Technology innovations driving new spectrum demand

Introduction

The demand for access to many segments of spectrum is increasing, as new technologies allow a variety of applications to make use of a broader range of frequency bands. For example, International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) applications using the fifth generation of mobile technologies (5G) now compete with incumbent services in low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum. While the most common frequency bands for mobile networks to date have been focused on low- and mid-band spectrum, the launch of 5G networks has increased use of high bands, such as millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz frequency bands. Ongoing sixth-generation mobile technology (6G) development involves consideration of additional mid- and high-band spectrum. Some countries are studying the potential use of frequencies as high as 200 GHz or even above 1 THz, such as the Office of Communications (Ofcom) in the United Kingdom and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) (UK, Ofcom 2020; TRAI 2023).

This increased demand makes efficient spectrum use more important. In addition, applications for expanded connectivity such as high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) and non-geostationary orbit (non-GSO) satellite systems increased the pressure for access to spectrum in high-band frequencies. At the same time, short-range unlicensed interconnected devices operating through applications like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have proliferated, further increasing competition for valuable and finite spectrum.

This section explores five technologies that are driving the changing demand for spectrum: 5G, HAPS, non-GSO satellite systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and Wi-Fi. It examines how each technology will impact demand for specific frequency bands and offers considerations for regulators based on different international experiences.

5G spectrum needs

Overview of the technology

5G deployment offers several benefits over previous generations of mobile technologies, including:

Source: TMG; 4G.uk; IEEE.

The advances of 5G are based on its use of Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM), which modulates the transmission of digital signals between multiple bandwidths (Qualcomm 2020). Higher speeds allow users to upload and download more content, especially large files including video, in a fraction of the time. Lower latencies benefit a variety of applications, from improving the quality of video conferencing to enabling uses like remote device control. Increased capacity allows more users to benefit from these applications over the same network at the same time. 5G networks are only able to provide these benefits if the necessary spectrum is available for all use cases.

As 6G technology develops, it will further build on 5G use cases related to mobile broadband, machine-type communications, reliable and low-latency communications, while also introducing usage scenarios enabling ubiquitous connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and integrated sensing (ITU 2023a, 12). Additional spectrum resources will be necessary to enable these expanded and additional capabilities, such as the mid-band spectrum identified for study as part of the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27).

Spectrum needs

The implementation of 5G networks creates additional demand for frequency bands below 6 GHz, which are most often already assigned for use by several other radiocommunication services (ITU 2016). The sub-6 GHz frequency bands have relatively better propagation characteristics, offering the benefit of a wider coverage area as compared with mmWave, but their heavy incumbent use limits the availability of large, contiguous blocks of spectrum. The mmWave bands offer a different set of opportunities and challenges for 5G implementation. There is more spectrum available in mmWave bands due to less incumbent use, which allows for wider bandwidths supporting higher throughputs. Its use is limited, however, by lower propagation characteristics that make them suitable for the coverage of relatively small areas, usually in dense environments. The upper mid-band spectrum on which industry is focused for 6G development also allows for wider bandwidths than sub-6 GHz frequency bands and has propagation characteristics that are somewhat more favorable than mmWave bands. However, these bands face more challenges due to incumbent use.

Source: TMG.

Country examples

Globally, many countries are identifying and allocating spectrum for 5G, usually auctioning multiple bands at once, including high-, mid-, and low-range frequencies. India’s 2022 auction included spectrum across low-, mid-, and high-band ranges – 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.3 GHz, and 26 GHz (TRAI 2022). Other countries are auctioning multiple bands in the same range. For example, Germany auctioned mid-band spectrum in the 2.1 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands at the same time (European 5G Observatory 2019).

Additionally, in 2019, Germany made the 700 MHz band available for 5G. The band, originally used to provide terrestrial television services, was auctioned for mobile broadband in 2015 and approved for use in July 2019 (GSA 2019). This change in designation was in line with the European Union (EU) obligations to free up the 700 MHz for use by 5G by the end of June 2020. The EU deadline for the 700 MHz band is an example of a regionally coordinated effort, which can help advance the 5G deployment timeline and improve interoperability in neighboring countries.

Using HAPS to support expanded connectivity

Overview of the technology

HAPS are a growing technology which seeks to expand access to wireless connectivity. It consists of radio stations located in the stratosphere between 20 and 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface (ITU, 2018). Its applications support other terrestrial technologies with potential to expand connectivity and telecommunications services in rural and remote areas. HAPS can serve as a tool to extend the reach of existing terrestrial networks, and to provide higher quality service to already connected areas as well as connectivity during emergency situations. The use of HAPS to expand IMT connectivity is known as HAPS as IMT Base Stations (HIBS).

Source: TMG.

