Ofcom looking at frequency bands above 6GHz.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: Ofcom has opened up consultation on the topic of 5G mobile networks.
Just as many consumers are getting themselves acclimated to 4G speeds, the British regulatory authority that oversees broadcasting, telecommunications and postal industries is seeking input from a variety of stakeholders in the telecom industry to determine how the technology will work and how it will be delivered.
5G mobile networks are expected to be capable of achieving incredibly quick data speeds, with Ofcom predicting download capabilities between 10Gbps and 50Gbps. While the potential for 5G speeds dwarves that of 4G — which currently stands at 15Mbps — implementing 5G networks isn’t solely about blistering bandwidth, but also about finding the most efficient way to accommodate rapidly rising mobile traffic around the globe.
In the consultation, Ofcom states it is looking to access frequency bands above 6GHz, which could be used for applications such as stock trading, gaming, and even holographic projections.
In a self-published release, Ofcom notes that 5G is likely to utilize large blocks of the mobile spectrum that are difficult to harness at lower frequencies, therefore higher frequency bands at 6gHz and above “will be important.”
The timeframe for 5G implementation is uncertain, but Ofcom is hopeful of having the technology ready by 2020.
Steve Unger, Ofcom’s Acting Chief Executive, said: “5G must deliver a further step change in the capacity of wireless networks, over and above that currently being delivered by 4G. No network has infinite capacity, but we need to move closer to the ideal of there always being sufficient capacity to meet consumers’ needs.”