The deployment of 5G technology has faced challenges and shortcomings, but a new report commissioned by CTIA, the wireless industry association, highlights the economic potential of allocating harmonized mid-band spectrum for 5G in the US. The study reveals that this action could unlock approximately $200 billion for the US economy over the next 10 years [c9cd82f5].
The report emphasizes that the US has less mid-band 5G spectrum available compared to its international peers, including China. It also points out that there are no plans to free up additional 5G spectrum in the near term. To address this, CTIA urges US regulators to focus on freeing up mid-band spectrum for licensed 5G use, which would fuel various use cases and contribute to economic growth and innovation in the wireless industry [c9cd82f5].
The study highlights the importance of spectrum harmonization in achieving economies of scale and fueling growth and innovation in the wireless industry. It calls for swift action to position the US at the forefront of wireless innovation and maintain its wireless leadership achieved in 4G and early 5G rollout. The report identifies the lower 3 GHz band and the 7/8 GHz band as two key bands for future mobile use. CTIA calls for the US to take action in freeing up these bands to support the development of 5G technology and maintain its global competitiveness [c9cd82f5].
In a recent article published on International Policy Digest, Aviv Nathanael Phipps discusses the importance of securing radio frequencies, also known as spectrum, for economic growth and national security. Phipps highlights the need for the private sector to innovate in telecommunications, particularly in moving towards 5G and beyond. The US is currently falling behind China and other nations in spectrum innovation due to poor policy governing the allocation of frequencies. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has lost its ability to auction new private use of spectrum, posing a threat to national security. The US ranks 13th out of 15 countries in the amount of spectrum allocated to commercial wireless in the lower mid-band range. Legislation has been proposed to increase mid-band use for commercial enterprise and restore the FCC's right to auction spectrum licenses. The Biden administration has been criticized for inaction in expanding spectrum and has released reports without a clear plan of action. Immediate reinstatement of the FCC's ability to auction licenses and allocation of mid-band frequencies for private use are necessary to ensure spectrum innovation and prevent national security weaknesses [4c33d10e].
The article emphasizes the importance of a clear plan of action to address the spectrum allocation and innovation challenges faced by the US. It highlights the need for the private sector to drive innovation in telecommunications, particularly in the transition to 5G and beyond. The US is currently lagging behind China and other countries in spectrum innovation due to inadequate policies governing frequency allocation. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has lost its ability to auction new private spectrum licenses, which poses a threat to national security. The US ranks 13th out of 15 countries in terms of spectrum allocated to commercial wireless in the lower mid-band range. Legislation has been proposed to increase the use of mid-band spectrum for commercial purposes and restore the FCC's authority to auction spectrum licenses. The Biden administration has been criticized for its lack of action in expanding spectrum and releasing reports without a clear plan. The immediate restoration of the FCC's auctioning authority and the allocation of mid-band frequencies for private use are crucial to ensure spectrum innovation and address national security vulnerabilities [4c33d10e].
The United States is at risk of falling behind in the global 5G market due to gridlock in spectrum allocations. While the US has done well in allocating low- and high-frequency bands for 5G, it has lagged behind in mid-band spectrum allocation, which is the band that the rest of the world is choosing. This misstep could result in the US losing its technological leadership and economic advantage in the digital economy. The decision to take a different path for spectrum allocation is a gamble to see if other US tech strengths can compensate for the misstep. The US is also facing competition from China, particularly in the 5G infrastructure market. The US needs to reallocate spectrum for commercial use now to remain competitive, while also preparing for future spectrum sharing. The Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2024 calls for the identification and reallocation of federal spectrum for non-federal use, with leading companies committing to support an expanded research initiative for dynamic spectrum sharing. The US must act quickly to seize the 5G opportunity and avoid falling behind in the digital infrastructure race [837dcbc0].