mmWAVE BANDS:
GLOBAL LICENSING AND
USAGE FOR 5G
Introduction
This report provides a snapshot of the global usage of
spectrum above 24 GHz for 5G services . It is part of a series of
reports which separately also cover spectrum bands below 1
GHz and between 1 GHz and 6 GHz.
This report reflects a market that is in constant flux and
feedback is greatly appreciated to keep it current. Please send
comments and information to research@gsacom.com.
Key statistics:
• One hundred and six operators in 20 countries/territories hold
public licences (many of them regional) enabling operation of 5G
networks using mmWave spectrum.
• Twenty-four operators in 15 countries/territories are known to
be already deploying 5G networks using mmWave spectrum.
• Nineteen countries/territories have announced formal (datespecified) plans for assigning frequencies above 24 GHz between
now and end-2022.
Frequency range designations and bands
In this report, we consider spectrum in specific mmWave 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 frequency ranges (FR) shown in
Table 1.
At WRC-2019 in November, several new frequency ranges were
identified for IMT, to be used by IMT-2020 (5G). These encompassed
many of the existing 3GPP-bands plus some new spectrum ranges:
•
24.25–27.5 GHz
•
37–43.5 GHz
•
45.5–47 GHz
•
47.2–48.2 GHz
•
66–71 GHz.
These additional ranges are also covered by this report.
• Ninety-five announced 5G devices explicitly support one or
more of the 5G spectrum bands above 24 GHz (though note
that details of spectrum support are patchy for pre-commercial
devices), up from 59 at the end of November 2019. Forty-six of
those devices are understood to be commercially available.
(Note: all references to countries/territories in this document can
be read as also including territories, special administrative regions,
disputed territories and dependencies.)
Table 1:FR2 Bands
NR operating
band
Uplink (UL) and downlink (DL)
Duplex
mode
n257
26500–29500 MHz
TDD
n258
24250–27500 MHz
TDD
n259
39500–43500 MHz
TDD
n260
37000–40000 MHz
TDD
n261
27500–28350 MHz
TDD
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5G deployments in mmWave bands
mmWave spectrum bands are being explicitly opened up to enable
provision of 5G services.
The 24.25–29.5 GHz range covering the overlapping Bands n257
(26.5–29.5 GHz), n258 (24.25–27.5 GHz) and n261 (27.5–28.35 GHz)
has been the most-licensed/deployed 5G mmWave spectrum range
to date.
• One hundred and thirty-two operators in 43 countries/territories
are investing in 5G (in the form of trials, licences, deployments
or operational networks) across the 24.25-29.5 GHz spectrum
range.
• Of those, 79 operators are known to have been licensed to
deploy 5G in this range.
• Twenty-three operators are understood to be actively deploying
3GPP-compliant 5G networks using this spectrum.
Band n260, covering 37–40 GHz, is also used, with 32 companies in
six countries/territories investing in licences for, or networks using
this spectrum. Of those, 31 hold licences. (The majority of those are
based in the USA and its territories.) Three operators in the USA have
launched 5G using Band n260.
Figure 1: Use of 5G spectrum between 24.25 GHz and 29.5 GHz, countries/territories plotted by status of most advanced operator activities
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Awards and assignments for mmWave
spectrum (2015 onwards)
Table 2 lists the recent (post-2017) auctions/assignments of mmWave spectrum designed for 5G usage that have taken place. In addition to
usage for 5G, mmWave spectrum has also historically been awarded for fixed point-to-point, point to multipoint and some FWA/MMDS usage;
those historic assignments are not listed here.
Table 2: Recent 5G suitable spectrum awards and assignments concerning mmWave spectrum (2017 onwards)
Region/country
Spectrum bands
Licensing basis (e.g exclusive 5G,
mobile broadband etc.)
Auction/award date
Finland
25.1–27.5 GHz
5G
June 2020
Greece
24.5–26.5 GHz
Fixed wireless access
2017
Hong Kong S.A.R.
