WRC-23 wraps up with new low-to-mid-band spectrum for IMT
WRC-23 wraps up with new low-to-mid-band spectrum for IMT
The ITU-led conference (held every four years) concluded with what the GSMA, the trade organization for mobile operators, hailed as a “groundbreaking spectrum decision” for mobile services - also referred to at the ITU as International Mobile Technologies (IMT).
To expand and develop broadband connectivity with 4G, 5G, and in future 6G technology, the revisions at year’s WRC included firstly the harmonization of existing IMT spectrum bands across more countries in EMEA and Americas. This took place for the so-called 5G band (3.3 GHz-3.8 GHz).
Secondly, it included the addition of new bands for the use of IMT in the 6GHz band range (6.425-7.125 GHz). Many in the industry have argued the relevance of mid-band for the success of 5G, specifically when it comes 5G capacity rather than coverage. So, this should be music to their ears.
Commenting on the revisions, the GSMA went on to say “[on] average, 2 GHz of mid-spectrum spectrum per market will be needed by 2030 to meet the demand of citizens and businesses in cities around the globe.”
“The 6 GHz band is the only remaining mid-band spectrum currently available to respond to the data traffic growth in the 5G-Advanced era. The WRC-23 decision to harmonies the 6 GHz band in every ITU Region is a pivotal milestone, bringing a population of billions of people into a harmonized 6 GHz mobile footprint. It also serves as a critical developmental trigger for manufacturers of the 6 GHz equipment ecosystem.”
WRC-23 also stablished regulations for the operation of 2 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands for using high-altitude platform stations (so-called HIBS). This, the ITU says will create a new platform for providing mobile broadband with little infrastructure, while making use of the same frequencies and devices as IMT mobile networks.
According to the ITU these bands can further help bridge the digital divide between urban and rural or remote areas as well as for securing continuous connectivity during disasters.
“WRC-23 has provided a clear roadmap for mobile services to continue to evolve and expand for the benefit of billions across the globe,” said, Chief Regulatory Officer at the GSMA.
“The GSMA believes that no-one should be left behind in the digital age and the decisions of WRC-23 will allow us to deliver a brighter future where mobile brings communities together, delivers industrial agility and provides economic growth. Implementation of the WRC-23 decisions will support global digital ambitions, deliver greater digital equality.