WRC-19 identifies additional frequency bands for 5G

Delegates at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19) have identified additional radio-frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). This will facilitate the development of fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks. Notably, WRC-19 identifies additional frequency bands for 5G in its decisions.

New Resolutions approved at WRC-19 pointed out that ultra-low latency and very high bit-rate applications of IMT will require larger contiguous blocks of spectrum than those available in frequency bands that had previously been identified for use by administrations wishing to implement IMT. Moreover, they also pointed out that harmonized worldwide bands for IMT are desirable to facilitate global roaming and the benefits of economies of scale. It is important to note that WRC-19 identifies additional frequency bands for 5G to enable these advancements.

While identifying the frequency bands 24.25-27.5 GHz, 37-43.5 GHz, 45.5-47 GHz, 47.2-48.2 and 66-71 GHz for the deployment of 5G networks, WRC-19 also took measures. Specifically, these measures will ensure appropriate protection of the Earth Exploration Satellite Services, including meteorological and other passive services in adjacent bands.

In total, 17.25 GHz of spectrum has been identified for IMT by the Conference. This is in comparison with 1.9 GHz of bandwidth available before WRC-19. Out of this number, 14.75 GHz of spectrum has been harmonized worldwide. As a result, this reached 85% of global harmonization. Therefore, WRC-19 identifies additional frequency bands for 5G, greatly increasing available spectrum.

In addition, WRC-19 defined a plan of studies to identify frequencies for new components of 5G. As an example, to facilitate mobile connectivity by High Altitude IMT Base Stations (HIBS). HIBS may be used as a part of terrestrial IMT networks to provide mobile connectivity in underserved areas. This is important where it is difficult to be covered by ground-based IMT base stations at a reasonable cost.

IMT-2020, the name used in ITU for the standards of 5G, is expected to continue to be developed from 2020 onwards. There are 5G trials and commercial activities already underway. These activities assist in evaluating the candidate technologies and frequency bands that may be used for this purpose. It should be highlighted again that WRC-19 identifies additional frequency bands for 5G, shaping the future of IMT.

The first full-scale commercial deployments for 5G are expected sometime after IMT-2020 specifications are in force.

ITU will continue to work towards providing stable international regulations, sufficient spectrum and suitable standards for IMT-2020 and the core network. These efforts will enable successful 5G deployments at the regional and international levels.

An overall presentation of WRC-19 results is still under preparation. However, it is already evident that ITU is facilitating the development of 5G around the world.

In parallel, the ITU group responsible for IMT-2020 or 5G is continuing the evaluation of the proposed technologies. These technologies will allow network operators to offer 5G performances to their users for the next decade.

This evaluation will be completed in early February 2020 and will be followed by the finalization of the IMT-2020 standards.

ITU will make sure that the standards supporting all 5G applications will be in place in 2020 for the benefit of the entire telecommunication community.