Vision 2040: Future Spectrum Needs

Considering this evolution of demand and network capacity in dense urban areas, and reflecting the uncertainty involved in making long-term forecasts, we estimate an average of 2–3 GHz of mid-band spectrum (frequency bands between 1 GHz and 10 GHz) will be required in the 2035–2040 period to meet demand in high-population density locations around the world.  

In higher-demand countries (representing the top 50% of countries globally) spectrum needs will be 2.5–4 GHz in that period. Considering existing IMT allocations, where in most countries around 1 GHz of mid-band spectrum is identified for mobile, this means that an additional mid-band requirement of 1–3 GHz is needed.

Building on existing spectrum, including recent spectrum identifications at WRC-23, and also looking ahead to WRC-27 discussion items, the primary mid-bands currently under consideration for additional mobile spectrum are from within the: 

1. 3.8–4.2 GHz range, which could provide an additional 200–400 MHz of mid-band spectrum
2. 4.4–4.99 GHz range, which could provide an additional 400–600 MHz
3. upper 6 GHz range (6.425–7.125 GHz), which could provide an additional 700 MHz
4. the 7.125–8.4 GHz range, which could provide an additional 600–1275 MHz.