26.55–27.75 GHz
Public mobile and fixed wireless
services (specifically including
5G)
March 2019
Hong Kong S.A.R.
27.95–28.35 GHz
Local licences available on a
geographic sharing basis
Applications opened July 2019
Italy
26 GHz
5G
October 2018
Japan
27.0–28.2 GHz, 29.1–29.5 GHz
5G
April 2019
Japan
28.2–28.3 GHz
Local 5G licences to be used
within an applicant’s own
building or on its own land
Applications opened December
2019
Norway
10 GHz, 13 GHz, 23 GHz
Service and technology neutral
May 2020
Norway
28 GHz (28.3325–28.4445/29.3405–29.4515
GHz) and 38 GHz (37.058–37.17/38.318–38.43
GHz; 37.394–37.506/38.654–38.766 GHz),
37.730–37.842/38.99–39.102 GHz)
Service and technology neutral
May 2020
Republic of Korea
26.5–28.9 GHz
5G
June 2018
Russia
24.25–24.65 GHz
5G/IMT-2020
July 2020
Singapore
26.3–29.5 GHz
5G
June 2020
Slovakia
10 GHz
Technology and service neutral
regional licences
2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019
Taiwan
27900–29500 MHz
5G
March 2020
Thailand
26 GHz (24.3–27.0 GHz)
Mobile services
February 2020
UAE
26.5–27.5 GHz
5G
September 2020
UK
24.25–26.6 GHz (indoor usage only)
Allocated for localised shared
spectrum licences (technology
neutral)
July 2019
Uruguay
27.5–28.35
Mobile services
May 2019
USA*
28 GHz
Technology neutral
January 2019
USA*
24 GHz
Technology neutral
May 2019
USA*
37 GHz
Technology neutral
March 2020
USA*
39 GHz
Technology neutral
March 2020
USA*
47 GHz
Technology neutral
March 2020
*Note that due to the typically technology-neutral status of licences in the USA, multiple historic auctions are relevant for 5G including 28 GHz
(March 1998 and May 1999) and 39 GHz (May 2000) and others. See www.fcc.gov/auctions for full details.
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5G device
support for
bands above
24 GHz
5G device support for spectrum bands above
24 GHz is still at an early stage. GSA’s GAMBoD
database includes 95 announced 5G devices that
do or will support mmWave spectrum bands, up
from 84 at the end of May 2020. Forty-six of those
are understood to be commercially available (up
from 27 at the end of May). The number of devices
identified as supporting specific bands is much
lower, as information about spectrum support is
not always publicly available, especially for precommercial devices.
Figure 2: Known support for 5G spectrum bands above 24 GHz in announced 5G devices
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As part of the GSA
vision for spectrum
from low, mid and high
band frequency ranges
2020
Future licensing activity detail by
country/territory
This section summarises, by region and country/territory, the
mmWave spectrum activity related to the deployment of 5G networks
observed by GSA in the course of its research programme. This
includes bands being considered for assignment as well as those
soon to be assigned. All dates indicated for assignments/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..
The Americas
Brazil (Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency
(ANATEL))
The latest information from Anatel is that there will be an auction
in H1 2021 covering four bands including 26 GHz (24.25–27.5 GHz
TDD). Spectrum from 27.5–27.9 GHz is proposed to be allocated for
private networks. Winners of any spectrum will be expected to meet
commitments concerned with expanding broadband infrastructure
and improving mobile service availability on roads and small towns.
Canada (Innovation, Science and Economic Development
(ISED) Canada)
Following a consultation, ISED announced its decision with regard
to use of mmWave spectrum for 5G. This included the decision to
adopt a flexible licensing model for fixed and mobile services in the
26.5–27.5 GHz and 27.5–28.35 GHz frequency bands, enabling the
deployment of fixed or mobile services using a single licence (subject
to some sharing of the spectrum with satellite users). Only TDD
systems will be permitted.
