GSMA Calls for 2 GHz of Mid-Band Spectrum to Meet UN Targets

GSMA said in a report that the telecom industry needs an average of 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum this decade to meet the UN’s ITU data speed requirements. The firm also said that it will lower environmental impact, and lower 5G costs, among others.

GSMA Targeting UN Targets for Data Speeds

The GSMA study showed that decision-makers need to license spectrum in these bands. This includes bands such as 3.5 GHz, 4.8 GHz and, 6 GHz bands. The firm said that telcos won't realize the full potential of 5G without additional spectrum. The report added that the the increased spectrum will lead to lower carbon footprint by 2-3 times. A study by Coleago Consulting said that since the number of antennas and base stations needed will lead to higher carbon emissions and consumer prices.

The report also said that the new spectrum will also make 5G more affordable. Over a decade, total costs would go up by 3-5 times without the spectrum. The number of base stations needed and increase deployment costs in each city would also increase by $782 million to $5.8 billion. 

Mid-band spectrum availability also will enhance Fixed Wireless Access, GSMA said. The study showed that telcos can connect 5 times as many households with each base station with extra spectrum. GSMA said that this will allow affordable high-speed internet to reach beyond the fibre footprint at a fraction of the cost.

The firm said that the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023 will be a crucial opportunity. GSMA said that this conference will allow aligning global policies for mid-band solutions. GSMA concluded that this spectrum will allow operators to deliver the ITU targets. Notably, the ITU has set a target of 1000 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload speeds.

GSMA's Requests

GSMA has further asked the regulators the following:

• Plan to make an average of 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum available in the 2025-2030 time frame to guarantee the IMT-2020 requirements for 5G;
• Carefully consider 5G spectrum demands when 5G usage increases and advanced use cases will carry additional needs;
• Base spectrum decisions on real-world factors including, population density and extent of fibre rollout; and
• Support harmonised mid-band 5G spectrum (e.g., within the 3.5 GHz, 4.8 GHz and 6 GHz ranges) and facilitate technology upgrades in existing bands.