The Next Generation Mob ile Network (NGMN) Alliance this week called for action on 5G spectrum above 6 GHz at the ITU’s upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15).
As it stands, the official start of the allocation process for 5G frequencies above 6 GHz is not due to kick off until WRC-19.
However, the NGMN wants ITU members to agree to initiate studies into candidate 5G bands above 6 GHz at WRC-15 in Geneva next month. That way, decisions can be made on allocating new frequencies at WRC-19, ahead of the expected rollout of the first 5G networks in 2020.
"5G mobile systems will require access to new spectrum bands supporting much wider bandwidths than those available today if the full capabilities of the 5G vision are to be delivered," said NGMN chairman Bruno Jacobfeuerborn, in a statement on Wednesday.
NGMN said the ITU should consider adopting wider channel bandwidths than are in use today in order to support the new data-intensive services that everyone expects 5G – referred to as IMT-2020 by the ITU – to deliver.
"Sufficient spectrum needs to be identified in a range of bands to support the range of capabilities that will be required for future 5G applications in a multi-operator environment," NGMN said, encouraging the ITU to focus on frequency bands ranging from 6 GHz-100 GHz.
"NGMN is committed to working with ITU members to complete the necessary studies to enable decisions to be taken on IMT above 6 GHz at WRC-19," NGMN said.