A flexible licensing model is also to be adopted for spectrum in the
37.6–40 GHz frequency band, with TDD use only. A decision on use of
37.0–37.6 GHz was deferred to a later date.
ISED also designated the 64–71 GHz frequency band as licenceexempt (once technical standards for licence-exempt equipment
have been issued).
Spectrum at 27.5–28.35 GHz is expected to be made available in 2022.
ANATEL held a public consultation to discuss the auction in March 2020.
Figure 3: 5G spectrum positions in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands – The Americas (ITU Region 2)
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Chile (Under-Secretary of Telecommunications (Subtel))
Peru (Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC))
In July 2018, Subtel opened a consultation on use of the 27.5–28.35
GHz band for 5G.
Peru is also understood to be considering a release of spectrum at
24.25–27.5 GHz for 5G services.
In May 2019, it launched a public consultation on use of spectrum
for 5G, stating that it planned to tender spectrum in four bands
(including 850 MHz in the 28 GHz band).
Uruguay (Unidad Reguladora de los Servicios de
Comunicaciones (Ursec))
A new public consultation was launched in October 2019 on the
use of 5G for private networks that specifically covered suitability
of different spectrum (including 28 GHz). The consultation closed in
November 2019.
Another public consultation was launched in January 2020 on
the technical model for its plans for a tender of spectrum in four
bands including 28 GHz (27500–28300 MHz), with the consultation
scheduled to run until mid-February 2020 and the tender scheduled
for May 2020. However, the auction was delayed until further notice
in 2020 due to COVID-19.
In August 2020, Chile announced a tender for 5G spectrum in various
bands including 26 GHz (25.90–27.50 GHz [4x400 MHz lots]) for 5G
or better (30-year licences). Applications were opened in October
2020. Subtel is still considering the options for 24.5–25.9 GHz and
27.5–28.35 GHz.
Mexico (Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT))
In April 2019, IFT published the results of its study of spectrum bands
for 5G usage, identifying a range of bands that could potentially be
used for 5G in Mexico including 26 GHz, 38 GHz, 42 GHz, 48 GHz and
51 GHz.
Speaking at a conference in November 2020 the head of Ursec
announced plans to provide temporary authorisations to use
spectrum at 26 GHz for 5G trials and revealed it was considering its
options in relation to the spectrum band.
Asia-Pacific
Australia (Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA))
In April 2020, ACMA published its five-year spectrum plan. The
document noted that:
•
ACMA has announced plans to enable use of fixed wireless
access services across the 28 GHz (27.5–29.5 GHz) band, sharing
the spectrum with fixed satellite Earth stations.
•
In addition to class licensing at 24.25–25.1 GHz, ACMA has
proposed three distinct approaches in the 26 GHz band to
assign spectrum for 5G deployment:
○ 25.1–27.5 GHz in defined areas (metropolitan and regional
centres): spectrum licences assigned via auction
○ 25.1–27.5 GHz in all other areas: apparatus licences
○ 24.7–25.1 GHz Australia-wide: apparatus licences.
Figure 4: 5G spectrum positions in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands – Asia-Pacific (ITU Region 3)
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•
ACMA is preparing to assign the 25.1–2 7.5 GHz spectrum by
auction, expected to occur in Q1 2021, with the apparatus
licenses available from Q4 2020.
• Timing of availability of assignments in the 28 GHz band will align
with the 26 GHz band apparatus licences where feasible and
appropriate.
•
In August 2020, ACMA began consultations on its draft 2021
spectrum plan. This includes identification of the 24.25–27.5
GHz, 37–43.5 GHz, 47.2–48.2 GHz and 66–71 GHz bands
for the terrestrial component of International Mobile
Telecommunications (IMT).
•
In the same month it also launched a consultation on plans
for area-wide apparatus licences for wireless broadband in the
24.7–27.5 GHz frequency range of the 26 GHz band; wireless
broadband and FSS in the 27.5–29.5 GHz range; and FSS in the
29.5–30 GHz range. It is envisaged these licences would support
private network and local WISP uses cases.
