5G and Mobile Network Developments - Emerging Issues PDF

5G and mobile network
developments
Emerging issues
Occasional paper
FEBRUARY 2016
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Contents
Executive summary 1
Feedbacktell us what you think 2
Introduction 3
(R)evolution towards 5G 5
Evolution of mobile networks 5
Towards 5G 7
Demand for mobile services 9

Consumer demand drivers 9
Business demand drivers 12
Technological enablers for 5G 14

Technology developments and spectrum efficiency 14
Network infrastructure and topology 16
Spectrum 18
Other 5G technological enablers 19
Six 5G use cases 21
5G developments and existing regulatory arrangements 29

Infrastructure 29
Devices 30
Services/applications 31
Content 32
User experience 33
Conclusion 34
Glossary 35
acma | iii
Executive summary
Four years after the initial deployment of 4G networks in Australia, the mobile sector is
turning its attention to the specification and development of the next generation of
mobile broadband services: 5G or fifth generation mobile.
Australia has benefited from progressive investments and upgrades in mobile network
capabilities and service deployments. Successive generations of mobile technologies
have been deployed in Australia approximately every ten years. 5G represents the
next expected evolution in mobile technologies, with the first commercial deployments
in Australia expected from 2020.
There are two defining requirements for 5G that separate it from previous
developments. They are its near-zero latency and data rates of 110 Gbps.1
These two features support an anytime, anywhere, anyone and anything capability of
5G, which is expected to play a role in supporting a wider deployment of the Internet of
Things (IoT) in Australia.2
This paper uses the 5G characteristics identified in the GSM Association (GSMA)
Intelligences Understanding 5G: perspectives on future technological advancements
in mobile to assess consumer and industry demand, technology developments
enabling 5G and potential use cases. These technology characteristics are outlined
below.
Specific requirements for 5G (source: GSMA Intelligence)

Data rates 110 Gbps connection to end point in the field
Near zero latency: 1 millisecond end-to-end round trip
1,000 times more bandwidth per unit area
10 to 100 times more connected devices
Perception of 99.999 per cent availability and 100 per cent coverage
90 per cent reduction in network energy usage
Up to 10-year battery life for low power, machine-type devices.
The ACMAs current focus in this area, as outlined in its Corporate plan, is directed
towards facilitating access to public resources such as spectrum and telephone
numbers, as Australians move to adopt 4G and 5G technologies and make increased
use of mobile broadband, machine-to-machine communications and the IoT.3
1
GSMA Intelligence, Understanding 5G: perspectives on future technological advancements in mobile,
December 2014, page 6.
2
ACMA, The Internet of things and the ACMAs areas of focusEmerging issues in media and
communications, Occasional paper, November 2015, page 9.
3
ACMA, Corporate plan 2015-19, July 2015, page 5.
acma | 1
Enabling the next phase of mobile network development is likely to require the
regulators attention in a number of areas, including:
facilitation of access to mobile services by allocating resources necessary to allow
wireless networks to develop
supporting the international harmonisation of spectrum arrangements to provide
economies of scale for manufacturers and provide flow through benefits to
Australian consumers arising from lower device costs.
This report examines:

the ongoing development of mobile networks in Australia
expected consumer and business drivers of demand for the next generation of
mobile services
the technological developments that will underpin 5G network deployments
use cases that will require 5G in order to be deployed.
The paper also reflects on aspects of existing regulatory arrangements that enable or
potentially inhibit the further development and deployment of the next generation of
mobile services in Australia.
Feedbacktell us what you think

In this report, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) is
looking at the potential routes to 5G network deployment, and asking whether there
are any major impediments to the development of 5G networks in Australia. In
particular:
1. Are there any additional demand drivers supporting 5G network deployment in
Australia not identified in this paper?
2. Are there any additional significant enablers or major inhibitors to 5G network
deployment in Australia that are not identified in this paper?
3. Are there additional regulatory issues around 5G network deployment, relevant to
the ACMAs responsibilities, which are not discussed in this paper?
How to provide feedback

By emailplease email [email protected].
Onlineuse our new beta online consultation facility to provide comments and
answers to the questions above.
2 | acma
Introduction
Mobile networks, as well as the services and applications they support, have facilitated
substantial economic and social benefits for the Australian community. Mobile-based
services, including online banking, location services, news and entertainment and
social networks are supporting the everyday lives and activities of Australians. They
also provide a range of benefits for Australian businesses by improving productivity,
supporting flexibility and innovation, generating time savings and enhancing customer
reach and experience.
A recent ACMA-commissioned study found that mobile broadband increased

