New Report Finds Wide Disparity in APAC 5G Readiness, With Spectrum Planning 
And Management Key To Success

A new analysis of 5G across the Asia Pacific (APAC), published today by the 
GSMA, has revealed wide disparities in 5G readiness across the region. The 
report found that a planned approach to spectrum availability and management 
are key differentiators for the successful roll-out of high-speed 5G services 
between competing APAC economies, especially in 700MHz and mid-bands.

The GSMA's 'Roadmaps for awarding 5G spectrum in the APAC Region' provides 
market analysis and a guide for 5G development in countries across the Asia 
Pacific. It outlines the steps governments and regulators should take to enable 
efficient and effective availability of spectrum. To reap the benefits of 
ultra-fast 5G networks, an average of 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum alone is 
predicted to be required in the 2025-2030 timeframe, but in many cases, the 
current path to meeting such spectrum demand is unclear.

The APAC region has been a leader in 5G deployment; Korea and Japan were among 
the first in the world to test and launch commercial networks. However, in 
other parts of APAC, 5G preparedness varies hugely and countries are faced with 
a number of issues including a lack of spectrum availability, especially in the 
sub-1 GHz range, and cross-border coordination. In some cases, 5G spectrum is 
yet to be awarded.

Different demographics and economies across the diverse region mean that 
countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand and 
Vietnam will require enhanced or bespoke roadmaps. Meanwhile, India is moving 
ahead with a robust consultation programme as it develops its plans for 
affordable connectivity.

"The most successful countries are those with a defined plan for 5G deployment. 
Across APAC, we see a wide disparity in countries' readiness for 5G, and the 
key differentiator is spectrum management. This report will help governments 
and regulators in countries across the Asia Pacific to enable 5G in the most 
efficient way possible," said the GSMA's Head of Spectrum, Luciana Camargos.

5G roadmap recommendations

5G roadmaps outline the necessary steps, including identification and clearance 
of spectrum; technology definitions and restrictions; spectrum valuation (an 
important roadmap element), and award design.

Click here [ 
https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/resources/5g-spectrum-in-the-apac-region-roadmaps-for-success/] 
to download 'Roadmaps for awarding 5G spectrum in the APAC Region' from the 
GSMA.

To find out more, click here [ 
https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gsma.com%2Fnewsroom%2F%3Fp%3D18863%26preview%3Dtrue&data=05%7C01%7Cratherley%40gsma.com%7Cebeeaff7e9b042667a9808da243ab567%7C72a4ff82fec3469daafbac8276216699%7C0%7C0%7C637862132664738954%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bzmc9sDvJiD2dZd9V8g0G459gDPlv2Ndj0ZvJZmrZUQ%3D&reserved=0]. 


SOURCE: GSMA