•
ACMA is planning to make the spectrum at 24.7–25.1 GHz and
27.5–29.5 GHz available Australia-wide via an administrative
process, with applications opening in November 2020 and
licences available from December 2020.
•
Licences for spectrum from 25.1 GHz to 27.5 GHz would be
available via administrative process only after the conclusion of
an auction of spectrum in this range covering key metropolitan
and regional areas scheduled for Q1 2021. That administrative
process is scheduled to begin in May 2021, with licences issued
by the end of June 2021.
Japan (Ministry of Communications)
MIC is considering allocation of spectrum from 28.2 to 29.1 GHz for
local private services in the future.
Macau S.A.R. (Macau S.A.R. Posts and Telecommunications
(CTT))
In December 2018, Macau S.A.R.’s CTT stated plans to make various
spectrum bands available for public land mobile telecommunications,
in preparation for the launch of 5G services including 24.25–27.5 GHz
and 27.5–28.35 GHz.
Malaysia (Malaysia Communications and Multimedia
Commission (MCMC))
In January 2020, MCMC published its final report on allocation of
spectrum bands for mobile broadband. It identified the 700 MHz, 3.5
GHz and 26/28 GHz bands for the initial deployment of 5G. Spectrum
at 26–28 GHz were to be assigned in two parts: 4x400 MHz blocks of
spectrum at 24.9–26.5 GHz was planned to be tendered to licensees
on a national basis in a beauty contest originally scheduled to start
Q1 2020; another four blocks of 400 MHz of spectrum at 26.5–28.1
GHz were planned to be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis
for the deployment of local/private networks. Proceedings have been
delayed, however.
Bhutan (Infocomm and Media Authority)
Bhutan’s IMA published its framework for 5G deployment in
November 2019. This includes a commitment to make 400 MHz at 26
GHz available for 5G. In the short term, it has authorised 5G trials at
24.3–26.7 GHz.
India (Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom
Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI))
In 2018, India created a 5G High Level Forum to formulate strategy
on 5G. The Forum released its recommendation on 5G spectrum in
August 2018 which included the following mmWave spectrum bands:
24.25–27.5 GHz, 27.5–29.5 GHz, 29.5–31.3 GHz, 31.8–33.4 GHz and
37–43.5 GHz.
Indonesia (Ministry of Communications and Informatics of
Indonesia (BRTI))
Indonesia has designated seven candidate bands for 5G
implementation in Indonesia including 26 GHz and 28 GHz.
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New Zealand (Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment; Radio Spectrum Management; and Commerce
Commission)
According to the Radio Spectrum Management’s Road map to 5G in
New Zealand, spectrum at 24.25–28.35 GHz is to be considered for
5G use.
Norway (Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom))
In June 2020, NKom launched a consultation on plans to auction
frequency at 26 GHz (24250–27500 MHz). It also launched a
consultation on plans to offer local/regional permits at 26 GHz.
Pakistan (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA),
Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication
(MoITT))
In September 2020, MoITT confirmed it had started working on
to release /auction spectrum suitable for mobile broadband and
network expansion. It did not reveal the bands under consideration.
Vietnam (Ministry of Information and Communications)
The Ministry has stated that the 24.25–27.5 GHz and 37–43.5 GHz
bands are of interest for 5G and (whole or partly) could be made
available for 5G services pending international developments. The
Authority of Radio Frequency Management within MIC have issued a
recent consultation on the 26 GHz band (24.25 GHz to 27.5 GHz) with
the intention to focus initially on this frequency range for auction and
licensing during 2021. The Ministry subsequently decided to make
spectrum at 24.25–27.5 GHz available for mobile services and has
licensed operations for commercial trials of 5G mmWave services in
select locations through to 30 June 2021.
Europe
European Union (European Commission)
The European Union has taken a number of decisions recently
designed to promote availability of new spectrum bands for 5G.
