Ofcom March 13 this year announced (opens in a new tab) availability of millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands for new mobile technologies such as 5G.
Ofcom has already auctioned off several 5G-friendly mobile bands between 700MHz and 3.8GHz for EE (BT), O2 (VMO2), Vodafone and Three UK. This is exactly the same band that mobile operators have been using since the advent of 3G and 4G mobile networks a few years ago.
The new mmWave spectrum could bring significant benefits as it allows for high-speed wireless data transfer and large data capacities. It can be used to improve UK mobile services and introduce innovative new services.
Fast data transfer
Of course, the higher the spectrum frequency that the operator has access to, the faster his data can be transmitted. The higher frequencies (26GHz and 40GHz) are particularly desirable as they allow data to be transmitted at very high speeds. Multi-gigabit performance is simpler, but signals may be weak or completely lost in a mobile environment.
Mobile data speed may be slow in places such as train stations, stadiums, and concerts with a large number of mobile users. Unfortunately, due to the high demands of these networks, the data transmission speed may be slower than usual.
The future mmWave spectrum could potentially support mobile services and innovative wireless applications that require large amounts of data or high speeds. Early indications suggest that this could include applications such as virtual reality, factory automation and intelligent transportation systems such as driverless cars.
We anticipate that new mmWave frequency applications will be concentrated in data-intensive areas such as cities. Ofcom will issue citywide licenses for this spectrum through an auction; more localized licenses will be allocated under Shared Access licensing schemes.
The company stated: “Currently, we are consulting proposals on the project of the auction of citywide licenses, the terms of municipal and local mmWave licenses, and how we will coordinate users of this spectrum. We are waiting for responses to the consultation by May 22, 2023.”
By: Telecommunication television (opens in a new tab)