Page 118 - SAMENA Trends - April-May 2021
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REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS
GSMA Seeks 6GHz Boost for 5G
Industry association GSMA called on will need 2GHz of mid-band spectrum to use the full 1200MHz available in
governments to open sufficient amounts of in the next decade to deliver on its full the band; Europe considering the upper
6GHz spectrum for licensing 5G, warning potential. GSMA chief regulatory officer portion only; and the US and most of Latin
failure to do so could impede the future John Giusti stated 5G “has the potential America exploring uses for Wi-Fi and
of the technology on a global level. The to boost the world’s GDP by $2.2 trillion”, other unlicensed technologies. It added
Association highlighted the full speed and but added there is a “clear threat to this authorities must also protect backhaul
capabilities of next-generation networks growth if sufficient 6GHz spectrum is not services and, depending on countries’
relies on 6GHz mid-band spectrum as it made available”. The Association urged needs, to open the 5925MHz to 6425MHz
called for governments to make at least governments to align their approaches to portion on a license-exempt basis with
the 6425MHz to 7125MHz range available licensing 6GHz spectrum, noting there is technology neutral rules.
for licensed 5G. In a statement, the GSMA already divergence, with China planning
described the 6GHz band as essential
for operators to provide “enhanced Capacity to Power Innovation
affordable connectivity” and also for the
development of smart cities, transport 5G in the 6 GHz Band
and factories by unlocking the data rates
and capacity of 5G. It also cited estimates Spectrum in the 6 GHz range (5925-7125 MHz) provides the bandwidth
by Coleago Consulting that 5G networks to allow aordable connectivity for a 5G society.
5G is a pillar of digital transformation. and sectors, unleashing new waves of
Its integration into our lives and work has innovation that will benefit billions. This
the potential to impact communities and makes it crucial for the environment, helping
economies, and as it delivers
to reduce emissions throughout the dierent
Canada Sets ‘Early 2023’ Date For 3800MHz Auction
industries and promote an era where
transformational services it can boost global
GDP by US$2.2 trillion . In 2019, mobile connectivity replaces carbon. In order to
1
technologies and services generated 4.7% of reach all users, however, industries will
require the extra capacity that the 6 GHz
GDP across the globe. By 2024, the
Innovation, Science and Economic scheduled to start on 15 June 2021. In a including broadband connectivity, and
range oers.
contribution is predicted to increase to 4.9%
Development Canada (ISED) has statement on 21 May, ISED noted that protecting existing services from future
of GDP. This can only happen, however, if
Next-generation Industry 4.0, health care,
sucient spectrum resources are in place to
announced a decision to hold an auction satellite services in the newest 5G band 5G services in these areas. Wireless
provide the capacity for innovation and
intelligent transport systems, and virtual
for frequency licenses in the 3800MHz will be limited to the 4000MHz-4200MHz broadband service licensees using the
development.
reality applications all depend on the
bandwidth, coverage and capacity 5G oers.
(3650MHz-4200MHz) spectrum band in part of the range by 2025, with certain 3800MHz range in urban areas will
Also, providing fixed broadband via 5G will
The 6 GHz range is a mid-band frequency
‘early 2023’ to support expansion of 5G and exceptions allowing existing fixed satellite transition by 2025, while licensees in rural
transform connectivity in areas where fibre
and sits at a balancing point between
rural wireless services. The additional 5G services providers to continue using a areas will have until 2027.
is not available. It can reach homes and
coverage and capacity, providing the
perfect environment for 5G connectivity.
spectrum will augment the frequencies set 500MHz block in more remote areas businesses quickly and aordably compared
Extending the bandwidth of 5G through the
to fibre.
to be distributed via the 3500MHz auction that rely on satellite for critical services,
harmonisation of 6 GHz spectrum will
provide more bandwidth and improve Research from Coleago Consulting on
network performance. On top of this, the mid-band 5G spectrum needs in Europe
2
broad, contiguous channels oered by the 6 shows that careful consideration of
GHz range will reduce the need for network spectrum demand in the 2025-2030 time
NITA Uganda to Merge with Uganda Communications Commission
frame. This is crucial to meet growing
densification and make next-generation
connectivity more aordable for all.
demand, data consumption and the needs of
all use cases. The research finds that, in
5G use cases are broad, moving well beyond addition to the amount of assigned spectrum
The National Information Technology no duplication with existing ministries. of the biggest taxpayers in the country.
by 2025, regulators will need to make 1-2
mobile broadband. They aim to accelerate
the digital transformation of all industries
GHz available for the development of 5G.
Authority Uganda (NITA-U), might be This would give the UCC responsibility Alternatively, the NBI could be transferred
1 https://www.gsma.com/mobileeconomy/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/GSMA_MobileEconomy2020_Global.pdf
abolished or merged with the Uganda for major projects such as the National to be managed by Uganda Telecom
2 https://www.coleago.com/app/uploads/2021/01/Demand-for-IMT-spectrum-Coleago-14-Dec-2020.pdf
Communications Commission (UCC), in Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) scheme. Limited (UTL) under the supervision of
a move to merge government agencies According to a report by Techjaja while MoICT. But at the end of the day, this is
To expand the benefits of the 6 GHz range, policy makers should:
and authorities whose roles seem to the government recommended for NITA-U still on paper and may not be implemented
be duplicated. Local media reports to be restructured into a department any time soon. Meanwhile, the Ugandan
Make at least 6425-7125 MHz available for licenced 5G.
quoting government sources said that under the Ministry of Information, government said that it has introduced a
Ensure backhaul services are protected. Backhaul is present in the
the plan follows recommendations Communications Technology and National 12% tax on internet data, potentially hiking
majority of the countries in the entire band. This is the lowest band
from the government and a separate Guidance (MoICT), the independent review prices for online access in the East African
widely used and needs to be taken into account.
review team concerning government team for it to be completely abolished and country where consumers are already
Depending on countries’ needs, incumbent use and fibre footprint, the
agencies, commission authorities, and merged with UCC which will be retained as paying some of the world's highest internet
bottom half of the 6 GHz range at 5925-6425 MHz could be opened on a
licence-exempt basis with technology neutral rules.
public expenditure to ensure there is an autonomous body as it regulates some costs.
118 APRIL-MAY 2021