Australias economic growth rate by 0.28 per cent each year from 2007 to 2013. This
equates to an economic contribution of $33.8 billion by mobile broadband over this
period, primarily through productivity improvements.4
There is recognition across the international community that communications networks

support not only increases in productivity and efficiency, but also play an increasingly
key role in driving innovation and social benefit. In Europe, the 5G Infrastructure Public
Private Partnership (5G PPP) estimates that five per cent of European GDP, with an
annual value of around 660 billion Euro, is generated by the information and
communications technology (ICT) sector, including mobile broadband. 5
The mobile industry, globally and in Australia, has begun to turn its attention to the
next stage of development in mobile networks: 5G.
While the capabilities of 5G are still being defined, it is expected to support a massive
increase in connections, lowered latency and much faster speeds. These
characteristics are forecast to support the next stage in the convergence of
communicationsthe IoT.
In this paper, the ACMA is looking at the demand for, and technological enablers of,
the deployment of 5G networks. The paper will also reflect on the existing regulatory
arrangements that may be useful in facilitating the next stage of mobile network
development.
researchacma
Our research programresearchacmaunderpins the ACMAs work and decisions as
an evidence-informed regulator. It contributes to the ACMAs strategic policy
development, regulatory reviews and investigations, and helps staff better understand
the agencys role in fulfilling its strategic intent to make media and communications
work for all Australians.
4
Research report prepared for the ACMA by the Centre for International Economics, The economic impacts
of mobile broadband on the Australian economy from 2006 to 2013, April 2014, page 2.
5
5G PPP, 5G Vision: The 5G Infrastructure Public Private Partnership: the next generation of
communication networks and services, February 2015, page 5.
acma | 3
researchacma has five broad areas of interest:
market developments
media content and culture
social and economic participation
citizen and consumer safeguards
regulatory best practice and development.
This research contributes to the ACMAs market developments and regulatory best
practice and development research themes.
This paper continues the ACMAs focus on emerging issues in media and
communications. Past papers in the emerging issues series include:
Mobile apps (May 2013)
Near-field communications (May 2013)
Cloud computing (June 2013)
Privacy and digital data protection (June 2013)
Six emerging trends in media & communications (November 2014)
The Internet of things and the ACMAs areas of focusEmerging issues in media
and communications. (November 2015).
4 | acma
(R)evolution towards 5G
Since the 1981 introduction of 1G mobile networks in Australia, consumers and
industry have readily adopted each evolution of mobile communication and data
services and mobile networks, and the services they support are a firmly embedded
part of the Australian economy and society.
Evolution of mobile networks

The first 1G mobile networks were deployed in the early 1980s and were optimised for
mobile voice communication services. Since that time, a new mobile generation has
been deployed around every 10 years.
The first 2G system supporting improved mobile voice and a short message
service (SMS) was deployed in 1991.
In 2001 the first 3G system was introduced, supporting mobile voice, SMS and for
the first time, email and internet use on mobile devices.
The first 4G (Long Term Evolution (LTE)) system appeared in 2009, representing a
step change in increased capacity and speed for data, supporting mobile video and
an explosion of online apps and content for mobile users.
Research and planning is currently underway to define 5G systems, with industry

bodies planning for commercialisation in 2020. There have been a range of 5G-related
announcements by Australian mobile operators in 2015, including the commitment
towards the deployment of a commercial 5G mobile network by 2020.6
Figure 2 illustrates this technology evolution, including milestones for deployment of

mobile networks in Australia.
6
Telstra have announced a commitment to deploy commercial 5G networks by 2020. Alex Kidman, Telstra
and Optus outline their speedy futures, PCMag, 2 March 2015.
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Figure 1: Mobile networks evolution
Source: ACMA
Each of Australias three mobile carriers is continuing with further enhancements to its
existing mobile networks. All three mobile carriers rolled out LTE-A carrier aggregation
technology in 2014. Carrier aggregation allows network operators to combine
spectrum in disparate radio-frequency bands to increase bandwidth and user data
rates. Telstra has also announced that it has commenced foundation work on 5G with
an anticipated commercial network launch around 2020. 7
7
Graeme Philipson, MWC Telstra outlines path to 5G, ITWire, 2 March, 2015.
6 | acma
Towards 5G
Industry organisations, governments, consumer groups and standards bodies around
the world are working to clarify and define the key characteristics of 5G.
Seven key characteristics of 5G