Spectrum needs

HAPS applications can have frequency bands either authorized directly to its provider or to an existing partner telecommunications operator, such as a mobile network operator (MNO). One of the outcomes of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC‑19) was the identification of several new frequency bands for use by HAPS applications, such as the 31-31.3 GHz, 38-39.5 GHz, 47.2-47.5 GHz, and 47.9-48.2 GHz bands worldwide; and the 21.4-22 GHz and 24.25-27.5 GHz bands in the Americas (ITU 2019). WRC-23 identified additional spectrum in the IMT bands in the frequencies below 1 GHz, as well as in the 2 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands for use by HIBS (ITU 2023b).

It is important to have flexible regulatory frameworks that account for new and growing applications. Based on the potential for HAPS to expand connectivity to rural and underserved areas, as well as the applications for emergency response in disaster areas, regulators are invited to consider measures to enable the benefits of HAPS technology, including:

Source: TMG.

Growth of non-GSO satellite networks

Overview of the technology

Non-GSO satellite systems are being used to provide connectivity in areas not currently reached by terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure. These systems are usually comprised of hundreds or even thousands of satellites.

Non-GSO systems have the potential to increase the use of satellite services in remote and underserved areas. Starlink began offering access to its broadband connectivity service in 2020 (Starlink 2024a). As of January 2024, SpaceX had launched more than 5,000 Starlink satellites (Starlink 2024b).

The increasing availability of non-GSO satellite system coverage – as well as other satellite technologies – also enables an emerging service known as direct-to-device (D2D), which delivers satellite services directly to existing user terminals. D2D capabilities may in some countries (T-Mobile 2024).

Spectrum needs

Non-GSO satellite systems present some spectrum management challenges, in terms of balancing the use of the different frequency bands and allowing GSO and non-GSO satellite systems to operate simultaneously, while mitigating the risk of harmful interference.

WRC-19 agreed on four more bands for non-GSO use: 37.5-39.5 GHz (space-to-Earth), 39.5-42.5 GHz (space-to-Earth), 47.2-50.2 GHz (Earth-to-space) and 50.4-51.4 GHz (Earth-to-space). In addition to previously available frequency bands, this supports that sufficient spectrum be made available for non-GSO satellites to operate alongside GSO satellite systems and other terrestrial services.^[1]

One approach to enabling D2D services incorporates the use of spectrum already assigned to mobile network operators, as the case with the service provided by T-Mobile and Starlink (T-Mobile 2024). This approach allows existing mobile devices to communicate directly with satellites without the need for an additional spectrum assignment. Relevant regulatory frameworks governing this novel use of terrestrial mobile spectrum are under review and development also by national authorities. For example, Australia recently published information clarifying that existing spectrum licenses would permit IMT satellite direct-to-mobile (also known as direct-to-device) service without the need for an explicit further ACMA authorization, clarifying the regulatory framework governing an emerging spectrum use case (ACMA 2024).^[2]

Regulatory examples

In order to foster the deployment of non-GSO satellite systems, regulators should adapt the existing frameworks for GSO systems as necessary. The licensing and earth station requirements for both systems are largely the same. One regulatory requirement particular to non-GSO systems is determining when a network is considered to be deployed. At WRC-19, a milestone-based approach was agreed for the regulation of new non-GSO satellite systems. WRC-23 further revised Resolution 35 dealing with this milestone -based approach (ITU, 2024).Under the adopted framework, these systems will have to deploy 10 per cent of their constellation within two years after the end of the current regulatory period for bringing into use, 50 per cent within five years and complete the deployment within seven years. Regulators should consider these international standards when bringing national regulation into effect.

The implementation of non-GSO systems require a broader review of regulatory requirements. For example, the coordination process may need to be updated, as systems are often authorized in the national level while their international coordination is not yet complete. Furthermore, there needs to be transparency in terms of use of spectrum by others to facilitate market access. Questions that go beyond spectrum also include the review of the station licenses to facilitate blanket licensing for terminals and, by consequence, the overall deployment of non-GSO systems.

Connectivity technologies advancing the use of IoT

Overview of the technology

Increased connectivity and capacity introduced by technologies that use both licensed and unlicensed spectrum are fostering the development of more connected devices as part of the IoT ecosystem. There has been an increasing number of IoT devices in use, reaching an estimated 15.7 billion connected devices worldwide in 2023 (Ericsson 2023, 18). As they increase in number, the use of IoT devices is becoming more common in everyday life. Many IoT connected devices are used for consumer applications. For example, a connected thermostat can allow a user to monitor and control the temperature of their home while away.

Source: TMG.

In addition to consumer use cases, public applications are also being implemented by smart cities around the world. For example, the city of Los Angeles in the United States has implemented IoT technology to monitor and control traffic flow across the city using road-surface sensors and closed-circuit television cameras. To further automate the traffic control system and take advantage of the massive amount of data being generated, the city added automated traffic light adjustments that can react to changing traffic conditions in real time, as well as fiber optics, Wi-Fi, connected lighting, public safety tools, and IoT sensors to proactively manage transportation facilities.^[3] The implementation of these technologies at scale will require the deployment of robust, high-capacity networks with seamless connectivity over large areas.

