Telecoms Industry Obsesses with Millimeter Wave, But 3.5 GHz Will be the Killer 5G band
November 28, 2017 | ABI ResearchEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The industry has had to tap into a wide range of radio spectrum frequencies from sub-1GHz to 100GHz including licensed, unlicensed, and shared spectrum to address the potential of 5G. According to new findings from ABI Research, while the use of mmWave is one of the most distinguishing features of 5G, in the near term the C-Band is emerging with the most global consensus for the timely launch of commercial 5G network in 2019. Many of the lab and field 5G trials conducted by industry participants have focused on higher frequencies, but based on the recent regulatory announcements by about 20 countries, the C-band is the most common spectrum range identified for 5G.
“In the long-term the whole breadth of the sub-1GHz to 100GHz spectrum range will be critical to address the various use cases and meet enhanced speeds, latency, reliability, and other 5G metrics in different usage scenarios. In the near-term, however, use millimeter wave for 5G services in 2019-2020 is limited due to technology challenges and global spectrum availability,” explains Prayerna Raina, Senior Analyst at ABI Research.
Since current cellular communication takes place below 6GHz, the use of higher frequency ranges for mobile broadband is unfamiliar territory for mobile operators. Similarly, key 5G antenna and base station technologies such as MIMO are currently deployed in the sub-6GHz range on a low order of 4 to 16 antenna elements in most cases. At higher mmWave frequencies, massive MIMO antennas are likely to feature hundreds of antenna elements, which brings its own set of challenges.
The use of higher frequencies such as 26GHz and 28GHz for fixed mobile broadband service on 5G networks is certain, but it is the C-Band with its global harmonization that is creating opportunities for large scale deployment.
“Ultimately 5G must make good business sense for operators who continue to battle stagnating ARPUs, rising network traffic, and the need to cost-effectively optimize network management and operations”, says Raina. “C-band, with the support of new technologies, including Uplink Decoupling, will likely be the dominant 5G spectrum band, since it allows operators to deploy 5G on an existing network grid, rather than spend significantly on new cell cites”, Raina concludes.
Suggested Items
Digitalisation and ESG
04/19/2024 | Marina Hornasek-Metzl, AT&SDigitalisation and ESG are prominent and high-priority topics in the global business community. The first focuses on applying technology throughout the value chain to produce faster, smarter, and more desirable business outcomes. The latter emphasises the broader value a business is expected to create for its stakeholders from an environmental, social, and governance perspective.
Two Industry Rising Stars Recognized at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
04/17/2024 | IPCTwo of the industry’s best and brightest were presented with an IPC Rising Star Award at IPC APEX EXPO 2024 in recognition of their leadership roles and support of IPC standards, education, advocacy, and solutions to industry challenges. Award recipients were Naim Kapadia and Michael Schleicher.
Two Long-time IPC Volunteers Receive Dieter Bergman IPC Fellowship Award
04/17/2024 | IPCThe Dieter Bergman IPC Fellowship award was presented to two IPC volunteers at IPC APEX EXPO 2024. The award recipients have fostered a collaborative spirit, made significant contributions to standards development, and have consistently demonstrated a commitment to global standardization efforts. Tiberiu Baranyi and Zhiman Chen were chosen as award recipients as they embody the work ethic and spirit of the late Dieter Bergman, an industry pioneer and icon. As part of the award, they bestowed Dieter Bergman Memorial Scholarships to the university or college of their choice.
Northrop Grumman honors Calumet Electronics with Supplier Excellence Award
04/17/2024 | Calumet ElectronicsNorthrop Grumman Corporation has recognized Calumet Electronics during the company’s 2024 Supplier Excellence Awards for “exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to delivering with excellence.” Calumet is one of 70 suppliers recognized from across the globe. In its award category of “Supplier Strategic Excellence,” Calumet was honored alongside global corporations such as Amazon Web Services, Dell Technologies, and Eaton Corporation.
Ark Electronics Expands Global Manufacturing Factory Network in North America and Europe
04/17/2024 | PRNewswireElectronic Manufacturing Company Ark Electronics recently announced the expansion of its Global Factory Network with the addition of Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) capabilities in Mexico and Europe.