Key characteristics of a 5G network are expected to include lower latencies, faster
network data rates and support for a massive increase in network connections.
The two requirements that could be classified as revolutionary and generation-defining

for 5G are the near-zero latency and data rates of 110 Gbps.8
The specific requirements for 5G identified by GSMA Intelligence provide a useful

framework for assessing consumer and industry demand for 5G services and potential
use cases, as well as the technological developments needed to support construction
of a 5G network.
The seven key characteristics that will be required of a network for it to be classified as
a 5G network are:
Data ratesdata rates of 110 Gbps, which is a step change for mobile networks
and is expected to facilitate a high quality and a more seamless user experiences.
By comparison, 4G networks in Australia provide advertised data rates of between
2100 Mbps.9
Ultra low latencyreduce latency to a one millisecond end-to-end round trip
delay. This is also a step change for mobile networks. By comparison, 4G networks
can theoretically achieve a minimum latency of 10 m/s.10
Bandwidthprovide 1000 times more bandwidth per unit area than available on
existing mobile networks. This will support faster data rates and increase network
capacity to support data intensive applications in both the uplink and downlink.
Connectionssupport the growth of between 10 to 100 times more connected
devices than is now supported by existing networks. This is also theoretically
possible on evolving 4G networks and mass connectivity is identified as a key
enabler for the IoT.
Always onbe available everywhere (100 per cent coverage) at all times (99.999
per cent of the time). This requirement is also theoretically achievable using
evolving 4G technologies. It is necessary for high mobility applications and
coverage indoors and outdoors as well as high reliability requirements for services
where network outage could have catastrophic consequences.
Energy usagereduce network energy usage by 90 per cent.
Battery lifefacilitate up to 10 years battery life for low power, machine-type
devices. Both the energy usage and battery life requirements are theoretically
achievable using evolving 4G technologies and are aimed at ensuring future
networks are cost effective for network operators.
GSMA Intelligence notes that the majority of these requirements can theoretically be
delivered by existing 4G technologies, reflecting the evolutionary nature of 5G
8
9
Australian mobile network operator websites.
10
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development. While this paper will use the 110 Gbps characteristic, it is noted that
the ITUs official roadmap states 5G could achieve speeds of up to 20 Mbps.
Supporting IoT developments and context-aware services

The anytime, anywhere, anyone and anything capability of 5G is expected to support
the forecast increase in device connections as part of the widespread rollout of IoT in
Australia.11
Services delivered over 5G networks will not necessarily require every key
characteristic associated with 5G networks. For example, there will be services that
require ultra-low latency with limited mobility needs, such as remote surgery, while
other services such as M2M may require high mobility but are not latency sensitive. It
may not be technologically possible to deliver all 5G characteristics for the same
service at the same time (utilising practical bandwidth resources). This suggests that
5G networks may instead deliver a suite of characteristics of which a subset will be
required for a specific situation or service, rather than a blanket set of service
guarantees.
Some analysts envision that 5G will further enable context-aware services that provide
relevant information in the right form depending on the context, rather than a user
actively searching for that information. That is, the network or service will deliver
relevant information according to the situational requirements, without the user actively
participating in the process.12
11
The ACMA has published a paper on the development of the Internet of Things. ACMA, The Internet of
Things and the ACMAs areas of focus, Emerging issues in media and communications, Occasional paper,
November 2015.
12
4G Americas, 4G Americas recommendations on 5G requirements and solutions, October 2014, page 11.
8 | acma
Demand for mobile services
While technology capability enhancements such as 5G may be possible, commercial
decisions about where and when to deploy new technologies are informed by
estimates of possible market demand and network utilisation.
Industry and consumer demand for, and use of services on mobile networks are key
drivers for increases in mobile traffic. The volume of data downloaded by Australians is
one measure of network utilisation. In the three months to June 2015, Australians
downloaded over 71 PB of data via mobile handsets. This represents an 85 per cent
increase since the three months to June 2014. 13
Projections of total mobile data traffic vary, but all forecast strong growth. The
Analysys Mason base case mobile network infrastructure forecast produced for the
ACMA in 2014, which is broadly in line with forecasts produced by other analysts
including Cisco, suggests that each years incremental growth will be larger than the
previous years.14 Total mobile data traffic is forecast to increase from 7.7 PB per
month in 2011 to 137.9 PB per month in 2020. 15
Table 1 outlines selected demand drivers for mobile services and the improvements
that 5G networks will offer. This chapter explores these factors as drivers for increased
network traffic and an input into commercial decisions for network investment.
Table 1: Demand drivers for improved mobile networks
1. Consumer drivers
Increasing mobile connections and data usage
Next generation communications and entertainment
Reliability expectations
2. Business drivers
Increased productivity
Enhanced/new services
Consumer demand drivers

