5G Mid-Band Spectrum Needs – Vision 2030

Meeting mid-band spectrum needs is vital to 5G’s future and requires forward-planning from policymakers.

The speed, reach and quality of 5G services depend on mobile operators having timely access to the right amount and type of affordable spectrum. Mid-band spectrum is especially important as it offers a good mixture of coverage and capacity for 5G.

This report presents the GSMA’s vision for how much mid-band spectrum mobile operators will require between 2025 and 2030 and provides some options for operators to meet this demand. It includes an overview of research commissioned by the GSMA from Coleago Consulting, and helps policymakers understand how much 5G mid-band spectrum is required. It is designed to lay out a vision of how policymakers can make sure 5G reaches its full potential and maximise the socio-economic impact that it can deliver.

The GSMA recommends that governments and regulators:

• Plan to make 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum available per country in the 2025-2030 time frame. This is the average value needed to guarantee the IMT- 2020 requirements for 5G;
• Carefully consider 5G spectrum demands when 5G usage will be reaching its peak, and advanced use cases will carry additional needs;
• Base spectrum decisions on real-world factors including population density and extent of fibre rollout; and
• Support harmonised mid-band 5G spectrum (e.g., within the 3.5 GHz, 4.8 GHz and 6 GHz ranges) and facilitate technology upgrades in existing bands

Watch our webinar on mid-band spectrum needs here.

If you want to learn more about our 5G Spectrum Needs study, visit our 5G spectrum guide site here.