Abstract
The fifth generation of wireless mobile technology (5G) is under deployment, with new capabilities and systems of value generation in the market. New services, market paradigms and stakeholders in 5G will likely necessitate a review of regulation of spectrum, telecom networks and infrastructure. Through an in-depth cross-country case study, this paper examines the regulation of telecom resources in 4 administrations that have successfully deployed 5G technology. Archival and current documentary data and information from subject-matter experts is analysed through thematic content analysis with three-tier coding, classification and thematization.
The paper finds that successful roll-out of 5G is concomitant with strong signalling by telecom administrations of intent to support 5G through a clear policy and road map for spectrum availability, holding spectrum auctions, keeping spectrum prices reasonable, and moderating the terms of spectrum licence, methodology of assignment and types of property rights created. Further, there is a policy thrust for local infrastructure access for small cells, infrastructure sharing and simpler Rights of Way administration.
There are few in-depth studies of different countries’ regulatory adaptation to 5G. The findings of this research are not exhaustive since 4 countries were studied. Nonetheless, they create a broad framework of themes and provide useful pointers to the common directions of 5G policy evolution, which could be a valuable guide to other countries embarking on 5G implementation.
A. Mitra-PhD Research Scholar.
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Notes
- 1.
Fifth Generation.
- 2.
A notable exception in this selection of countries is China. China is not being included in the study as, prima facie, it appeared that the Chinese model of telecom administration and regulation would not yield answers to the type of issues outlined in the hypotheses. This conclusion was arrived at based on responses of the Chinese telecom administrator to a CMS survey on 5G law and policies across the world. (https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-5g-regulation-and-law accessed on 2nd Oct 2021). CMS is an international law firm that offers legal and tax advisory services. CMS sought information on 5G deployments, conditions, and prices for award of spectrum licences, rules for spectrum sharing, long term spectrum plans, regulations for access to networks etc., in different countries. The replies furnished indicate that China’s system of award of licences and management of spectrum would render most of the issues of concern in this paper, not applicable in their jurisdiction. Hence, China is not included in the case study.
- 3.
US dollar per MHz per capita.
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Mitra, A. (2024). Adapting the Regulation of Spectrum and Telecom Networks to 5G Technology-A Cross Country Analysis. In: Sharma, S.K., Dwivedi, Y.K., Metri, B., Lal, B., Elbanna, A. (eds) Transfer, Diffusion and Adoption of Next-Generation Digital Technologies. TDIT 2023. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol 699. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-50204-0_10
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