The North American Drive Towards 5G-Advanced and 6G: Overcoming WRC-23 Challenges
The International Telecommunication Union’s World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) held in November 2023 shed light on the spectrum challenges facing the North American wireless cellular industry. As the industry gears up for the transition towards 5G-Advanced and eventual 6G technologies, key outcomes from WRC-23 have underscored the critical need for strategic spectrum management in the region.
5G Americas, the leading voice for 5G and beyond in the Americas, recently released a white paper titled ‘Spectrum in North America: The Impact of WRC-23’. This comprehensive study delves into the spectrum challenges facing North America and explores optimal solutions for advancing 6G technology in the region.
Challenges in Spectrum Allocation
Viet Nguyen, Vice President of PR and Technology at 5G Americas, highlighted the complexities surrounding spectrum allocation in North America. He pointed out that the spectrum earmarked for international mobile telecommunications in the region is heavily encumbered, with significant challenges related to the coexistence and relocation of incumbent services, particularly in key bands like 3.1-3.45 GHz and 7.125-8.4 GHz.
WRC-23 emphasized the urgent need for new exclusive use of internationally harmonized spectrum bands to bolster North America’s leadership in 5G and future 6G technologies. Decisions made at this conference will play a pivotal role in determining the future of key spectrum bands such as 3.3-3.4 GHz, 3.6-3.8 GHz, and 10-10.5 GHz, which are essential for enhancing capacity, coverage, and overall network performance.
The Promise of Upper Mid-Band Frequencies for 6G
In addition to addressing immediate spectrum challenges for 5G deployment, industry experts are looking ahead to the potential of upper mid-band frequencies for future 6G technologies. The 7.125-15.35 GHz frequency range is seen as particularly promising for economical, wide area 6G deployments due to its capacity and coverage trade-offs.
The Need for Timely Action in the U.S.
Despite recent advancements by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United States faces a significant challenge in its current mid-band spectrum allocation. Leading wireless associations have raised concerns that the U.S. ranks 13th out of 15 global markets for licensed mid-band spectrum, trailing behind its global competitors. Without swift action, the U.S. could face a critical shortfall of up to 520 MHz compared to leading nations by 2027.
Brian Daly, AT&T Fellow and AVP of Standards & Industry Alliances, emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, and international bodies to ensure that the spectrum identified at WRC-23 is made available under suitable regulatory conditions. Securing ample spectrum is crucial for maintaining North America’s leadership in wireless technology and meeting the evolving needs of consumers and businesses.
Industry Stakeholders’ Call for Collaboration
Alexander Brock, Senior Vice President Strategy and Partnership at Rogers, stressed the necessity of industry stakeholders collaborating to uphold North America’s leadership in wireless technology. As cellular connectivity demands continue to rise, securing sufficient spectrum is essential for investing in the region’s future and meeting the growing needs of consumers and businesses.
Karri Kuoppamaki, Senior Vice President of Advanced and Emerging Technologies at T-Mobile, highlighted the importance of preparing for future WRC conferences, such as WRC-27, by engaging in studies and regulatory planning to secure spectrum for upcoming technologies. This proactive approach will ensure that North America maintains its leadership in global telecommunications.
About 5G Americas
5G Americas is an industry trade organization that represents leading telecommunications service providers and manufacturers in the Americas. The organization’s mission is to advocate for the advancement of 5G and beyond to 6G technologies throughout the region. Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, 5G Americas is dedicated to fostering a connected wireless community and spearheading 5G development across the Americas.
The organization’s Board of Governors includes prominent industry players such as Airspan Networks Inc., Antel, AT&T, Ciena, Cisco, Crown Castle, Ericsson, Liberty Latin America, Mavenir, Nokia, Qualcomm Incorporated, Rogers Communications, Samsung, T-Mobile US, Inc., and Telefónica.
In Conclusion
As North America embarks on its journey towards 5G-Advanced and 6G technologies, strategic spectrum management will be crucial for overcoming the challenges highlighted at WRC-23. By addressing spectrum allocation issues, fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, and preparing for future advancements in telecommunications, North America can continue to lead the way in wireless technology innovation. Through proactive planning and concerted efforts, the region can secure its position as a global leader in the evolving landscape of mobile connectivity.