Increases in device connections, data-based services and the number of mobile-only
consumers all provide evidence of changes in demand for mobile services. At the
same time, social trendssuch as increased fixed-mobile substitutioncan further
13
ABS, 8153.0 Internet Activity, Australia, June 2015.
14
Analysys Mason, Updated final report for the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Mobile
Network Infrastructure Forecasts, June 2015.
15
Analysys Mason, Mobile network infrastructure forecasting model (Excel), June 2015.
acma | 9
encourage consumer demand. These elements inform planning for network upgrades
and investment by telecommunications companies. 16
Increasing number of mobile devices

The growth in smartphone and tablets in Australia is a major driver of mobile data
traffic growth.17 Seventy-four per cent of Australians were estimated to be using a
smartphone as at May 2014 compared to 64 per cent a year earlier.18 Smartphone
penetration has been forecast to increase to 91 per cent in 2017.19
An Analysys Mason base case forecast produced for the ACMA in 2014 suggests that
between 2012 and 2025, handset subscriptions in Australia will rise from 21.3 million
to 28.0 million representing 103 per cent penetrationwith voice-only subscriptions
declining from 5.1 million in 2012 to 50,000 by 2018. 20
Increasing use of data-based services

A combination of the increasing supply and take-up of data-based services is
contributing to the increase in data traffic.
One example of data-based services is the use of mobile applications. Seventy-five

per cent of Australians with a mobile phone capable of 3G or 4G services had
downloaded an app in the six months to May 2014. 21
Another example is consumers using over-the-top (OTT) services. One example of the
transfer to OTT services is the adoption of IP-based OTT communications services at
the expense of SMS volumes.22 It has been estimated that OTT instant messaging
(IM) services carried more than twice the volume of messages than SMS in 2014,
compared to a ratio of 1:1 in 2012.23
New services that will further increase data traffic is the introduction of Voice over LTE
(VoLTE), which delivers voice over data streams, by network service providers. VoLTE
is expected to provide higher quality voice than current digital voice services and
enhanced services, including rich communication offerings.
16
Network Infrastructure Forecasts, June 2015, page 6.
17
18
ACMA consumer survey cited in ACMA, Communications Report 2013-14, November 2014, page 20.
19
20
Network Infrastructure Forecasts, June 2015, page 27.
21
ACMA, Communications report 201314 series, Report 1Australians digital lives, March 2015, page 18.
22
ACMA, Six emerging trends in media and communications, November 2014, page 7.
23
Deloitte, Technology, Media & Telecommunications Predictions 2014, 2014, page 36.
10 | acma
From the perspective of a network owners and operators, VoLTE also offers cost and
spectrum efficiencies.24 The deployment of VoLTE removes the need for a separate
voice network, reducing operational costs and allowing spectrum to be refarmed for
other uses. One analyst has estimated that combining the voice and data network,
mobile network operators can achieve 30 to 40 per cent more efficient use of
spectrum.25
Mobile network service providers are exploring delivering voice services over data
streams through the deployment of VoLTE. It has been rolled out in some markets
such as Singapore, and is being tested in others. Telstra and Vodafone have
announced plans to launch VoLTE in 2015. 26
Consumer expectations of next generation communications and entertainment

experience
Consumer interest in mobile services and applications such as games and video also
encourages improvements in the capabilities of mobile networks. These services
require high speeds, and (to a much lesser extent) low latency. Substantial take-up
and usage of these services increases demand for a mobile network that can support
these requirements for a large population of users. Cisco forecasts that video will
make up 72 per cent of global mobile data traffic by 2019, compared to 55 per cent at
the end of 2014.27
Globally 4G customers are reported to use double the amount of data than non-4G
customers, and sometimes three times as much. The use of video streaming by 4G
users is often cited as a reason for this difference.28
The percentage of users viewing video content via mobile devices, though relatively
low, is increasing, particularly in younger age segments. One survey found that sixteen
per cent of respondents aged 1417 viewed television programs and films via their
mobile in 2015, compared to seven per cent a year earlier.29
The popularity of consuming video over mobile devices has encouraged the testing of
LTE-Broadcast (LTE-B) technology. LTE-B is a wireless standard that allows the
broadcast of one video stream to multiple consumers with appropriate 4G devices at
the same time. LTE-B is still at trial stage internationally. The technology has been
commercially deployed in South Korea, where the operator has claimed substantially
improved congestion levels on the mobile network.30 In Australia, Telstra conducted a
live trial in January 2015 and announced plans to establish permanent LTE-B
channels at large venues and major events, such as sport events.31
Increasing expectations of reliability for mobile-only users

