数字欧洲-欧洲的5G频谱选择（英文版）-201710-28页_1mb

Summary of 5G Spectrum Options for Europe

Introduction

The development of 5G networks is expected to enable new levels of connectivity, throughput speed, and reliability. This will be achieved through advanced air interfaces, new networking technologies, and the evolution of current mobile broadband. 5G is not merely an incremental upgrade but a catalyst for transformation across various sectors such as automotive, energy, healthcare, and more.

The deployment of 5G will require both existing and new spectrum resources. The ITU-R is conducting studies for the identification of new bands for 5G, with a focus on frequencies between 24.25 GHz and 86 GHz. These studies aim to determine the spectrum needs and ensure compatibility with existing services. In parallel, country and regional initiatives are exploring new bands for 5G, including both sub-6 GHz and millimetre wave frequencies, to support commercial and trial deployments.

ITU-R Activities: Agenda Item 1.13 for WRC-19

ITU-R Resolution 238 (WRC-15) outlines frequency bands for study, including 24.25–27.5 GHz, 31.8–33.4 GHz, 37–40.5 GHz, 40.5–42.5 GHz, 42.5–43.5 GHz, 45.5–47 GHz, 47–47.2 GHz, 47.2–50.2 GHz, 50.4–52.6 GHz, 66–71 GHz, 71–76 GHz, and 81–86 GHz. These bands will be evaluated for allocation to the Mobile Service and/or IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) during WRC-19.

The studies consider both application-based and technical performance-based approaches. The application-based approach suggests that 2–3 GHz is needed for lower frequencies and up to 6–9 GHz for higher frequencies. The technical performance-based approach indicates that 5.8–7.7 GHz is sufficient for bands below 43.5 GHz. Some national studies suggest the need for 2–6 GHz in the lower ranges.

3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) Development

3GPP has accelerated the development of 5G NR to be ready for early 2019 deployments, including the Non-Standalone (NSA) variant. NSA uses existing LTE infrastructure, while Standalone (SA) 5G NR will rely on a new 5G core network. The first 3GPP 5G NR specification is expected to be completed in Release 15 by June 2018.

3GPP is also working on defining the 5G-NR bands, with a focus on the C-band (3300–4200 MHz) and millimetre wave bands (24.25–29.5 GHz). Different options are being considered for defining these bands, including separate allocations or combining them into a single band. The work also includes mechanisms for efficient coexistence of LTE and 5G-NR in the same frequency bands.

Country and Regional Initiatives for 5G Spectrum

United States

• The FCC has auctioned 600 MHz spectrum, opening 70 MHz for mobile broadband.
• The 3.5 GHz band is under consideration for 5G, with the development of the Spectrum Access System and Environmental Sensing Capabilities.
• The FCC is seeking input on additional mid-band frequencies between 3.7 and 24 GHz.
• The "Spectrum Frontiers" Rulemaking has proposed the use of 27.5–28.35 GHz, 37–38.6 GHz, 38.6–40 GHz, and 64–71 GHz for 5G, with some bands being license-exempt.
• The Mobile Now Act proposes further studies on bands such as 3100–3550 MHz, 3700–4200 MHz, and others.

South Korea

• Korean regulators plan to allocate 4 GHz of millimetre wave spectrum for 5G in three phases.
• The 27.5–28.5 GHz and 3.4–3.7 GHz bands are being considered for the 2018 Winter Olympics trial.
• The 26.5–27.5 GHz and 28.5–29.5 GHz bands may be allocated in 2018 if 5G ecosystems are ready.

China

• The 3400–3600 MHz and 4800–5000 MHz bands are designated for IMT-2020.
• The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has consulted on the use of these bands and plans to assign them to operators.
• MIIT is also considering the 24.75–27.5 GHz and 37–42 GHz bands for 5G.
• A draft revision of the National Frequency Allocation Table is under public consultation.

Japan

• The 3600–4200 MHz, 4400–4900 MHz, and 27.5–29.5 GHz bands are under consideration for 5G.
• The MIC has initiated field trials in these bands, targeting six different use cases.
• A public consultation on 5G spectrum was announced in July 2017, identifying up to 500 MHz of sub-6 GHz and up to 2 GHz of millimetre wave spectrum.

Australia and Singapore

• Australia is targeting mid-band (3.4–3.7 GHz) and millimetre wave (28 and 39 GHz) for 5G.
• Singapore has issued a public consultation on 5G spectrum, including bands below 1 GHz, between 1 and 6 GHz, and above 6 GHz.

Hong Kong

• The Communications Authority of Hong Kong has issued a work plan on 5G spectrum, including low band (sub-1 GHz), mid-band (3.4–3.7 GHz), and millimetre wave (24.25–28.35 GHz).

5G Spectrum Development in Europe

The European Commission's Action Plan aims to achieve a Gigabit Society by 2025, with 5G trials starting in 2017, early networks by 2018, and commercial services by 2020.

Pioneer bands identified for 5G in Europe include:

• 700 MHz (sub-1 GHz)
• 3.4–3.8 GHz (mid-band)
• 26 GHz (millimetre wave)

700 MHz Regulation and Implementation

• The 700 MHz band is harmonized in Europe through ECC Decision (15)01 and COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2016/687.
• The 700 MHz band is expected to be reassigned to wireless broadband services by June 2020, with some countries allowing delays up to two years.
• Licensing for 700 MHz is underway in several countries, including Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Slovenia, and the UK.
• The MFCN (Mobile Fixed Broadband and Mobile Broadband) frequency arrangement includes paired and unpaired configurations.
• DIGITALEUROPE supports the early implementation of the 700 MHz band and the use of SDL (Single Directional Link) in the duplex gap for additional downlink capacity.

3.4–3.8 GHz Regulation and Implementation

• This band is being harmonized across Europe for 5G use.
• The UK plans to auction 150 MHz in 2017 and 116 MHz in 2018/2019.
• France is expected to make 340 MHz available in 2018.
• Germany and Spain are planning to re-farm and auction the band for 5G.
• Italy and Ireland have also taken steps to auction this spectrum.
• DIGITALEUROPE encourages the auction of this band in the 2017–2018 timeframe to provide contiguous 100 MHz blocks for 5G deployment.

26 GHz Regulation and Implementation

• The European Commission has mandated CEPT to develop harmonized technical conditions for 26 GHz (24.25–27.5 GHz) by June 2018.
• The UK plans to release the 26.5–27.5 GHz portion of the band in 2017, with the remainder to follow.
• Germany and France are also working on releasing this band for 5G.
• Sweden and Finland are planning large-scale 5G trials in 26 GHz, with trials expected in 2017 and full release in 2019.

Recommendations

DIGITALEUROPE recommends that Europe:

• Ensure harmonization of spectrum conditions and licensing across Member States.
• Consider both licensed and license-exempt options for 5G deployment.
• Support the use of 700 MHz, 3.4–3.8 GHz, and 26 GHz bands for early 5G rollouts.
• Accelerate the implementation of technical conditions and spectrum availability to align with global 5G developments.
• Encourage spectrum sharing and flexible access to support a wide range of 5G use cases.