A report from ABI research indicates that licensed, unlicensed, and shared spectrum spanning sub-1 GHz to 100 GHz radio frequencies will be required to support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC) 5G services.

These services are built on the three main categories of 5G services - enhanced mobile broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps for all users, ultra-low latency and reliability, and massive machine type communications for internet-connected devices. Currently, bandwidth is limited by the availability of spectrum and the laws of physics, which are complicating 5G technologies such as beamforming and millimeter wave communications.

With global mobile dat traffic projected to grow from 306,000 Petabytes to 1.5 million Petabytes in the next four years, sufficient spectrum will be mandatory. The telecom industry can address this demand by using new millimeter wave frequencies or maximizing the efficiency of frequency bands currently in use. The latter may result in dynamic capacity trading in which wireless broadband becomes a commodity, although no current marketplace exists.

“As spectrum becomes an increasingly more valuable asset, spectrum trading will become more relevant, which will result in a more efficient outcome where the cumulative spectrum supply is higher,” says Emanuel Kolta, Senior Analyst at ABI Research.

As mobile service providers currently purchase dedicated spectrum for periods of five to twenty years, regulators will need to assist vertical industries such as automotive and manufacturing access this spectrum

“To achieve the full scale of benefits and a leading position in the 5G race, governments and regulators have to support and stimulate mobile network operators with a huge amount of continuous 5G spectrum. The FCC and Ofcom in the UK are beginning to allocate said spectrum for vertical industries, and may provide an example for other regulatory bodies in the future.

For more on ABI’s findings, access an overview of “Making Spectrum Fit for 5G Services & Competition” application analysis report here: www.abiresearch.com/market-research/product/1033842-making-spectrum-fit-for-5g-services-and-co/.