Figure 5: 5G spectrum positions in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands – CEPT (ITU Region 1)
In May 2019, the European
Commission adopted an
Implementing Decision to
harmonise radio spectrum in
the 24.25–27.5 GHz (26 GHz)
band, enabling Member States
to set common technical
conditions for use of the band
and open it up for use (with 5G
in mind, but on a technologyand service-neutral basis).
The EU Electronics (New
Framework) set a deadline of 31
December 2020 for the granting
of spectrum at 24.25–27.5 GHz
for 5G service provision.
Austria (Austrian Regulatory
Authority for Broadcasting
and Telecommunications
(RTR); Telekom-ControlCommission (TKK))
In June 2019, RTR launched a
consultation to collate views on
possible plans for spectrum at
26 GHz (24.25–27.5 GHz).
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Belgium (Belgian Institute for Post and Telecommunications
(BIPT))
France (Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications
and Posts (ARCEP))
In 2018, BIPT announced plans to auction spectrum for 5G, according
to the following indicative timelines:
In October 2018, ARCEP launched a consultation on procedures for
assigning (through auction or other means) spectrum at 26 GHz.
• 26 GHz from 2021
• 31.8–33.4 GHz and 40.5–43.5 GHz from 2022 to 2027.
In May 2019, BIPT launched a public consultation on the use of
spectrum at 26 GHz for 5G, designed to consider market demand,
migration of existing users and the future regulatory framework.
At the end of March 2019, applications were closed for requests to
run 5G trials at 26 GHz. It subsequently revealed that it had received
15 applications. The results were announced in October, with 11
schemes backed by public and private network operators.
Germany (Federal Network Agency, Bundesnetzagentur)
In April 2020, it opened up a consultation on plans to provide Telenet,
Proximus and Orange exclusive E-band frequency rights for 5G
backhaul connections. The assignments cover 3 GHz of spectrum
within the 71.125–75.875 GHz/81.125–85.875 GHz ranges, with
shared bands separating each operator’s dedicated assignments.
These add to the operators’ existing backhaul spectrum assignments
in various other spectrum ranges.
The regulator launched a consultation – which closed in February
2020 – on the assignment of spectrum within 24.25–27.5 GHz for local
applications. The 24.25–26.5 GHz range is proposed for 5G small cell
and FWA applications with spectrum within 26.5–27.5 GHz proposed
for local land-related applications (again with industrial, agricultural
and forestry users in mind).
Bulgaria (Communications Regulation Commission (CRC))
Greece (Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission
(EETT))
CRC launched a public consultation on a draft decision to adopt a
new radio spectrum regulatory policy. Key elements included defining
conditions for releasing at least 1 GHz between 24.25 GHz and 27.5
GHz to support the introduction of 5G networks.
Croatia (Croatian Regulatory Agency for Network Services
(HAKOM))
In February 2020, Greece launched a public consultation on plans to
grant rights to use various frequencies including spectrum at 26 GHz
(2350 MHz available, 3250 MHz if existing holdings allocated for fixed
wireless access are rearranged). The consultations were completed in
April 2020. The regulator is now considering the feedback from those
consultations.
Croatia is planning an auction of multiple spectrum bands, including
spectrum at 26 GHz. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the auction has
been delayed from 2020 to H1 2021. It intends to auction at least 1 GHz
of capacity and is considering national, regional and local use cases.
In July 2020, EETT launched a consultation on the tender document
for granting spectrum usage rights in various bands including 26.5–
27.5 GHz. The spectrum is expected to be released on a technologyneutral basis during 2020.
Czechia (Czech Communications Office (CTU))
Hungary (National Media and lnfocommunications Authority)
CTU has stated its future intention to issue spectrum at 26 GHz for
5G.
The Authority has considered releasing spectrum at 26 GHz for 5G;
however, a consultation in July 2019 revealed limited current market
demand, so auction plans have been put on hold.
