Conducted a study on the availability of spectrum for 5G deployment in 14 countries on behalf of a US wireless industry association, CTIA

The problem

• Our client, a wireless industry trade association based in the USA, commissioned Analysys Mason to study the availability of 5G-suitable spectrum available in 13 markets of interest, with particular focus on the key mid-band spectrum between 3GHz and 7GHz
• The study was to serve as a comparison between the spectrum plans and availability in the USA and the 13 benchmark countries

The solution

• We initially reviewed the total spectrum both currently available and being investigated for future use (for example through refarming) in each of the 13 markets of interest. We split the spectrum bands into three broad categories:
  • low band (below 2.6GHz)
  • mid band (between 3GHz and 7GHz)
  • high band (in the mmWave region)
• In a separate study, we assessed the latest 5G licensed mid-band spectrum plans as this was the primary band being used for 5G roll-out at the time across the benchmark markets
  • we produced detailed profiles for each of the countries under study and compared these to the existing spectrum plans in the USA
• Using the results of our analysis, we provided a set of key findings and recommendations to our client regarding future spectrum plans in the USA

Figure: Summary of 5G mid-band spectrum availability in benchmark countries

The result

• The client was provided with a comprehensive report on the state of 5G spectrum in a range of leading markets globally, as well as a comparison of these markets to the USA. A separate paper presented a comparison of mid-band spectrum availability for 5G and recommendations for future US spectrum plans in light of the findings