On July 7, a coalition of 20 Europe's biggest telecom Operators and major vendors in this space including Vodafone, Telenor, Ericsson, Orange, Nokia, BT, Ericsson, Telefonica, Deutsche Telekom, and Hutchison have jointly sent a 5G Manifesto, “5G Manifesto for timely deployment of 5G in Europe” to the European Commission(EC).
The proposal calls for the creation of a super-fund of €1bn to conduct large-scale 5G trials by 2017 which will then enable the launch of 5G in 28 cities across the EU by 2020
The 5G Manifesto outlines the main opportunities and challenges linked to the deployment of 5G infrastructure in Europe. In particular, it provides recommendations for a common vision and a calendar for deployment of investments, standards and the synchronised introduction of services in Europe. It underlines the need for spectrum and improved regulatory conditions in terms of local installation of cells, open internet rules which promote innovation, data protection and fair use.
The telecom companies propose a challenging calendar for the introduction of 5G networks across Europe. They commit to starting large-scale demonstrations by 2018 and launching 5G commercially in at least one city in each of the 28 Member States by 2020. The manifesto also underlines the importance of sectors such as automotive or media in the development and deployment of the 5G networks and the need to work together to create the 5G business models, services and products.
Some highlights of the manifesto include:
5G as key enabler for the digitalisation of the European economy
The Commission and Member States should promote the benefits of 5G networks to meet connectivity needs of vertical industries and public institutions.
Ecosystem-forming initiatives by industry players and the role of EU
The industry is committed to pan-European 5G trials in areas such as connective automotive; connected eHealth, transport and logistics, Public Safety, smart grids, smart cities, media and entertainment. In 2017, it will deliver a roadmap for trials and demonstrations will start in 2018. The industry calls on the Commission to use existing instruments such as EFSI and structural funds to create a €1 billion 5G venture fund to take equity stakes in European innovative startups aiming at developing 5G technologies and applications across verticals.
A 5G action plan unfolding in a Digital Single Market
The manifesto calls for timely identification and granting of spectrum for 5G including 700 MHz, 3.4-3.8GHz and higher frequency bands ( for 24 GHz and beyond) at the latest by 2020.
Investments at the centre of 5G Policy Framework
The manifesto calls on the Commission to adapt the regulatory environment, increasing emphasis on investment including R&D and for Member States to adapt local regulations to facilitate the construction of denser networks.
