The Benefits of Technology-Neutral Spectrum Licences
In many countries the process of introducing new technology in existing frequency bands is delayed because spectrum is not licensed on a technology-neutral basis. Indeed some countries have not learned the lesson from a delayed introduction of 3G and 4G and are now repeating the same mistake for 5G.
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Technology-neutral spectrum licensing assigns spectrum to mobile operators without specifying the technology. It enables them to shift spectrum from GSM or 3G to 4G and 5G based on market demand. This maximises spectral efficiency and spectrum use, leading to improved mobile broadband coverage, faster data speeds, and lower data prices for users.
A Limited Resource
Spectrum, a limited resource, requires efficient management in line with best practice. 4G’s efficiency with MIMO allows for significant data capacity boosts when shifting spectrum from 2G. Transitioning from GSM to 4G in certain spectrums can offer up to 26 times improvement in bits/Hz. Regulators focusing on efficient spectrum use should consider these facts when setting mobile spectrum policies.
4G’s higher efficiency compared to older technologies is crucial for a connected society. Empirical evidence shows economic gains from adopting 4G mobile broadband.
- “For a given level of total mobile penetration a 10 per cent substitution from 2G to 3G increases per capita GDP by 0.15 percentage points … A doubling of mobile data use leads to an increase in the GDP per capita growth rate of 0.5 percentage points.” (Source: The Impact of Mobile Telephony on Economic Growth, Deloitte, 2012)
- “Doubling the broadband speed will contribute to 0.3% growth compared with the growth rate in the base year”. (Source: Does broadband speed really matter for driving economic growth? Rohman et al, Division of Technology and Society, Department of Technology Management and Economics Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden, 2012)
The Year Ahead
2019 will witness a surge in 5G commercial launches. Mobile operators need flexibility to repurpose existing spectrum for 5G, especially for coverage, even if originally licensed for 4G. Regulators can ensure smooth transitions between technologies, allowing for simultaneous use of bands for 4G and 5G, supporting both newer and legacy users.
The IoT market is rapidly growing, demanding technology-neutral spectrum licences for specialised networks. Regulators should adopt neutral frameworks to avoid hindering IoT’s development, vital for the ongoing industrial revolution.
Some countries still issue technology-specific spectrum licenses, affecting consumers and businesses with subpar mobile broadband experiences and potential higher costs.
4G deployment has upped data traffic, requiring Gbit/s range backhaul links from mobile stations. Microwave spectrum licensing needs to evolve to accommodate these demands, allowing operators to adopt the latest technology without capacity-based fee structures hindering Gbit backhaul deployment.
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