WRC-19: ATU lunchtime seminar on mmWave spectrum for 5G

“5G brings new capabilities for mobile networks to contribute to and enable economic growth in Sub-Saharan region. This includes low-latency, data-intensive applications that can make sea ports and mining safer and more efficient.” (Brett Tarnutzer, Head of Spectrum, GSMA)

The GSMA welcomed delegates from ATU to a lunchtime seminar at WRC-19 to discuss Agenda Item 1.13 with a focus on mmWave spectrum for the future of 5G.

Speakers from the GSMA, MTN and Qualcomm talked about how the right conditions for mmWave spectrum at WRC-19 can change how connectivity drives Africa forward. Other topics included the growing equipment ecosystem for mmWave 5G, and the growing number of 5G trials and commercial networks.

At the seminar, the GSMA also presented findings from its recently published report on mmWave Use Cases, and the impact they will have on all aspects of society. The performance benefits of mmWaves, including ultra-high speeds and low latencies, will drive the revolutionary impact of the most advanced 5G services. Use cases such as smart transportation logistics hubs and extractive industries stand to profit greatly from access to mmWave spectrum.

The Sub-Saharan African region is expected to deliver $5.2 billion in GDP from mmWave 5G by 2034, with Nigeria and South Africa leading the way. Once 5G has taken off, the annual gain from mmWave 5G will grow much faster from 2026 onwards, closing the gap between the early and late adopters. But this is only possible if mmWave spectrum is identified for IMT with reasonable conditions.

The mobile industry is asking for the IMT identification of:
• 26 GHz (24.25-27.5 GHz);
• 40 GHz (37-43.5 GHz);
• 50 GHz (45.5-52.6 GHz); and
• 66 GHz (66-71 GHz).

The presentation from the seminar can be downloaded here.

The GSMA’s full line-up of WRC-19 collateral can be found here.