British telecom regulator Ofcom has sought mobile industry’s views on the use of 5G spectrum bands — spectrum above 6 GHz — in the U.K.

The closing date for responses is 27 February 2015.

5G network is expected to be capable of delivering fast data speeds — perhaps 10 to 50 Gbit/s — compared with today’s average 4G download speed of 15 Mbit/s.

5G services, which will be a reality by 2020, will use large blocks of spectrum to achieve the fastest speeds, which are difficult to find at lower frequencies. Higher frequency bands, above 6 GHz, for example, will be important, said Ofcom.

Spectrum above 6 GHz supports various uses, from scientific research to satellite broadcasting and weather monitoring.

Steve Unger, Ofcom Acting Chief Executive, said: “We want the UK to be a leader in the next generation of wireless communications. 5G must deliver a further step change in the capacity of wireless networks, over and above that currently being delivered by 4G.”

Philip Marnick, Ofcom Spectrum Group Director, said: “We want to explore how high frequency spectrum could potentially offer significant capacity for extremely fast 5G mobile data. This could pave the way for innovative new mobile services for UK consumers and businesses.”

Baburajan K
[email protected]