In August 2020, CTU launched a public consultation on plans to make 1 GHz
within the 24.25–27.5 GHz range available for ultra-high-speed services.
Denmark (Danish Energy Agency, Energistyrelsen)
According to Denmark’s 5G action plan, spectrum at 26 GHz is to be
auctioned in time for use by the end of 2020.
Estonia (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications)
Estonia’s Ministry published a 5G spectrum roadmap in March 2019,
which set out plans for a public consultation on the use of spectrum
in the 24.25–27.5 GHz range and which noted the potential to use
40.5–43.5 GHz and 66–71 GHz for 5G.
In October 2019, it launched a consultation about plans for public
tenders of spectrum including at 26 GHz (24.25–27.5 GHz) for mobile
broadband services.
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Ireland (Commission for Communications Regulation
(ComReg))
26 GHz is used for point-to-point links in Ireland. Following a
consultation in 2018 it was confirmed that new 26 GHz National Block
Licences would be restricted to point-to-point (P2P) links and licensees
will not be permitted to offer mobile services using the spectrum.
Kosovo (Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications
(ARKEP))
In May 2019, ARKEP published plans to license and open up new
bands. The plan included the possibility of releasing spectrum at 26
GHz via an auction after 2022.
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Lithuania (Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT))
In December 2019, RRT ran a public survey on plans for future use
of the 24.25–29.5 GHz band in Lithuania. The spectrum is currently
partially used by broadband point-to-multipoint networks and
satellite systems in the country. RRT wishes to make 1200 MHz
available within 26.3–27.5 GHz in 200 MHz blocks. It reconfirmed
in November 2020 its ambition to auction spectrum at 26 GHz but
stated it would only do so once it is clear that there is market demand.
Luxembourg (Luxembourg Telecommunications Regulation
Authority (ILR))
ILR has stated its intention to allocate spectrum at 24.25–27.5 GHz in
the second half of 2020. It then launched a consultation in October
2020, running to December, to gauge interest in use of spectrum at
26.5–27.5 GHz.
Romania (National Authority for Management and Regulation
in Communications (ANCOM))
ANCOM has previously stated plans (subject to consultation) to
auction spectrum at 26 GHz (24.25–27.5 GHz) in 2021.
Russia (The Minister of Digital Development, Communications
and Mass Communications, including the State Commission
for Radio Frequencies (SRCF))
In December 2019, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Digital Development,
Telecommunications and Mass Communications stated that the
government was preparing an auction of mmWave spectrum at
25.25–27.5 GHz (with six lots, four federal lots of 400 MHz and two
regional lots of 250 and 400 MHz).
In March 2020 SRCF published its decisions that:
•
radio frequency ranges 694–790 MHz, 2300–2400 MHz, 2570–
2620 MHz, 4400–4990 MHz and 24.25–27.5 GHz are promising
for the construction of 5G networks in Russia.
•
it would open up spectrum use at 24.25–24.65 GHz for an
unlimited number of users for the purposes of creating private
networks.
•
it would allocate spectrum (understood to be on a temporary
basis) at 24.65–27.5 GHz to New Digital Solutions LLC and
Rossvyaz (FSUE NIIR) to test 5G and determine the technical
conditions for sharing the spectrum with State Corporation
Roskosmos which uses spectrum in the same and neighbouring bands.
Macedonia (Agency for Electronic Communications (AEK))
In February 2020, AEK stated it will allocate spectrum at 26 GHz if it
identifies market interest in using it.
Montenegro (Agency for Electronic Communications and Post
(EKIP))
Reported in local press to be planning an auction of spectrum at 26
GHz in 2021.
Netherlands (Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and
Ministry of Economic Affairs)
The Netherlands’ Digital Connectivity Action Plan foresees the use of
spectrum at 26 GHz either for a very large number of local permits
or for shared use from 2020. It has been engaging in stakeholder
consultation.
Norway (Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom))
In December 2019, stated that it was considering auctioning
spectrum at 24250–27500 MHz (26 GHz), from 2021.
