How much spectrum is available for non-public 5G applications for different use cases depends on the applicable regulations in each country. It can also be available in different forms:
• Spectrum via operators
• Non-public (private) spectrum via regulators
• Shared spectrum access licenses (such as CBRS in the USA)
It may also not be available at all.
For more information on public and non-public networks, see the topic “5G NPN Deployment Options” .
When deploying a 5G network, an industrial end user will often want to have a specific quality of service. They might also want to be the spectrum owner instead of depending on an operator; in some countries, this is possible by applying for spectrum within a specified geographical area.
In other countries, spectrum is only available via a mobile network operator (MNO) with which the end user must conclude an agreement in order to obtain access. The operator may choose to do this for economic reasons; it is also possible that their license requires them to lease operator spectrum to industrial players under certain conditions.
The main options for obtaining spectrum are, depending on national regulations in each case:
1. Obtaining allocated non-public spectrum from a state regulator (this is the case in Germany, for example)
• The price of spectrum is usually set by applying a formula, so industrial players already know how much it will cost when applying.
2. Spectrum leased from an operator on a financially attractive basis, if regulations allow for this. Potentially with different agreements:
• Only spectrum is leased; the industrial player can choose how to implement the network.
• The operator leases out spectrum and also provides the network.
3. The terms of operators’ licenses require them to lease spectrum to industrial players under certain conditions (examples: Czech Republic and Denmark).
4. Sharing solution: two players obtain the same spectrum from the regulator but with stipulations such as use being restricted to a particular geographical area or only indoor use (for example in Japan, where spectrum is shared with satellites)
5. Sharing solution: for example CBRS in the USA, which allows industrial players to use spectrum allotted by a database without a specific license with general authorized access (GAA), or priority access license (PAL) holders to obtain a sublease. GAA doesn’t grant exclusivity, making the holder reliant on low usage by others, for example on its own premises. A PAL grants exclusivity within the area but requires an agreement with the PAL owner.
6. Secondary license (for example in Brazil): one player obtains a national license, while another gets a license from the national regulator for a specific geographical area on top of the national license.
In all cases where it is possible to obtain spectrum, via either a license or leasing, there is a choice of having one’s own network or using a third-party network. For option 2 above, the spectrum is usually accompanied by an offer by the operator to deploy the network. The chart in Figure 1 below shows the possibilities.
An industrial player naturally needs to investigate the regulations in each country: primarily to learn about the available spectrum options, but also to learn about the rules specific to that country, since there can be differences in terms of frequency ranges, bandwidth, indoor/outdoor, license/lease duration, and power constraints. For more information on various national and regional regulations, please see the topic “National and Regional Regulations” {link to “National and Regional Regulations” here}. 5G-ACIA also operates a database on non-public (private) and public spectrum in around 40 countries that members may access.
