China, US, Canada to lead in 5G spectrum

A recent study by Strategy Analytics, “Radio Component Suppliers – 5G Frequency Bands, Operators and Regions: Mid-2020 Update,” provides details on operators’ spectrum allocated or planned for 5G in 69 countries, as well as upcoming auction conducted. So far, nine countries have allocated mmWave spectrum for 5G, and more than 41 countries plan to make more allocations in the coming years. The upcoming auction of 5G frequency bands provides OEMs, filter and RF (radio frequency) front-end component suppliers with an indication of the specifications and needs of future cellular phone and base station products.

Christopher Taylor, Director of the RF and Wireless components Service at Strategy Analytics and report author, said: “Stakeholder interest in mmWave capacity is increasing. If Canada allocates 28 GHz, 37 GHz, 39 GHz, 40 GHz and 60 GHz spectrum in 2022 , Canada will lead the world with 9,800 MHz of 5G mmWave spectrum. By contrast, we expect the more populous country, China, to allocate 8,250 MHz of 5G mmWave spectrum. The U.S. is the first country to adopt 5G mmWave, A total of 4950 MHz has been allocated.”

Stephen Entwistle, VP of Strategic Technologies at Strategy Analytics, added: “The report finds a surprising level of interest in low-frequency bands, especially around 700 MHz, due to the availability of coverage and penetration in these bands. More than 20 countries plan to Low frequency bands allocate new spectrum for 5G.”