Trade Groups, Industry Execs Plead For More Spectrum to Spur 5G

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While 5G networks hold the promise of speeds that will be 100 times faster than today and enable 100 times the number of devices, carriers and stakeholders providing wireless and wireline infrastructure, as well as the satellite industry, say they need access to more spectrum.

Noting that 5G will enable technologies like telehealth, autonomous cars and precision agriculture, President/CEO of CTIA, The Wireless Association, Meredith Baker, told the Senate Energy & Commerce Committee yesterday it’s imperative the U.S. get going on an action plan to free-up more spectrum. She cited an Accenture report that said if the U.S. can speed up 5G deployment by one year, that would add about $1 billion to the economy. But more importantly, she said, other countries like China and South Korea are ahead of the U.S. in clearing spectrum for 5G. 

Qualcomm SVP Spectrum Strategy & Technology, Dean Brenner, said it’s important that its chips and related components support as much technology possible. While still enhancing 4G capabilities, his company is also looking ahead to 6G. But everything “depends on one key component controlled by the government — spectrum.”

Charter’s infrastructure can integrate WiFi, LTE, 5G and other technologies, said company SVP of Wireless Technology Craig Cowden. “Our WiFi network currently serves more than 280 million wireless devices. Many of those wireless devices are smart phones provided by cellular companies yet 80 percent of the data used on those phones goes through our WiFi network,” said Cowden. Test results using millimeter-wave 5G spectrum, the 28 GHz band, in seven markets with varied weather and terrain are “encouraging.” Both he and Brenner hope the FCC acts quickly to finish the item to free-up more spectrum in the CBRS band.

Satellites will play a large part in deploying rural broadband, according to Satellite Industry Association President Tom Stroup, because they have the ability to eliminate the issue of terrain hindering some forms of signal transmission.  It’s “highly unlikely we’ll see small cells deployed for precision agriculture without satellite systems,” he said. However, getting more spectrum in the future is key. “The spectrum pipeline must include satellite spectrum. The U.S. cannot win the race to 5G with just the adoption of one technology.”

By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief

July 26, 2018

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