Marja Matinmikko-Blue, University of Oulu

1. Challenges of Spectrum
Regulation for 5G and Beyond
#Infra4Dev Conference
11 December 2019, Toulouse, France
Dr.Sc. (Tech), Ph.D. Marja Matinmikko-Blue
6G Flagship Research Coordinator
University of Oulu, Finland

2. Emergence of a large number of local 5G networks
• Majority of 5G research has considered MNO driven deployments.
• There is growing interest towards local 5G networks to serve local
verticals specific needs. We have called them ”5G micro operators”.
6GFLAGSHIP.COM, #6GFLAGSHIP
5G Micro Operators:
• Build and operate local small
cell communication infra
• and offer local context related
services and content
Technical building
blocks:
-Dense small cell networks
-Network virtualization
-Spectrum sharing and
management techniques
Regulatory building
blocks:
-Local spectrum rights
-Rights to build indoor
networks
-Rules for collection and
use of data
-Operator role
Business
models
Local 5G micro operators can operate a closed network for its own customers,
act as neutral host for MNOs’ customers, or serve both.
M. Matinmikko, M. Latva-aho, P. Ahokangas, S. Yrjölä, and T. Koivumäki. Micro operators to boost local service
delivery in 5G. Wireless Personal Communications, vol. 95, no. 1, pp. 69-82, May 2017.

3. 5G spectrum regulation
• In principle, stakeholders’ conflicting views are brought
together in regulation to promote innovation and competition.
In practise, MNOs dominate 5G spectrum debate just like they
did in spectrum sharing debates before.
• 5G spectrum bands have different characteristics. Alternative
approaches to defining spectrum access rights are needed.
6GFLAGSHIP.COM, #6GFLAGSHIP

4. Elements of spectrum value
6GFLAGSHIP.COM, #6GFLAGSHIP
M. Matinmikko-Blue, S. Yrjölä, V. Seppänen, P. Ahokangas, H. Hämmäinen, and M. Latva-aho. Analysis of Spectrum Valuation Elements for
Local 5G Networks: Case Study of 3.5 GHz Band. IEEE Transactions on Cognitive Communications and Networking, 2019.
Brings spectrum demand and
supply sides into spectrum
valuation including different views of
smaller and larger players.
Expected future revenues
and costs depend on the
services offered in the
band.
Spectrum rights awarding rules
and resulting conditions for the
use of the band define who can
deploy systems and how.
Bands differ by physical
propagation characteristics,
development of band’s
ecosystem, and restrictions
from incumbents.
Different areas have
different profitability
driven by both
revenues and costs. Elements of
spectrum
value
Stakeholders
Offered
services
Spectrum
allocation and
assignment
method
Location
specific
characteristics
Band specific
characteristics

5. Analysis of 5G decisions in 3.5 GHz band
• Divergence in national approaches compared to prior generations.
• All three spectrum management approaches are present:
Administrative Allocation, Market-Based Mechanisms and the
Commons Approach.
• Differences in license areas ranging from local areas and regional
areas to country-wide areas with or without coverage obligations.
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Finland Germany Ireland Italy Japan USA
3410-3800 MHz
auction completed
in October 2018.
Simultaneous
Multiround Auction
(SMRA) auction
model used.
(a) 3400-3700 MHz
auction completed in
June 2019.
(b) 3700-3800 MHz.
Land owner/tenant can
apply for a local license.
Fee depends on area,
duration, and BW.
3410-3435 MHz
and 3475-3800
auction completed
in May 2017.
Combinatorial
Clock Auction (CCA)
auction model
used.
3600-3800 MHz
auction completed
in September 2018
at the same time
with two other 5G
bands (700 MHz
and 26 GHz).
(a) 3480-3600 MHz
awarded by
application to
existing three MNOs.
(b) 3600-4100 and
4500-4600 awarded
by application in
March 2019.
3550-3700 MHz:
Priority access licenses
will be awarded
through auction in
2019/2020.
General authorized
access starts through
registration in 2019.

6. World’s first 6G research program
Wireless Connectivity
Devices & Circuits
Distributed Computing
Services & Applications
1.
2.
3.
4.
 National Flagship for 2018-2026
 Appointed by Academy of Finland
 Operated by University of Oulu
 Volume 251 M€
6G Enabled Wireless
Smart Society & Ecosystem
Vision for 2030:
Our society is data-
driven, enabled by near-
instant, unlimited
wireless connectivity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6ubRoZCeVw

7. WORLD’S FIRST 6G
WHITE PAPER
Published 9th of September 2019
www.6gflagship/6gwhitepaper

8. Towards Local Operator Paradigm
6GFLAGSHIP.COM l #6GFLAGSHIP
Transition to higher
frequencies and increasing
role of indoor networks will
boost network sharing in cities
and indoor spaces, and drive
the “local operator” paradigm.

9. THANK YOU!
marja.matinmikko@oulu.fi
www.6Gsummit.com