ANACOM launches public consultation on the use of the 26 GHz band for the development of 5G

ANACOM has decided to sound out the market to assess the interest in making spectrum available in the 26 GHz band, one of the pioneer/priority bands for the development of 5G, particularly as it allows for a more limited coverage compared to the other frequency bands (700 MHz and 3.6 GHz), but with ultra-high capacity, enabling new business models and sectors of the economy to benefit from 5G.

In fact, for the purpose of 5G development, the following frequency bands with different characteristics and allowing the provision of services and applications of varied natures have been identified at European level:

• 700 MHz band: allows for wider geographical coverage, but for lower speeds compared to the 3.6 GHz frequency band;
• 3.6 GHz band: due to the larger amount of available spectrum, it allows for increased capacity and data transmission speed. However, it has a lower geographical coverage compared to the 700 MHz band.
• 26 GHz band: this is the first band that Europe has identified above 6 GHz for the development of 5G. As it has a smaller geographical coverage than the other frequency bands, but a much higher data transmission capacity, it may be used in specific and targeted locations.

Thus, depending on the spectrum available in a given frequency band and frequencies concerned themselves, there will be bands more suited to providing coverage, others to providing capacity and others suitable for a mix of coverage and capacity.

The 26 GHz frequency band has been considered at European and international level for use by 5G, as it provides high capacity for the provision of innovative broadband wireless electronic communications services based on 200 MHz small cells and blocks. This band could therefore be used to complement mobile networks in operation, to provide high capacity in small area locations, but also for the so-called “verticals” (companies, industries and public organisations operating in a particular sector) that, by using it, can enjoy high capacity networks in specific locations (such as ports, factories, etc.) without having to rely on services provided by mobile operators.

In these terms, having concluded the auction of 5G and other relevant bands (700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz and 3.6 GHz), ANACOM now intends to consult the market once again on the interest in the 26 GHz band, as well as the conditions of access and use of that spectrum, and the applicable schedule, among other aspects.

It should be recalled that earlier, by decision dated 1 March 2018, ANACOM consulted the market on the provision of the 700 MHz frequency band and other relevant bands, in the context of which some stakeholders also expressed their views on the 26 GHz frequency band. ANACOM noted at the time that there was a relevant market interest in this band, with a view to the future implementation of 5G, although such interest did not seem to be supported by a clear perspective on the short-term utility of this band and how it should be made available by the Regulatory Authority.

Six European countries have already made spectrum available in the 26 GHz band by means of an auction: Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Italy and Slovenia. A further two countries have made spectrum available on a “first come, first served” basis: Germany and the United Kingdom.

Annex 1 presents a summary table of the experiences of these six countries.

In this context, in the decision adopted on 10 December 2021, ANACOM set 31 January 2022 as the deadline for the consultation. Interested parties should send their contributions in writing, in Portuguese, preferably by email to CP26GHz@anacom.ptmailto:CP26GHz@anacom.pt, without prejudice to the possibility of delivering or posting comments to ANACOM’s headquarters, located at Avenida José Malhoa, No 12, 1099-017 Lisbon.

Annex 1

Summary table of the experiences of countries that have already made spectrum available in the 26 GHz band

Consult:

• Provision of spectrum in the 26 GHz frequency band https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=1712955

• Consultation on the availability of spectrum in the 26 GHz frequency band https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=1726689