There are many variables that make it difficult to work when we talk about 5G and radio frequency (RF) spectrum.
The previous stages of telecommunications brought their own rates of oscillation, unlike 5G, which is reusing pre-existing frequencies below 6 GHz. This is combined with unprecedented and much more powerful bands.
This topic was discussed at the last Test and Measurement Forum. In fact, in said virtual event boarded what are the factors at stake for 5G and the future 6G when we talk about spectrum. It was attended by Ceri Howes (OpenSignal’s head of regulation) and Dr. Ian Wong, (Director of RF and wireless architecture at Viavi Solutions), whose opinions we have relied on to write this article.
This Is The Changing Landscape Of The Spectrum In Terms Of Regulations And Price
There is a direct relationship between the 5G spectrum and the time it takes to implement this technology. In this regard, the international situation in this regard is quite heterogeneous in terms of band prioritization, prices, license allocation models and their terms.
Fortunately, there is uniformity in some points. Thus, about half of 5G networks are supported by a mid-band spectrum between 3.5-3.7 GHz. Likewise, almost 65% of low-band launches have a coverage band of 700 MHz.
Rf Allocations To Private Networks
Certainly, 5G spectrum auctions have been a resounding success in countries such as Canada, Australia or the United States. However, we must bear in mind that commercial mobile operators are not the only recipients of such allocations. In fact, we are witnessing assignments especially aimed at private industrial and business networks. Such is the case in Germany and the United States.
In the United States, shared RS was attributed to CBRS. This is especially promising because it is a tool with which operators can provide connectivity where it did not exist before. So it’s easy to imagine that this strategy will dramatically boost performance with up to 80% faster connections in specific areas.
Testing And Monitoring That Go Beyond The Mere Guarantee Of Services
Generally speaking, most wireless traffic has been doing its best for the bulk of users over the last 30 years. Consequently, it is necessary to continue supporting this line of action through tests and measurements focused on connectivity.
The number of users to be sampled should be chosen according to individual and personalized segments, in order to offer more profitable results. (a building, IoT for a company…). Such a course of action allows providers to increase the volume of such tests.
Conclusions
- It is quite possible that the combination of low/medium/high usagewill continue to be used.
- There are many investigations that aim to reach higher RF ranges (e.g. THz).
- Increasing the range of the upper-middle band (7-24 GHz) will make it possible to verify which additional bands could be released in order to allocate them to the future 6G. Not surprisingly, these frequencies offer an interesting profile in terms of price and coverage.
- A non-harmonious coexistence between new and pre-existing systems could cause unwanted effects(e.g. band interference).
