5G: Understanding frequency bandsPrivate Networks

INTRODUCTION

I’ve been invited to participate in a roundtable discussion on Private Networks next month, and as part of my preparation, I’ve been reviewing the potential uses of different frequency bands. I recently came across GSA’s report on the current state of 5G Standalone (September 2024) (https://gsacom.com/paper/5g-standalone-september-2024/), which offers valuable insights into global 5G deployment.

To aid my preparation, I’ve created a table that highlights the most relevant Sub-6 GHz bands for 5G, such as N3, N5, N2, and others. Many of these bands have been repurposed from 4G LTE and even 3G, facilitating easier 5G deployment across various regions.

There are many more, a quick summary could be found in Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5G_NR_frequency_bands), and for sure details in standardisation bodies,  but let me do a breakdown of the most relevant bands:

1. Low Bands (< 1 GHz):
   1. N5, N8, N12, N28, N71: These low-frequency bands are mainly reused from 4G or 3G. Their main advantage is their wide coverage and excellent indoor penetration, making them ideal for providing connectivity in rural areas or inside buildings.
   1. Coverage: High.
   1. Speed: Low compared to higher frequencies.

In summary this bands offer large geographical coverage but lower speeds.

• Mid Bands (1 GHz – 3 GHz):
  • N1, N2, N3, N7, N40, N41: Frequencies in this range are mostly reused from 4G LTE and offer a good balance between speed and coverage. They are suitable for suburban and dense urban areas where higher network capacity is needed without sacrificing coverage.
  • Coverage: Medium.
  • Speed: Medium to High.

Then these bands provide a good balance between speed and coverage, reusing LTE frequencies for a smoother transition to 5G.

• High Bands (> 3 GHz):
  • N77, N78, N79: These bands are key for pure 5G (SA) and are known as the C-Band (particularly N77 and N78). They are characterized by providing high data speeds with medium coverage. They are primarily used in dense urban areas or suburban environments where greater network capacity is required to support high-demand applications like 4K streaming, cloud gaming, and augmented reality.
  • Coverage: Medium to Low.
  • Speed: Very high.

Focus on high capacity and speed, although they sacrifice some coverage, especially in denser user areas.

1. Regional Use and Deployment:
2. Europe: Uses frequencies like N78, N1, N3, and N20 for 5G deployment. The N28 band is used for rural coverage.
3. North America: Utilizes N41 (Sprint/T-Mobile), N71, and frequencies like N2 and N5 for extended coverage. N77 and N78 bands are also gaining popularity.
4. Asia: Regions like China and South Korea are using N78 and N79 for high speeds, along with N1 and N3 for greater coverage.

After that introduction lets concentrate in Private Networks, that was the original aim, and for obvious reasons (main influence area for Telecom Trust Consulting) concentrated in European (and mainly mediterranean countries) what we find is that most of European countries are focusing on the 3.4-3.8 GHz band (N77/N78) for private 5G networks, offering licenses to enterprises for local deployments.

These networks are typically used in industrial environments, smart manufacturing, ports, and logistics hubs, where secure and high-speed connectivity is critical.

And how Private 5G Network Spectrum has been allocated by Country (as per national regulators)

1. Spain

• 3.5 GHz (N77/N78): Spain has allowed parts of the 3.5 GHz band to be used for private 5G networks, especially in industrial settings such as factories, ports, and campuses. Enterprises can apply for local or regional licenses in this band for private deployments.

(https://www.cnmc.es/expedientes/ipncnmc03921)

• 26 GHz (N258): Spain has also allocated part of the 26 GHz band for private 5G or local networks in high-demand areas like industrial hubs or smart cities, although deployment is still in its early stages.

(https://www.cnmc.es/expedientes/ipncnmc00723)

2. Italy

• 3.7 GHz (N77/N78): Italy has allocated a portion of the 3.7 GHz band specifically for private 5G networks in industry, agriculture, and manufacturing. This allows businesses to deploy their own 5G networks without relying on public operators. Companies can acquire licenses to operate in this band for local networks.

https://www.agcom.it/sites/default/files/migration/attachment/Allegato%207-8-2018.pdf

• 26 GHz (N258): Similar to other countries, Italy has designated part of the 26 GHz band for private industrial networks to support high-capacity applications, though its use is still under development.
• France

https://www.arcep.fr/la-regulation/grands-dossiers-reseaux-mobiles/la-5g/attribution-des-frequences-en-metropole.html

https://www.anfr.fr/en/about-the-anfr/what-is-the-frequency-spectrum

• 3.8 – 4.2 GHz: In France, the ARCEP regulator has opened a portion of the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz spectrum specifically for private networks. This allows enterprises, industries, and public institutions to apply for local licenses for private 5G deployments, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.

https://www.arcep.fr/fileadmin/cru-1714402758/user_upload/grands_dossiers/5G/dossier-de-presse-5G_28092020.pdf

• 26 GHz (N258): France has not yet actively allocated the 26 GHz spectrum for private use, but it is expected to be available in the future for private 5G mmWave applications in dense urban areas and industrial zones.

4. Portugal

• 3.4-3.8 GHz (N77/N78): Portugal has allocated parts of the 3.4-3.8 GHz band for private networks, which can be used by enterprises for local deployments. This is particularly relevant for industrial hubs, ports, and campuses, where high-speed and secure connectivity is required for IoT and automation.
• 26 GHz (N258): While not fully commercialized, the 26 GHz band is expected to be available for private 5G networks in Portugal, aimed at industries requiring high-speed, low-latency connectivity.

5. Greece

• 3.4-3.8 GHz (N78): Greece has allocated part of the 3.4-3.8 GHz spectrum for private 5G networks. This is mainly for industries such as shipping, manufacturing, and logistics, where localized high-speed connectivity is necessary.
• 26 GHz (N258): Similar to other European countries, Greece has set aside part of the 26 GHz band for future private 5G deployments, but commercial use is still limited at this stage.

Summary of Private 5G Network Spectrum by Country: