Germany government has decided to release the entire 3.4 to 3.8 GHz band (C-Band) for 5G services in the country.
GSMA responding to the development said that some of the currently proposed conditions on the allocation of these frequencies may slow down Germany’s 5G future.
“Germany is demonstrating 5G leadership in the timely release of the C-Band spectrum, but risks undercutting its 5G future with unnecessary obligations,” said Mats Granryd, director general of GSMA.
GSMA has expressed its concerns about the proposed coverage obligations for the 3.6 GHz band.
“Although these frequencies can provide high capacity, they only cover a relatively small area and are not well suited to wide area coverage, unlike spectrum in lower bands. To provide extensive rural coverage of mobile services, a combination of frequencies will be essential,” GSMA said.
Coverage obligations should provide the possibility of using any – and all – spectrum at an operator’s disposal to achieve the ambitious coverage conditions and deliver the best quality of services for consumers and industry.
GSMA said the government should re-consider other conditions as well. The proposal, which includes potential roaming and wholesale obligations attached to the 3.4 to 3.7 GHz band, is a reversal of Bundesnetzagentur’s recent position, and introduces a critical level of uncertainty for operators investing in 5G networks in Germany.
Bundesnetzagentur is also urged to consider the implication that high reserve prices and fees will have on the market.
GSMA said reserve prices for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction in Germany should be set at a minimal level.
