Spectrum

Spectrum is the key asset for mobile operators. This chapter discusses the different spectrum options for 5G, their characteristics, and the expected spectrum for the early phase of 5G deployments. Millimeter wave spectrum above 20 GHz will be essential in 5G for providing the required increase in capacity and data rates for the future requirements. Spectrum at 3.3–5.0 GHz, also known as the C‐band, is the mainstream spectrum for 5G and provides a nice combination of high bandwidth, wide area coverage, and global availability. The low bands, especially sub‐1 GHz bands, are important for providing extensive 5G coverage. The unlicensed 5 GHz band offers a lot of spectrum even over 500 MHz, which is substantially more than any operator has in terms of licensed spectrum. 3GPP has defined frequency variants for all relevant bands where 5G likely will be deployed.