DT declares 6 GHz ‘ideal’ for 5G
Deutsche Telekom is pushing for using 6 GHz spectrum for cellular communications and has simply accomplished a trial that exhibits the band might carry out effectively in city environments.
The German incumbent hopes that its checks will assist to tell the decision-making on the subsequent ITU World Radiocommunications Convention, which can happen in 12 months time.
The telco examined 6 GHz spectrum underneath actual circumstances in Bonn, Germany, in a variety of totally different eventualities. It summed up the ends in a single sentence. “The frequencies, that are very excessive in comparison with present bands, are perfect for cell phone use,” it stated, in a German language assertion.
In future the 6 GHz band might considerably improve the bandwidth and information pace for 5G cellular communications, it added. It additionally famous {that a} massive benefit of the spectrum is that current radio masts can simply be expanded with 6 GHz frequencies as a part of a traditional community modernisation plan.
Certainly, Deutsche Telekom used a trial licence issued by regulatory physique the Bundesnetzagentur, or the Federal Community Company, to hold out its checks. It added a 6 GHz antenna to a web site on the roof of its Bonn HQ and used a specially-configured laptop as an finish system, on condition that there are as but no smartphones that may function at 6 GHz.
It examined three eventualities: the efficiency of the frequencies at a distance of 100 metres; at a distance of a number of hundred metres; and in-building. As one would possibly count on, the perfect outcomes got here in space closest to the antenna, however the telco notes that in all three eventualities it measured speeds of 1 Gbps or extra.
If in future the 6 GHz band was to be mixed with present 5G frequencies at 3.6 GHz, then transmission speeds of in extra of two Gbps could be potential with 5G, the operator stated.
Because the checks verify, increased frequency spectrum is especially helpful for added bandwidth in city environments, given the space limitations. Up to now, the 6 GHz band has been used for radio relay transmissions cell phone masts, however on condition that these areas can be virtually totally connected with fibre within the subsequent few years, the band can be freed up for potential cell phone use.
Ought to the cellular trade get entry to the airwaves, in fact.
6 GHz can be one in every of a variety of spectrum bands mentioned at WRC-23 for utilization by the cellular trade. The convention kicks off within the United Arab Emirates on 20 November 2023, and the which suggests the subsequent yr can be a vital time for numerous stakeholders to hunt to attract consideration to their very own spectrum agendas.
The GSMA is of course a key trade voice right here, and earlier this yr revealed its personal report on using 6 GHz for 5G. The trade physique is all in favour, in fact, and is clamouring for an enormous chunk of spectrum to be licensed for cellular operator use, somewhat than leaving the entire band unlicensed. It’s calling on nationwide regulators to allocate someplace between 700 MHz and 1200 MHz of 6 GHz frequencies for 5G use.
Germany’s Bundesnetzagentur appears to be on board.
“The findings of this mission will assist us to make sure that we make the appropriate determination for the upcoming convention in 2023 and past to produce Germany with broadband companies,” stated the regulator’s spectrum head, in a press release accompanying the Deutsche Telekom announcement.
Particularly, the Bundesnetzagentur is eager to speak about using a 700 MHz frequency block on the high finish of the 6 GHz band – 6425 MHz-7125 MHz, to be precise – for cellular broadband, with a view to these frequencies getting used from 2025, or probably later.
Probably we’ll hear lots extra on this topic from different telcos, regulators and trade voices between now and subsequent November…and past.
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