Spectrum for 5G Networks: Licensing Developments Worldwide

Spectrum for 5G Networks.

GSA is aware of 52 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 7 March 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 for use by terrestrial 5G networks and services or at least accessible to 5G networks and services. This report summarises recent spectrum activity worldwide including auction and allocation plans.

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 at the end of March 2019. Please send comments and information to research@gsacom.com.

• Important changes since the last report include:
• Albania: tender of 800 MHz in progress
• Austria: auction of spectrum at 3410–3800 MHz completed.
• Chile: consultations about bidding mechanisms for a 5G tender covering 700 and 3500 MHz to launch in March 2019.
• Colombia: call for interest in use of E-Band spectrum for last mile connectivity and urban small cells.
• Croatia: three operators apply in 2500–2690 MHz spectrum.
• El Salvador: plan for auction of spectrum in bands 2,4 and 66 for mobile services.
• Estonia: plans for spring 2019 auction of spectrum at 3600 MHz, and publication of spectrum roadmap.
• Germany: four bidders for 2000 MHz and 3600 MHz auction.
• Hong Kong: OFCA plans for assign spectrum at 617–698 MHz and 703–803 MHz for indoor mobile services by 2020.
• India: possible 700 MHz and 3300–3600 MHz auctions in 2019.
• Japan: operators apply to be allocated 5G spectrum.
• Mauritania: relaunched calls for applications for 3G/4G operating licences.
• Nepal: auction of unused spectrum postponed.
• Netherlands: consultation launched on rules for auctions of spectrum at 700, 1400 and 2100 MHz bands.
• New Zealand: timetable set for 3500 MHz 5G auction.
• Norway: spectrum roadmap published including a preliminary schedule for allocating spectrum across multiple bands.
• Pakistan: plans for licence renewals due, along with plans for extra spectrum release.
• Peru: plans approved to issue national licence for 1750–1780 MHz and 2150–2180 MHz as well as 2300–2330 MHz.
• Sweden: PTS launches consultation about allocation of spectrum at 2300 and 3500 MHz, and reviews idea of local permits at 3700–3800 MHz.
• Switzerland: auction completed of spectrum at 700 MHz, 1400 MHz and 3500–3800 MHz.
• Thailand: auctions being considered of 2600 MHzand 26–28 GHz in 2019.
• USA: 24 GHz auction due to start on 14 March 2019; 38 qualified bidders.

©2019 GSA

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