Poland (President of the Office of Electronic Communications
(UKE))
The Polish regulator held a consultation on the allocation of 5G
spectrum at 26 GHz, which ended in August 2018. It followed this with
another in July 2020 seeking views to guide planning for spectrum
at 24.25–27.5 GHz. The results were published in October, indicating
little short-term demand for the spectrum.
It additionally charged the Ministry of Communications with changing
the allocation of spectrum at 24.25–25.25 GHz to mobile services on
a primary basis by the end of July 2020.
In July 2020, MTS stated it had been granted a licence to use 24.25–
24.65 GHz across 86 regions for 5G/IMT-2020 networks.
Slovakia (Office for Regulation of Electronic Communications
and Postal Services (RU))
RU has held a consultation on the 26 GHz and 29 GHz bands for 5G.
Over a number of years RU has issued calls for tenders for regional
licences to use spectrum in the 10 GHz band for the provision of
services, with awards provided on a technology- and service-neutral
basis. Multiple regional licences exist.
Portugal (National Communications Authority (ANACOM))
ANACOM has consulted on the allocation of spectrum at 26 GHz.
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Slovenia (Agency for Communication Networks and Services)
In August 2020 Slovenia announced draft terms and conditions on
plans for a multi-band spectrum covering various bands including 26
GHz (26.5–27.5 GHz). The latest timetable envisages the completion
of the auction before the end of 2020.
•
making 2400 MHz in the range 25.1–27.5 GHz available in major
urban areas for 5G starting with Stockholm, Gothenburg and
Malmo in 2025 and elsewhere from 2026. This process will
require termination of existing usage licences, or conversion to
licences to operate individual links.
Spain (Ministry of Energy, Tourism and Digital Agenda
(MINETAD))
It also discussed the need for an updated needs analysis for the 26
GHz band and the 28 GHz (27.5–29.5 GHz) band to happen in 2022.
Spectrum in the 28 GHz band is used for private links, with licences
expiring at the end of 2029.
Spain has authorised use of spectrum at 26 GHz for pilot projects
but noted in June 2019 that there was no interest in using the band
commercially.
UK (Office of Communications (Ofcom))
Sweden (Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS))
Ofcom made licence-exempt spectrum available under a technologyneutral regime in the 57–71 GHz band, which could be used for future
5G services.
PTS has initiated consultations on the demand for 5G frequencies
in the 24.25–27.5 GHz bands and in December 2019, stated that it
intended – as soon as possible – to allocate parts of the spectrum
range for both local and large-scale 5G use. In its latest consultation,
launched in April 2020, it proposes:
Ofcom has also decided to enable local access to spectrum in the 26
GHz band (24.25–26.5 GHz) available on a shared-spectrum basis,
but only for indoor use. (Spectrum in the 26.5–27.5 GHz range is used
by the military. Ofcom will continue to review possible ways of making
this spectrum available in the future.)
•
before the end of 2021 authorising the use of spectrum at
24.25–25.1 GHz for local 5G services, with licences valid to end
2025, and limited to indoor use.
Figure 6: 5G spectrum positions in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands – Middle East and Africa (ITU Region 1)
Middle East and Africa
Cyprus (Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works
(MCW))
In August 2019, Cyprus launched a public consultation of the auction
of spectrum for 5G in various bands, including 26 GHz (24250–27500
MHz non-paired). In its feedback on the consultation, published
November 2019, it concluded there was no current demand for
spectrum at 26 GHz.
Nigeria (Nigerian Communications Commission)
Nigeria’s NCC published its draft 5G deployment plan in August 2020,
seeking feedback and comment. That plan envisages releasing two
sets of mmWave spectrum in its first licensing wave: 24.25–27.5 GHz
and 37–43.5 GHz. NCC en-visages an auction in Q4 2021 with the
spectrum assignments in Q1 2022.
