Nearly 400 operators are known to have launched LTE or 5G networks using low-band spectrum.
LONDON, UK, MAY 12th, 2021 – The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) today announced that 515 operators in 173 countries hold licences enabling launch of LTE or 5G using low-band spectrum and that nearly 400 operators are known to have launched LTE or 5G networks using low-band spectrum.
In its brand new Low-Band Spectrum for LTE and 5G Report, GSA reports that not only are there now over 15,000 LTE devices are capable of supporting low bands according to its database GAMBoD, but also that out of 316 announced 5G devices supporting low-band spectrum bands for NR, 219 are already commercially available.
This latest GSA report also discloses that 37 countries/territories have announced formal (date-specified) plans for allocating 5G-suitable low-band frequencies between now and 2022 (including technology-neutral licences or licences for mobile broadband services). As a result, GSA foresees an increase in the number of auctions of low-band spectrum in the coming years, as well as 5G NR deployments using already assigned spectrum licences.
The Low-Band Spectrum for LTE and 5G Report (April 2021) can be downloaded here: https://gsacom.com/paper/low-band-spectrum-for-lte-and-5g-may-2021/ (registration required)
“Low-band spectrum is very important for expanding network coverage especially in suburban/rural deployment scenarios, ensuring service continuity across different geographies, enhancing service quality in indoor environments and helping to close the digital divide,” commented Joe Barrett, President of the Global mobile Suppliers Association. “Mobile operators are demanding low-band spectrum, and some specific bands like 410–430 MHz, 450 MHz or 900 MHz also play an important role in specific industries for the creation of private networks. For these reasons, GSA foresees an increase in the number of auctions of low-band spectrum in the coming years, as well as 5G NR deployments using already assigned spectrum licences.”
This new report includes market insight and statistics on the use of low-band spectrum for LTE and 5G, recent spectrum assignments by country, future licensing plans by country/territory and a calendar of planned low-band LTE and 5G auction, together with information on LTE and 5G device support for low-band frequencies.
More detailed data on device support can also be found in the latest 5G Devices report, available here: https://gsacom.com/paper/5g-devices-may-2021-executive-summary/.
About GSA
GSA is the voice of the global mobile ecosystem representing companies engaged in the supply of infrastructure, semiconductors, test equipment, devices, applications and mobile support services. The organisation plays a central role in promoting 3GPP technology, advocating spectrum policies and stimulating IMT industry development. The association is a single source of information for industry reports and market intelligence.
The GSA GAMBoD database is a unique search and analysis tool that has been developed to enable searches of LTE and 5G devices and new global data on Mobile Broadband Networks, Technologies and Spectrum (NTS). Results are presented as a list or in charts. Charts may be inserted into documents or presentations, subject to accreditation of GSA as the source.
GAMBoD is a resource dedicated to promoting the success and growth of the Mobile Broadband (MBB) industry and ecosystem and is fully available to all employees of GSA Executive and Ordinary Member companies and GSA Associates who subscribe to the service. More information on GAMBoD is available here: https://gsacom.com/gambod/
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