The Global mobile Suppliers Association has formed a global spectrum group (GSG) with a view to taking a more active part in lobbying for spectrum for telcos.
Comprising Ericsson, Huawei, Intel, Nokia and Qualcomm, the group will operate in all telco markets and mirror the structure of the International Telecommunication Union, which decrees spectrum allocation to different industries through its World Radiocommunication Conferences.
Regional groups will be run by a rotating regional coordinator from the executive member companies. Lasse Wieweg, Director, Government and industry relations at Ericsson, will act as the global coordinator for the group.
Joe Barrett, President, GSA said: “The GSA Executive Committee recognise that spectrum discussions are of growing importance to the whole mobile industry, and indeed to broadband consumers. Harmonising the use of global and regional spectrum removes uncertainty and encourages growth while new spectrum needs to be identified to meet the anticipated future mobile broadband capacity demands for new 5G services and use cases. The GSG will do vital work leading up to WRC-19 and will comprise of some 45 spectrum and regulatory experts from our executive and member companies.”
As part of the GSA’s plans, the association will apply for membership of the ITU, as well as work with regional standards and regulatory bodies.
The GSMA hailed the outcome of last year’s WRC as a “major step forward” for the industry.
It was particularly pleased with the harmonisation of the C-band and freeing up of the L-band for operator use.