spectrum specifically for 5G services, that number is expected to grow rapidly. At least 89 5G-relevant auctions in different bands are due to take place in At least 28 additional 5G-relevant auctions are planned between 2019 and Those numbers will rise further. GSA will track and report on progress in future updates of this report. 19

20 About GSA GSA (the Global mobile Suppliers Association) is a not-for-profit 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 define 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 benefits including access to the GAMBoD database. The range of benefits includes enhanced discussion, networking and influencing 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 News/updates RSS Feed: GSA LinkedIn group: Twitter: NOTES: Errors & Omissions Excepted Contact GSA Secretariat info@gsacom.com Research feedback research@gsacom.com Tel: GSA website: 20