Innovative 5G services will generate $212bn of economic expansion – 0.8 per cent of GDP growth – in APAC by 2034, according to a report released by the GSMA. This huge opportunity for the region’s digital economy depends on the availability of necessary radio frequencies, including those known as ‘millimetre wave’ frequencies that will deliver ultra-high capacity and ultra-high-speed services. However, efforts by the space sector to unreasonably constrain the use of these critical frequencies has 5G’s future hanging in the balance.
5G mmWave spectrum will be identified at an international treaty conference called the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19), which will take place in Egypt from 28 October to 22 November 2019. 3000 delegates from over 190 nations will meet to agree on how spectrum may be used. European countries are determined to limit the use of this spectrum due to unfounded claims of potential interference with some space services. Technical studies, supported by Africa, the Americas and the Middle East, have demonstrated that 5G can co-exist safely and efficiently alongside weather-sensing services, commercial satellite services and others. These were conducted by the ITU, a UN agency. APAC’s support for this group will create a huge boost to 5G in the region and create economies of scale that will be enjoyed globally.
mmWave 5G is expected to improve the region’s connectivity, especially considering its rapid urbanisation. It can provide fibre-like speeds without the high deployment costs of fixed infrastructure, enabling urban populations to connect to data-intensive 5G applications in smarter city environments. These applications can support the delivery of enhanced public services, including better healthcare systems and more intelligent traffic systems.
Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pasific, GSMA
As operators in the region continue to expand 4G connections, their governments can lay the foundation for their 5G future by identifying the needed spectrum at WRC-19.
