By Onome Amuge
Researchers from Nokia Bell Labs and Ericsson have cited spectrum availability in the centimetric range of between 7GHz and 15GHz as essential for 6G to meet its potential for the next generation of network technology.
They made this known during the ongoing 6GSymposium themed, “beyond the hype”, at the 6G Innovation Centre in the UK.
Magnus Frodigh, vice president and head of Ericsson Research, in his remark , encouraged an industry-wide push to ensure regulators make the band for 6G available.
Frodigh described the asset as being essential and a key resource, though he conceded there were challenges as it is already in use.
Emphasising the potential spectrum resources expected to support the wide range of advanced applications which could be enabled by 6G, he noted there are also some specific scenarios where the centimetric range combined with sub-terahertz spectrum could be beneficial.
According to Frodigh, the latter band could deliver “extreme performance” for niche applications.
Matthew Baker, Nokia Bell Labs fellow, also shared a similar sentiment regarding the vital role of the 7GHz and 15GHz band, while citing the necessity for 6G to meet its potential.
Baker identified some of its benefits to include meeting the requirements to support advanced use cases along with improving the energy efficiency of network provision.
“If we’re going to deliver on the coverage and reliability (of 6G) we need to have the spectrum,” he said. He also pointed out that highlighting the range is something that needs to be focused on.
The three-day symposium comprises presentations and discussions from technology experts aiming at building consensus on key points, filling in the gaps between the vision and commercial services, and sharing cutting-edge national and international research.
In advance of the launch of the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) global 6G vision, the symposium is expected to build on the successful international collaboration that has established 5G, ensuring that the correct planning and foundations are put in place for 6G.
