Regulator looks to open up 5G spectrum during 2019 and 2020.
Hong Kong’s Communications Authority announced plans to open up new spectrum for “5G” services in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands in 2019, and in the 3.4 GHz to 3.7 GHz bands in 2020.
CA said it will unleash 4.1 gigahertz of millimeter wave spectrum in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands, with the first batch of spectrum to support 5G services in Hong Kong. CA said it will invite industry players to express their interest in using the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands for public mobile services before the end of 2017.
The regulator said it will also launch a public consultation in the second half of the year on the 3.4 GHz to 3.7 GHz bands, which is currently assigned for fixed satellite services, with a view to re-allocating them for mobile services in 2020. In addition, CA is looking to assign spectrum in the 700 MHz band for mobile services following plans to turn off terrestrial analog TV services.
“The CA will continue to look for suitable spectrum for releasing to the market in a timely manner to support the continued developments of the mobile industry,” a spokesperson said. “The CA will consider and decide on the most suitable arrangements in releasing the spectrum to the market.”
Hong Kong’s largest telecoms operator HKT said the government’s move will have a positive impact in the local mobile market. “We think that it is positive the government has listened to our concerns and is now moving in the right direction,” the company said in a statement.
Last month, the operator said Hong Kong was falling behind in 5G development due to the lack of spectrum policy by the local regulator.
“The government must publish as soon as possible a clear roadmap for the release of the bands for the mobile service operators and other industry parties,” HKT said. “The Office of the Communications Authority needs to move much faster so that Hong Kong can catch up and claim a leadership position again.”
