This document discusses spectrum needs for 5G mobile networks. It notes that 5G will require a combination of existing licensed mobile spectrum bands as well as new bands, including millimeter wave bands above 20GHz, to deliver the enhanced capabilities of 5G. The document reviews candidate millimeter wave bands being studied by the ITU for global harmonization for 5G. It stresses the importance of securing a regulatory environment in Europe and nationally that incentivizes long-term investments and innovation in 5G networks and spectrum.

1. 5G Spectrum
UK Spectrum Policy Forum “Cluster 1” 5G workshop, 17 May 2016
Chris Cheeseman
Spectrum Strategy Director
Chair, SPF Steering Board
BT Group
Issue 1
16 May 2016

2. © British Telecommunications plc
Slide 2
Different 5G applications may be delivered with a combination of
wireless technologies and may require different frequency bands
Source: ITU-R Recommendation M.2083-0 (2015)
• Within the ITU vision for IMT-2020 and in
other 5G industry discussions, three broad
themes for 5G applications have been
discussed (Enhanced mobile broadband,
Massive Machine Type Communications and
Ultra-reliable Low Latency Communications).
• Different 5G applications may be best served
in different spectrum bands
• 5G may include existing and new radio
technologies and will primarily require access
to suitable licensed spectrum, but
complimented by licence-exempt spectrum in
some cases.

3. © British Telecommunications plc
Slide 3
The UK Spectrum Policy Forum Cluster 4 looked in details at four use
cases and plotted a view of what these may require – cases 1/2

4. © British Telecommunications plc
Slide 4
The UK Spectrum Policy Forum Cluster 4 looked in details at four use
cases and plotted a view of what these may require – cases 3/4

5. © British Telecommunications plc
Slide 5
The ITU vision for IMT-2020 anticipates significant enhancements to
key technical capabilities compared to IMT-Advanced
M.2083-03
User experienced
data rate
(Mbit/s)
100
Spectrum
efficiency
IMT-2020
3´
500
110
6
10
20
100´
Mobility
(km/h)
Latency
(ms)
Connection density
(devices/km )
2
Network
energy efficiency
Area traffic
capacity
(Mbit/s/m )2
Peak data rate
(Gbit/s)
10
1´
400
350
1010
5
10´
1´
1
0.1
1
IMT-advanced
• It is generally understood that IMT-2020
equates to 5G and IMT-Advanced relates
to 4G
• The increased technical capabilities of 5G
will have an impact on the spectrum
needs.
• Different spectrum bands may be optimal
to deliver different 5G capabilities
Source: ITU-R Recommendation M.2083-0 (2015)

6. © British Telecommunications plc
Slide 6
5G delivery will require access to suitable spectrum bands, including
bands already identified/assigned to mobile and new bands
• Existing mobile spectrum bands are licensed on a “technology neutral” basis and may be used
to deliver 5G capabilities where required.
• Additional mobile bands that are yet to be assigned should also be made available on a
technology neutral basis to potentially support delivery of 5G mobile.
• Licence-exempt spectrum is an important supplementary resource to complement licensed
spectrum in certain scenarios, for example where cellular and WLAN/other indoor
technologies are combined to deliver 5G experience.
• For very high speed shorter range applications the millimetre wave bands are most suitable
and globally harmonised bands need to be identified, including in the ITU WRC-19 preparatory
process (see next slide).
• Other bands not considered in the WRC-19 activity (e.g. below 20GHz) may also become of
interest to bridge the large gap between existing band and new millimetre wave bands.

7. © British Telecommunications plc
Slide 7
ITU WRC-19 Agenda Item 1.13 identifies several candidate mmWave
bands that could be identified for global harmonisation for IMT (5G)
• Investigation of the current use of the candidate bands is ongoing in several fora: NGMN,
GSMA, CEPT etc.
• Sharing studies to be conducted in ITU TG5/1 and study of spectrum needs in ITU-R WP5D.
• One or more globally harmonised bands is the objective.
• Ofcom sees 32GHz as a promising candidate, but like many of the candidate bands (25GHz,
38GHz) it is heavily used for fixed links; it is also already assigned indefinitely by auction.
• Other candidates have growing fixed link use (70 GHz, 80 GHz); other bands may have less
existing use e.g. 45.4-47 GHz.
• Studies are needed to look at all bands in detail.
• Some countries are considering bands not identified for study e.g. 28 GHz.
? ? ?
20 GHz 30 GHz 40 GHz 50 GHz 60 GHz 70 GHz 80 GHz
? ? ? ? ? ? ?
24.25 27.5 31.8 33.4 37.0 43.5 45.5 50.2 52.6 66 76 81 86

8. © British Telecommunications plc
Slide 8
It will be important to secure a European and national regulatory
environment that incentivises long-term investments and innovation
• Network densification will require access to sites with a minimum of planning obstacles and at
affordable costs – the reform of the Electronics Communication code is one important step in
this regard.
• Suitable spectrum (low and higher frequency) needs to be harmonised and released in a
timely manner, with licence terms that incentivise investment (e.g. technology neutral,
indefinite duration, avoiding inappropriate coverage obligations). Auction designs should not
seek to maximise prices and annual fees should be the minimum necessary to promote
efficient use so that investment in networks can be maximised.
• The proposed EU “5G Action Plan” and review of the EU Telecomms Framework will be
important to achieve reforms needed to create the best possible environment for spectrum
and network investments to deliver 5G experience.