One trend of consumer demand is fixed-mobile substitution. As the take-up of mobile
devices has increased, so has the number of mobile-only consumers. Twelve per cent
24
Ovum, Future Strategies for VoLTE Deployment, February 2013, page 2.
25
Roger Entner, Recon Analytics, quoted in Brian Nichols, What is VoLTE and Why Does it Matter for
Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile Investors?, The Motley Fool, 1 December 2014.
26
Alex Kidman, Telstra and Optus outline their speedy futures, PCMag, 2 March 2015.
27
Cisco, Visual Networking Index: Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update 2014-2019 White Paper
28
29
Accenture, Digital video and the connected consumer, April 2015, page 3.
30
SNS Research, The LTE, LTE-Advanced & 5G Ecosystem: 2015-2020, 2015, page 77.
31
Telstra media release, Telstra to conduct worlds first stadium trail of LTE- B technology, 31 January 2015.
acma | 11
of adult Australians are now exclusively mobile, that is, they do not have a fixed-line
phone or broadband connection. The 1824 (16 per cent) and 2534 (22 per cent) age
groups were more likely to be exclusively mobile. 32
Growth in the number of exclusively mobile Australians is likely to encourage

consumer demand for always on mobile services, as the mobile network will be their
primary connection to the internet and provider of voice call capability.
Business demand drivers

Business demandthrough the use of mobile services to improve productivity and
enhance existing activitiesalso increases mobile traffic and informs commercial
decisions around the timing and type of network improvements deployed.
Mobility as an enabler of increased business productivity

Many industries have identified mobility as a tool for increasing productivity. At a basic
level, the ability of employees to work from any location on any device is a key enabler
for increasing productivity.33 Other benefits of mobility for enterprises include
improvements in field operations and decreased IT costs.34 ACMA qualitative research
with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) found that the use of smart devices could
improve processes, such as being able to invoice on-the-go. Paperwork and job
updates can be completed on the mobile in real-time as opposed to in the office.35
Industry demand for the benefits of mobile broadband was further assessed in recent
ACMA research which identified advantages of mobile broadband for business,
including:
reduced costs
saved time for employees with access to mobile broadband
increased sales
improved quality of services
access to new markets
access to new suppliers.36
Existing services enhanced by access to mobile data storage

The potential to enhance existing services can drive demand for mobile network
improvements. One example is cloud services. In Australia, 19 per cent of businesses
had a paid cloud computing service as at June 2014. 37 The use of cloud-based
services has several identified benefits for business including:
the ability to access services from multiple devices
enabling pay-as-you go access to services
continuous update of software
32
ACMA, Australians get mobile, June 2015.
33
Deloitte, Gov on the Go Boosting public sector productivity by going mobile, page 2.
34
KPMG, 2014 Cloud Survey report, 2015.
35
ACMA, SMEs and digital communication technologies, September 2014, pages 18 and 26.
36
ACMA-commissioned research, the Centre for International Economics, The economic impacts of mobile
broadband on the Australian economy, from 2006 to 2013, April 2014, page 24.
37
ABS, 8129.0 Business Use of Information Technology, 2013-14, 16 July 2015.
12 | acma
outsourcing of security.38
Cloud services can be a further driver for improved mobile data services, as they can
allow access to data, software and services anywhere and anytime. One analyst group
found that 42 per cent of respondents cited a mobile workforce as a driver for
investment in the cloud.39 Cloud-based services that are used to store and transmit
very large data files, or data that require a low latency response time, will encourage
further improvements in mobile networks. For example, cloud-based electronic health
records would permit the download of high resolution medical images and video to any
device.40
Invitation to comment:
1. Are there any additional demand drivers supporting 5G network deployment
in Australia not identified in this paper?
38
Department of Communications, Cloud computing, 2015.
39
KPMG, Elevating business in the cloud, 2014.
40
acma | 13
Technological enablers for 5G
Demand drivers, and their impact on mobile traffic and congestion, can be responded
to in several ways by mobile network owners. A network operator has three options to
increase network capacity and ease any congestion:
technologyuse more spectrum-efficient technologies
topologydeploy appropriate (denser) network infrastructure and topologies
spectrumacquire additional spectrum.41
The choice of an option or options will depend on what solution is the most
commercially attractive, taking into account the capital or operating expenditure
required, the time and effort to acquire and plan for more sites on the network, the
investment needed to acquire more spectrum and the availability of new spectrum.
Other factors, such as technological advancements, state and local planning and
installation processes will also influence commercial decisions on the timing and type
of network investment made.42
Since 5G characteristics are still under development, the optimal network

configurations and specific spectrum arrangements required for 5G are yet to be
defined. It is unclear what the specific mix of options will be at present, although it is
expected that 5G will exploit emerging technologies, such as Massive Multiple Input
Multiple Output (Massive MIMO) and beamforming techniques that enable spectrum to
be used more efficiently and make use of higher frequency bands with wider
bandwidths a viable option.43
This chapter explores the technological developments enabling the rollout of 5G

networks within these three identified options to deliver additional network capacity.
Technology developments and spectrum efficiency

