5G implementation fails without spectrum allocation.
Shane Tews 23 (Senior Fellow at American Enterprise Institute, 7/12/23, “The Crucial Role of Mid-Band Spectrum for 5G and 6G Networks,” https://www.aei.org/technology-and-innovation/the-crucial-role-of-mid-band-spectrum-for-5g-and-6g-networks/, dhiya)
The Brattle Group’s report finds that “the US needs 400 megahertz of full power, licensed spectrum in the next five years to meet projected demand.” This disparity in the allocation of spectrum between licensed and unlicensed usage in the US is creating a lag in the planning for the timely availability of spectrum needed to power mobile services. The US government has assigned seven times more spectrum for Wi-Fi and unlicensed applications compared to supporting commercial networks. Additionally, if the US lags behind China in deploying advanced wireless networks and devices, there will be substantial economic ramifications.
Failing to rectify the current spectrum imbalance could have far-reaching implications for national security. As Clete Johnson from the Center for Strategic and International Studies notes in the first of a series of papers focusing on 5G and security, this disparity raises long-term concerns regarding capacity for data gathering and other national security and economic implications. The situation also warrants an examination of the consequences associated with China’s adoption of the 6 gigahertz spectrum for their mid-band needs.
US agencies should therefore prioritize the allocation of full power, licensed spectrum for 5G and 6G networks while also instating innovative approaches facilitating coexistence between incumbents and new market entrants within occupied spectrum bands. By fostering collaboration and finding common ground, we can ensure the successful development and deployment of future wireless technologies.