5G Spectrum for Terrestrial Networks – April 2019

GSA is aware of 59 countries, territories, special administrative regions, disputed territories and dependencies that are formally considering introducing certain spectrum bands for terrestrial 5G services, are 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 report provides a snapshot of the global status of national 5G spectrum plans as of 8 April 2019. 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 to terrestrial 5G networks and services or at least accessible to 5G networks and services.

This report reflects a market that is in constant flux and feedback is greatly appreciated to keep it current. The next update will be published in early May 2019. Please send comments and information to research@gsacom.com.

Important changes since the last report include:

• Australia: update on 26 GHz and 28 GHz consultations and its five-year spectrum plan.
• Bahrain: second consultation about plans for spectrum at 800 MHz and 2600 MHz.
• Brazil: new study of frequencies for 5G.
• Colombia: 700 MHz and 1900 MHz auctions scheduled for 4Q 2019; 5G spectrum consultation announced.
• Croatia: award of three licences in Band 7 for mobile broadband services.
• Denmark: auction of spectrum at 700 MHz, 900 MHz and 2300 MHz completed.
• Germany: auction of spectrum at 2000 MHz and 3400–3700 MHz underway.
• Hong Kong: spectrum from 26.55–27.75 GHz allocated to the provision of 5G services.
• Iran: in the process of planning 5G spectrum.
• Iraq: details added about a review of broadband fixed wireless spectrum.
• Luxembourg: details added about the 5G spectrum roadmap.
• Macedonia: three companies express interest in licence for spectrum at 2100 MHz.
• Norway: plans announced for auctions of spectrum at 450 MHz, 700 MHz and 2100 MHz.
• Saudi Arabia: auction of spectrum at 3500 MHz completed.
• United States: 24 GHz auction gets underway; more detail on plans for 39 GHz.