Massive MIMO and beamforming are key technologies for 5G
Techniques to improve spectrum efficiency enhance the capacity and speed of mobile
networks without using additional spectrum. Such efficiency techniques continue to
evolve and some key ones to support the rollout of 5G are Massive MIMO and
beamforming. In combination, these two developments enable access to additional
spectrum that was previously unattractive for use by mobile services.
MIMO involves the simultaneous use of multiple antennas to increase spectrum

efficiency and cell capacity. MIMO can either support multiple parallel data streams
with many users or maintain high data throughput to a single user, and is one
technique to improve data throughput for users at the cell edge. While 4G standards
include MIMO, 5G systems are expected to extend the MIMO concept to Massive
MIMO by increasing the number of antennas in use at the base station. This will
enable a larger number of users to be served simultaneously in the same time-
frequency block or provide higher data throughput to a smaller set of users.44 A
41
The options to address mobile broadband network capacity are discussed in detail in ACMA, Beyond
2020A spectrum management strategy to address the growth in mobile broadband capacity, September
2015, pages 2837.
42
Analysys Mason, Mobile infrastructure forecast model, June 2015, pages 67.
43
ACMA, Beyond 2020A spectrum management strategy to address the growth in mobile broadband
capacity, September 2015, page 29.
44
14 | acma
number of vendors have commenced tests on Massive MIMO, including ZTE, Ericsson
and Samsung.
Alongside Massive MIMO, many industry bodies and researchers are also
investigating the potential benefits of beamforming. In beamforming technology,
transmission beams are formed and targeted towards the end-user. 3D beamforming
achieves this in both the vertical and horizontal planes, rather than having a base
station that continuously sends out signals over a large area.
In considering mobile broadband applications, end-user equipment is ideally compact

enough to be handheld, as with 4G mobile phones and related devices. In an example
beamforming application, the end-user equipment is serviced by the optimal beam
from the base station, chosen from a selection of many, with beam switching and
tracking in order to maintain the optimal connection as the user moves in time and
space.45 The utilisation of beamforming enables the network to potentially overcome
the high signal and path loss experienced at millimetre-wave range of the spectrum.
Together, Massive MIMO and beamforming help to mitigate the signal and path loss
typically experienced in higher frequency bands. This facilitates access to millimetre-
wave frequencies that were previously considered unsuitable for many mobile
applications. The availability of greater amounts of spectrum in the millimetre-wave
frequency range also enables access to channels with larger bandwidths (in the order
of 100s of MHz) and therefore higher data rates can be provided to end-user
equipment, thus enabling key characteristics of 5G systems.
Exact bandwidth and data rate capability at certain frequencies have not been defined
as yet. However, there have been a number of demonstrations, with some examples
listed in Table 2.
Table 2: Examples of 5G demonstrations at millimetre wave frequencies
Demonstrator Peak data rate Frequency Bandwidth
Nokia 10 Gbps 73 GHz 1 GHz
Ericsson 5.8 Gbps 15 GHz 400 MHz
Samsung 7.5 Gbps 28 GHz 800 MHz

1.2 Gbps (in moving vehicle at
60 MPH speeds)
Source: Auri Aittokallio, Telecoms.com, Nokia claims 10 Gbps demo realistically shows future 5G
capabilities, 9 April 2015 and Stephen Shankland, CNet, Mobile industry dips its toes in 5G waters for next-
gen networks, 4 March 2015.
45
SK Telecom, 5G White Paper; SK Telecoms View on 5G Vision, Architecture, Technology and Spectrum,
20 October 2014, page 27.
acma | 15
More work needs to be done to fully understand the propagation characteristics of
millimetre wave frequencies and how to manage potential radio interference issues. 46
The expense and logistical challenges of installing multiple antennas and beams at
each cell is identified as one potential barrier to deployment.47
Network infrastructure and topology

The second option to improve the capacity and speed of mobile networks is to extend
or alter the topology of the network to accommodate new infrastructure. When there is
insufficient spectrum and demand is high, additional infrastructure is needed to reduce
or spread the number of users per cell, or to improve the capacity of each cell.48 There
are several possible developments in network topology that may be needed to fully
embrace/enable 5G, including adding base stations and more scalable and intelligent
network architecture.
5G requirements for additional base stations

