The UK’s long-awaited public sector spectrum release (PSSR) auction got underway on March 20, 2018 and includes a big chunk of the important 3.4 GHz range, one of the “pioneer” bands for 5G. It may not initially have been advertised as a “5G” auction, but as Ofcom understated it: the 3.4 GHz spectrum “is earmarked…
The history of mobile technology generations – 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G – is closely linked to frequency bands. Early cellular radio systems were developed in the spectrum below 1 GHz. While subsequent G’s also employ frequencies below 1 GHz, as technologies have evolved, use of higher and higher frequencies has been enabled. This also provides…
The Connect America Fund (CAF) was born out of the 2010 National Broadband Plan intended to address the digital divide. The fund provides subsidies for broadband infrastructure development in underserved areas across America. A related Mobility Fund (MF) program provides similar funding for mobile deployment. The first subsidies were awarded from these funds in 2012….
With the growth in mobile usage and the evolution to 5G and Internet of Things, the importance of having access to frequency resources cannot be understated. 5G is the new frontier and spectrum is the leading edge of the Gold Rush, and a key focus is the mid-band 3.6 GHz frequency range. In the US, 3.6 GHz…
5G is leading to a new ecosystem of devices and services, enabling much higher speed and lower latency transmission to support increased levels of video content, connected cars and Internet of Things (IoT). For this tall order, mobile carriers will need to exploit frequency assets across a range of bands – low frequencies for coverage,…
Ofcom has initiated a consultation on a future licensing process in Switzerland for the 700 MHz, 1400 MHz and 3.6 GHz ranges. It is planning to hold an auction in late 2018 and is seeking input now on whether the bands should be considered together or auctioned separately, what the appropriate format should be for…
There are number of FCC processes in the pipeline that involve auctions, but not all for spectrum licenses. Connect America Fund (CAF) and Mobility Fund (MF)– These funds provide subsidy for broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and were borne out of the 2010 National Broadband Plan. An initial award process was conducted in…
How much spectrum is required for 5G? The short answer is a lot. The detailed answer varies according to each carrier’s spectrum holdings but most carriers will need to at least double or more than double their spectrum holdings to offer quality 5G services. Spectrum in different bands will also be required for coverage and…
One of the most talked about news items of the last few weeks has been the conclusion of the FCC’s 600 MHz Incentive Auction. The Incentive Auction played out over four stages (starting at 100 MHz and descending to 70 MHz) and more than a year. The Auction was overall fairly successful, even though it…