By Viet Nguyen, Vice President of PR & Technology at 5G Americas (September 2024) –
The International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) marked a pivotal moment in the global telecommunications landscape last year. As nations grapple with the ever-increasing demand for mobile broadband services which is expected to grow 20 percent annually through 2029, spectrum management continues to be a critical factor in determining the future of wireless communications. In our latest white paper, “Spectrum in North America: The Impact of WRC-23,” 5G Americas takes a look at how the outcomes of WRC-23 carry profound implications, particularly concerning the deployment of next-generation mobile technologies like 6G, are having an in impact in North America.
Every few years, the ITU brings together delegates from around the world to work on standards for the wireless industry, which is critical in ensuring that mobile devices can work seamlessly across borders. Among the most significant decisions for North America was the identification and regulation of several critical spectrum bands, including 3.3-3.4 GHz, 3.6-3.8 GHz, and 10-10.5 GHz. These bands are essential for the deployment of future mobile technologies, especially as we transition from 5G to 6G.
The mid-band spectrum, particularly within the 3-7 GHz range, is often hailed as the “sweet spot” for 5G deployments due to its balance between coverage and capacity. However, the U.S. currently lags behind other global markets, ranking 13th out of 15 in terms of available, licensed mid-band spectrum. This deficit is not just a statistical concern—it poses a real challenge to maintaining a competitive edge in the global wireless arena. As the Center for Strategic and International Studies has pointed out, if the US is not aligned with other nations on our allocation of mid-band spectrum, it would be similar to the rest of the world choosing “to right-hand drive and the United States insists on left-hand drive”, leading to our selling fewer cars in the global market. Worse, without new spectrum allocations, this gap is projected to widen, further hampering the U.S.’s ability to lead in 5G and beyond.
The path to securing and utilizing spectrum is fraught with challenges, particularly regarding coexistence and relocation of incumbent services. In bands such as 3.1-3.45 GHz and 7125-8.4 GHz, existing services create significant hurdles. These bands are crucial for future mobile deployments, yet they are heavily encumbered, necessitating complex coexistence solutions to ensure they can be effectively repurposed for mobile use.
Upper mid-band frequencies, especially within the 7.125-15.35 GHz range, present a promising solution for economical wide-area 6G deployments. However, the U.S.’s current regulatory frameworks need to evolve to support the effective utilization of these high-frequency bands. The challenge lies in balancing the coverage, capacity, and power requirements to ensure cost-efficient deployments that can meet the demands of future networks.
WRC-23’s decisions also have significant implications for Latin America, where the allocation and use of spectrum bands differ from those in North America. For instance, while some countries in the region, such as Brazil and Mexico, have aligned with global trends by supporting the use of certain bands for IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications), others have opted to prioritize these bands for alternative uses like Wi-Fi. This divergence in spectrum strategy could impact the deployment of next-generation wireless technologies across the region, potentially leading to a fragmented landscape.
While WRC-23 set the stage, the focus now shifts to WRC-27, where additional spectrum bands will be considered for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) identification. Bands such as 4400-4800 MHz and 7125-8400 MHz are under study, with the potential to be earmarked for future mobile technologies. The decisions made at WRC-27 will be crucial in determining North America’s readiness for 6G and its ability to maintain a competitive position in the global telecommunications market. As Latin America prepares for WRC-27, the need for harmonized spectrum policies becomes even more crucial to ensure that the region can fully capitalize on the benefits of 5G and 6G technologies. Stakeholders in Latin America must engage in strategic planning and international collaboration to address these challenges and secure their position in the global wireless market.
To prepare for WRC-27, North American stakeholders must engage in rigorous studies and regulatory planning. This preparation is vital to securing the necessary spectrum for future technologies and ensuring that it is available under suitable regulatory conditions. The stakes are high, and the decisions made in the coming years will shape the region’s wireless communications landscape for decades to come.
Given the challenges and opportunities presented by WRC-23, it is imperative for North American stakeholders to take decisive action. First and foremost, there is an urgent need to advocate for additional mid-band spectrum allocations. This will address the current deficit and support the deployment of future networks, including 6G. The upper mid-band spectrum, particularly in the 7.125-15.35 GHz range, should be a focal point for these efforts, as it offers the best balance between coverage and capacity for wide-area deployments.
Collaboration will be key to success. Governments, industry players, and international bodies must work together to ensure that the spectrum identified at WRC-23 is available under the right regulatory frameworks. This includes adapting regulations to accommodate new high-frequency spectrum bands, such as 13 GHz and 14.8-15.35 GHz, which are critical for future mobile technologies.
WRC-23 has highlighted the critical role of spectrum management in maintaining North America’s competitive edge in wireless innovation. The decisions made at this conference have long-term implications, particularly as the region prepares for the next generation of mobile technologies. To stay ahead, North American stakeholders must be proactive in securing additional spectrum, adapting regulatory frameworks, and fostering collaboration across sectors. By doing so, the region can ensure that it remains at the forefront of technological innovation, benefiting from enhanced connectivity and the myriad opportunities it presents.
In the rapidly evolving world of telecommunications, staying ahead requires not just planning but action. The time to act is now, and the roadmap laid out by WRC-23 provides a clear path forward. A great deal of effort must be made to ensure that North America continues to be one of the leaders in the race to 6G and beyond.