©Copyright 2020 Global mobile Suppliers Association
mmWave Bands – Global Licensing and Usage for 5G | Content | 12
Qatar (Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA))
CRA is considering auctioning the 26 GHz band (26.5–27.5 GHz) for
5G mobile services.
Saudi Arabia (Communications and Information Technology
Commission (Saudi Arabia) (CITC))
In July 2020, CITC launched a consultation on its spectrum plans,
containing proposals to release more than 10 GHz of additional
spectrum by 2024, including the release of spectrum at 24.25–27.5
GHz in 2020.
Tunisia (Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANF))
In August 2020, ANF published the feedback to its consultation into
suitable future bands for IMT, which included discussion of spectrum
at various mmWave bands (24.25–27.5 GHz, 37–43.5 GHz, 45.5–47
GHz, 47.2–48.2 GHz and 66–71 GHz). ANF is now considering next
steps.
Planned mmWave
auctions and
their dates
Nineteen countries/territories have announced formal (datespecified) plans for assigning 5G-suitable mmWave frequencies
between now and end-2022 (including technology-neutral licences or
licences for mobile broadband services). Many countries/territories
are still deciding whether and when to hold auctions/assignments for
mmWave spectrum. Announced events are shown in Table 3.
UAE (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA))
In September 2020, TRA began the process of assigning spectrum
at 26.5–27.5 GHz for 5G and announced plans to assign spectrum
at 25.5–26.5 GHz in Q3 2021. In addition, the 40 GHz range will be
considered for 5G beyond 2020.
Table 3: Confirmed mmWave auctions/assignments and their dates (excludes test/interim licences and tentative auction plans)
Country/ territory
Auction/assignment award date
Spectrum bands
Australia
November 2020
24.7–25.1 GHz; 27.5–30 GHz
Australia
Q1 2021
25.1–27.5 GHz
Belgium
From 2021
26 GHz
Belgium
From 2022 to 2027
31.8–33.4 GHz and 40.5–43.5 GHz
Brazil
H1 2021
26 GHz
Canada
2022
27.5–28.35 GHz
Chile
Ongoing
25.9–27.5 GHz
Croatia
H1 2021
26 GHz
Denmark
2020
26 GHz
Greece
2020
26.5–27.5 GHz
Kosovo
After 2022
26 GHz
Luxembourg
H2 2020
24.25–27.5 GHz
Malaysia
2021/2022
24.9–26.5 GHz
Malaysia
2021/2022
26.5–28.1 GHz
Montenegro
2021
26 GHz
Nigeria
Auction Q4 2021, assignment Q1 2022
(subject to consultation)
24.25–27.5 GHz and 37–43.5 GHz
Norway
From 2021
24250–27500 MHz (26 GHz)
Romania
2021
26 GHz
Saudi Arabia
2020
24.25–27.5 GHz
Slovenia
End 2020
26 GHz (26.5–27.5 GHz TDD)
Slovenia
2021/2022
28 GHz and 32 GHz
Sweden
2021
24.25–25.1 GHz
UAE
Q3 2021
25.5–26.5 GHz
Vietnam
2021
24.25–27.5 GHz
©Copyright 2020 Global mobile Suppliers Association
mmWave Bands – Global Licensing and Usage for 5G | Content | 13
Figure 7: Countries/territories with (timetable specified) forthcoming auctions, tenders or assignments for spectrum above 24 GHz, 2020–2022
Summary
mmWave spectrum is becoming increasingly important for mobile
telecoms and a number of trends will underpin the continued
emergence of a 5G market that uses mmWave spectrum:
•
increasing numbers of operators with spectrum assignments in
mmWave bands suitable for 5G deployments.
•
further auctions of mmWave spectrum in the coming years.
•
increasing investment in networks using these spectrum bands
by operators.
•
commitments to launch compatible devices by device vendors.
GSA will continue to track this market as it emerges.
©Copyright 2020 Global mobile Suppliers Association
mmWave Bands – Global Licensing and Usage for 5G | Content | 14
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