Spectrum needs

The success of both consumer and public applications of different IoT technologies is reliant on effective and efficient management of the frequency bands and technologies by which these objects can connect. IoT devices can operate in a variety of frequency ranges and can be connected by technologies including terrestrial mobile, satellite D2D, and Wi-Fi. The spectrum requirements of the various segments of the growing IoT landscape depend on the use-case specific to their application. For example, connections for use by industrial automated robots are more latency-sensitive than those for connected kitchen appliances. The spectrum requirements for these applications vary accordingly. In the context of a smart city, automated vehicles for public transportation would require high-capacity, low latency connectivity. However, dispersed sensors that monitor air pollution would have less restrictive needs.

Country examples

At the national level, countries are working to incorporate IoT systems to gather, analyse, and utilize data for the public good.

Singapore’s Smart Nation 2.0 initiative is an example of a framework that identifies uses of IoT for government services, transportation, energy efficiency, and other applications. Originally launched in 2014, the project was updated to continue addressing the evolving needs of a digital society. As part of the initiative, the government created the Smart Nation Sensor Platform, which uses remote monitoring to identify issues and alert relevant government offices. One application supported by the platform is the use of smart water meters to monitor and regulate water use around the country. Another example is the use of computer vision to detect drownings in public pools and alert nearby lifeguards. The country is also beginning to implement a “lamp post-as-a-platform” program, which uses sensors on lamp posts around the country to monitor air quality, rainfall, and water level. The initiative also has an aspect called Virtual Singapore that uses systems to identify smoking in prohibited areas, littering from high rise buildings, crowd density, as well as movement of registered vehicles.

Spain has also fostered the development of Smart Cities, and in some cases the local government has played a substantial role. In Santander, the city deployed sensor to monitor metrics like traffic, energy use, and parking. They also made some of this data easily available to citizens through an app. Barcelona has implemented smart energy systems such as lights that respond to movement in public areas, parking sensors that identify open spaces, garbage sensors and automated waste collection.

At the national level, regulators can encourage the deployment of smart cities and IoT technologies by supporting public and private projects that utilize the technology. To do that, spectrum must be appropriately managed to balance the frequency requirements of the sensors, devices, and applications that drive the IoT ecosystem.

The evolution of Wi-Fi

Overview of the technology

Wireless network technologies are critical to the implementation of connected devices and the advancement of the IoT ecosystem. Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies operate in unlicensed spectrum and can transmit in a relatively wide range of frequencies. These technologies play an important role in the connectivity ecosystem by transmitting information to and from mobile terminals, sensors, and other connected devices. Wi-Fi works in cooperation with other technologies by providing a connection point for users with terrestrial and satellite networks. For example, Wi-Fi can be incorporated into 5G networks to enhance capacity and gaps in connectivity (Hetting 2019).

Spectrum needs

While Wi-Fi technology has been in use for over two decades, newer versions of the technology have allowed local area networks to operate in numerous new frequencies. In addition to the previous use of the 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, newer iterations of Wi-Fi technology, such as Wi-Fi 6 and 7, are being implemented in parts of the 60 GHz (57-66 GHz) and 6 GHz (5 925-7 125 MHz) bands (Wi-Fi Alliance 2020). More than 60 jurisdictions around the world currently allow unlicensed operation in the 6 GHz band, providing additional spectrum for Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Alliance 2024). Wi-Fi in bands with additional capacity, such as 6 GHz, provides both additional capacity as the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands become more congested, and also allow for the implementation of wider channels that permit uses cases such as high-definition video, automation, and virtual reality/augmented reality/mixed reality.

Source: TMG.

Country examples

Several countries have looked to make more spectrum available for unlicensed use, including the 6 GHz band. For example, in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted new rules for the 6 GHz frequency band, making available 1 200 MHz of spectrum for unlicensed use (USA, FCC 2020). Similarly, several countries in the Americas have also made 1 200 MHz available in the 6 GHz frequency band, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Authorities in other regions have also authorized unlicensed use of 6 GHz spectrum, including a European Union decision harmonizing arrangements for use of 500 MHz in the 6 GHz range for indoor unlicensed use (European Union 2021). Overall, regulators should be mindful of the potential value of unlicensed technologies including Wi-Fi when allocating and designating spectrum. At the same time, unlicensed technologies shall not cause harmful interference to existing radiocommunication services operating in the allocated frequency bands.

Key findings

References

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1. For more detailed examination see https://digitalregulation.org/regulation-of-ngso-satellite-constellations/. ↑
2. For more detailed examination see https://digitalregulation.org/d2d/. ↑
3. https://www.itskrs.its.dot.gov/2023-b01770 ↑