5G networks are expected to be significantly denser than current networks through the
placement of additional base stations, particularly in urban environments. Network
densification will be necessary to support increased traffic and connections, as well as
achieve low latency and high throughput and to deal with the significantly shorter
paths of millimetre wave frequencies. Both network densification and the degree of
flexibility and intelligence required of 5G networks may result in some changes to the
way in which networks are deployed and operated.
In particular, ultra-low latency services will require content to be served from a physical
position very close to the user, which is likely to pose challenges for existing network
roaming models and increase the need for operator interconnect points to potentially
every base station.49 To address these challenges and the expense associated with
increasing network density, industry groups are exploring the potential for different
network deployment models.50 These may involve shared deployments, integration of
third party deployments and in the most extreme case the deployment of a single
neutral host network.51
Flexible, scalable and intelligent network architecture

Network investment to support 5G will likely need to go beyond the deployment of
additional base stations. 5G networks are expected to be more flexible, scalable and
contextually aware than current mobile networks.
It is unlikely that a network architecture that would achieve all of the stated 5G
characteristics at all times could be cost-effectively developed and deployed.52 Instead
5G network architecture is expected to be capable of operating across different
46
SNS Research, The LTE, LTE-Advanced and 5G Ecosystem: 2015-2020; Infrastructure, Devices,
Operator Services, Verticals, Strategies and Forecasts, February 2015, page 101.
47
48
capacity, September 2015, page 32.
49
50
NGMN Alliance, NGMN 5G White Paper, February 2015, page 43.
51
December 2014, page 13; Jeremy Green, Ovum, The Roadmap to 5G Mobile Networks, page 4.
52
16 | acma
spectrum frequencies and to flexibly adapt to rapidly changing resource demands and
fast traffic variations in both the uplink and downlink.
For example, 5G networks are likely to be designed to be able to scale well to cater for
high-data-rate and low latency services, as well as machine-to-machine (M2M)
connections that require much lower bandwidths to send small amounts of data
infrequently.53 Similarly, support for mobility is likely to be provided only to those
devices that require it with network capacity able to scale up rapidly to support use
cases requiring high mobility and/or throughput on demand, such as lifeline (also
known as sanctity of life) communications in a disaster or emergency situation.
To enable this degree of flexibility, industry groups are exploring the concept of
organising network capacity in slices or modules. 5G networks would be built to
recognise the different requirements of particular use cases including coverage,
mobility, reliability, latency, security and throughput, and to meet these needs in a
programmable and switchable manner according to priority and need. 54
Emerging technologies such as Self-Organising Networks (SON), Network Function

Virtualisation (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN), are expected to play a
key role in supporting this type of flexible and agile network operation. 55 SON refers to
the ability of mobile networks to self-configure and optimise.
NFV allows network functions, such as firewalls, to be implemented by a program

instead of a physical piece of hardware, separating network infrastructure from the
services that it provides. SDN enables dynamic reconfiguration of network architecture
to adjust for changes to load and demand.56 In an SDN, for example, network
functions can be rapidly relocated to continuously support reliable lifeline
communications in a disaster situation where some network assets such as base
stations may have been damaged.
Similarly, network capacity could be dynamically re-assigned to serve customer

demand in peak times or for specific occasions. For example, there may be a greater
demand for upload capacity during a concert or sporting event as consumers share
video of the event. An SDN could dynamically adjust uplink and downlink video bit
rates to meet changing demand. The network would need to employ intelligent traffic
management processes, responding to real-time data about the number of users in a
service area, the quality of user experience and requirements for mobility among other
factors. In rapidly re-configuring capacity, networks would also need to automatically
manage potential interference issues.57
The emergence of more flexible network architecture was foreshadowed in the May
2015 report to the Australian Government of the review of Australias spectrum
management framework undertaken by the Department of Communications and the
Arts in conjunction with the ACMA (Spectrum Review). Recommendations in this
report included support for automatic interference management.
53
54
55
56
57
acma | 17
Spectrum
A third option to increase network capacity is to acquire more spectrum. The use and
availability of different parts of the radiofrequency spectrum will influence the pathway
to 5G, as will related technological developments that influence the mobile networks
use of spectrum.
The ACMA is responsible for the management and allocation of radiofrequency

spectrum, including spectrum for mobile broadband. The ACMA paper, Beyond
2020A spectrum management strategy to address the growth in mobile broadband
capacity (Beyond 2020), outlines the three aspects of the ACMAs role in the supply
of spectrum for mobile broadband services:
1. Ensuring spectrum management arrangements for bands expected to be used by
mobile broadband services are made under suitable conditions including sufficient
licence tenure and technology flexibility.
2. Optimisation of arrangements for spectrum already available for mobile broadband
services.
3. Re-farming (as appropriate) additional spectrum for potential use by mobile
broadband services.58
The future spectrum needs of mobile broadband has most recently been considered
by the ACMA through its latest update to the Five-year spectrum outlook and its
consultation paper on the ACMAs mobile broadband strategy, Beyond 2020. Both
papers note that the ACMA will continue its work in this area, including monitoring
international developments and through the ACMAs existing work in international
forums, including the World Radiocommunication Conference held in November 2015
and the work leading up to the next conference in 2019.59
5G expected to use a wide range of frequency bands

