5G Regulatory Policy and Assignment Strategies
The introduction of 5G will require a reassessment of spectrum management best practice as the economics of the wireless industry are fundamentally changed.
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The mobile industry, nearing its 40th anniversary, has seen consistent evolution and maturity alongside advancements in technology. Spectrum management regulations have also evolved in parallel, establishing a broad consensus on regulatory best practices. However, the advent of 5G introduces both evolutionary and revolutionary changes that demand a reassessment of spectrum management principles.
While enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) under 5G, primarily utilising existing infrastructure, represents an evolutionary step, the introduction of mmWave spectrum brings revolutionary changes. Small cell networks operating in high-capacity bands will transform the industry’s economics, necessitating regulatory policy shifts to facilitate timely network deployment, sustain or boost competition, and enable specialised industry-focused operators.
Anticipated socio-economic benefits of 5G hinge on adapting regulatory policy to accommodate the diverse needs emerging from high-density data requirements, the Internet of Things (IoT), and high-bandwidth services like massive machine-type communication (mMTC). These diverse use cases will likely prompt the emergence of varied spectrum license holders, each with distinct business models and spectrum demands.
This paper underscores critical regulatory policy objectives for 5G success, delves into the economic aspects of 5G investments, and outlines the implications for regulatory policies and spectrum assignment procedures. It briefly touches on licensing and network sharing, directing readers to further detailed resources available on Coleago’s website for in-depth exploration of these facets.
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