Adapting the Regulation of Spectrum and Telecom Networks to 5G Technology-A Cross Country Analysis

Adapting the Regulation of Spectrum and Telecom Networks to 5G Technology-A Cross Country Analysis

연구 분야: Networking

학회: International Working Conference on Transfer and Diffusion of IT

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.