How to approach 5G policies “ 5G will bring high capacity, low response time (latency) and high number of connected devices. ” Based on international agreements, 5G will enjoy a far more generous spectrum allocation than the previous generations (see Fig. 4). While 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G essentially operated in the sub 3GHz spectrum range, 5G will potentially enjoy frequencies up to 100GHz. While 5G can operate and it has already been tested on the already allocated frequencies for 2-4G, the following frequencies are due to be used specifically for 5G, and hence they are also most crucial for trials and commercial deployments: 1. The 700 MHz band is well suited for providing mobile coverage over wide areas and indoors. However, in some countries it is being used for signal transmission of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and for wireless microphones in the entertainment industry. In such cases certain ‘clearance’ of this spectrum band is necessary. 2. The 3.4-3.8 GHz band is particularly suitable for the provision of mobile data services with high capacity requirement in densely populated areas and indoors. Some countries already use parts of this spectrum for fixed links and satellite. 3. The 24GHz band and above, up to 100MHz, also called millimetre waves, is suitable for very high capacity for short range transmission. This band can be used for example in automation of industrial production or as a replacement of fibre installations between homes and nearby street antennas. Fig. 4 | Spectrum allocated to 5G 6 GHz 5G proposed 24 GHz 4G 100 GHz 5GmmWave (e.g. 24.25–27.5 GHz, 27,5–29,5 GHz) Source: Digiteccs Associates, industry sources 5G also offers fundamental technology innovations compared to 4G, which include: Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology improves spectral efficiency. Massive MIMO uses a large number of service antennas. A base station can hence communicate simultaneously with multiple pieces of user equipment on the same frequencies. Beamforming is a technique that focuses a wireless signal towards a specific receiving device, rather than having the signal spread in all directions from a broadcast antenna as it normally would. The resulting more direct connection is faster and more reliable than it would otherwise be. Beamforming also helps to reduce interference. Network slicing is a concept that derives from the virtualization of network functions. The same network hardware can be used to meet different network needs. Edge computing is not directly linked to 5G, but its spread is likely to coincide with the 5G rollout. It is about collecting data for example via consumer devices and sensors, processing and using them near the location where the data was collected. This reduces the need to send data over long distances, which improves latency and optimizes bandwidth consumption. About 5G 17