The ability to use a range of frequency bands and access technologies to deliver the
particular requirements of a specific use case or service, will be a key characteristic of
5G networks.60 This is likely to require the use of frequency bands other than those
currently dedicated to mobile broadband use, and the flexible use of unlicensed
spectrum or sharing of underutilised spectrum to provide extra capacity when required.
5G networks are expected to require a wide range of frequencies both below and
above 6 GHz, although the exact frequencies are yet to be identified. A number of
industry groups, academics and governments around the world have begun to explore
the possibility of using higher frequencies for mobile broadband communications.
The ACMA and Australian industry representatives recently attended the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radiocommunication Sector 2015 World
Radiocommunication Conference (WRC15). The WRC15 made a number of
decisions that will influence how the issue of additional spectrum for mobile broadband
will be considered around the world, and in Australia.
58
capacity, September 2015, pages 3334.
59
capacity, September 2015 and ACMA, Five-year spectrum outlook 201519: The ACMAs spectrum
demand analysis and strategic direction for the next five years, August 2015, page 38.
60
Huawei, 5G: A Technology Vision, January 2014, page 6.
18 | acma
Under WRC15 Agenda item 1.1 additional spectrum allocations for mobile services
on a primary basis and additional identifications for International Mobile
Telecommunications (IMT) were made in a number of bands. The main outcome of
this agenda item was the significant international harmonisation of the frequency
ranges 1 4271 518 MHz and 3 400 3 600 MHz for IMT.
In addition, a new Agenda item was approved for WRC19 to study the possibility of
additional identifications for IMT in specific bands between 24.25 and 86 GHz.61 These
frequency bands if identified will be an important consideration for international
harmonisation and provide a focus for the development of 5G technologies. The US
Federal Communications Commission proposed new rules in October 2015 for
wireless broadband in wireless frequencies above 24 GHz. The rules included a
proposal to authorise mobile operations in the 28 GHz band and the 39 GHz band.62
Spectrum at higher and lower frequencies have different characteristics and limitations
for mobile communications. Frequencies in the millimetre-wave range being
investigated for 5G offer much greater bandwidth than lower frequencies, and this
permits the provision of wider channels and faster data rates as envisioned for 5G
networks. However, the propagation characteristics of spectrum in this range mean
that transmissions are subject to higher propagation losses. For this reason, 5G
networks are likely to use current mobile bands, including spectrum below 1 GHz, to
provide wide area coverage and in-building penetration, on top of higher frequency
bands not previously used for mobile broadband. 63 5G technology is therefore
expected to harness the benefits of both lower and higher frequencies to support its
characteristics.
Other 5G technological enablers

Other technological enablers of 5G relate to more than one of the three options for
improving network capacity. These enablers include devices and technological
developments to support and protect privacy and ensure reliability.
Developments in devices
Device-to-device (D2D) communication arrangements exist in upgrades to 4G
networks, but are expected to be an integral part of the 5G network architecture
solution. In direct D2D communication, devices under the control of the network
operator are able to share connectivity and exchange data and content, making them
both terminals and part of a configurable network infrastructure.64
61
WRC-19 Agenda item 1.13, the ITU-R is invited to conduct sharing and compatibility studies, taking into
account the protection of services to which the band is allocated on a primary basis, for the frequency
bands:
24.25-27.5 GHz, 37-40.5 GHz, 42.5-43.5 GHz, 45.5-47 GHz, 47.2-50.2 GHz, 50.4-52.6 GHz, 66-76 GHz
and 81-86 GHz, which have allocations to the mobile service on a primary basis; and
31.8-33.4 GHz, 40.5-42.5 GHz and 47-47.2 GHz, which may require additional allocations to the mobile
service on a primary basis.
62
Federal Communications Commission, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 15-138, 22 October 2015.
63
Analysys Mason Quarterly, 5G will require new as well as established spectrum bands, but the availability
of new bands is not confirmed, October-December 2014, page 2.
64
METIS, Deliverable D6.6: Final report on the METIS 5G system concept and technology roadmap, April
2015, page 5.
acma | 19
D2D communications may be embedded in the 5G network architecture to support:
ultra-low latency services65
extension of coverage through the use of devices as relays 66
assistance with network capacity and energy consumption by playing a role in
backhaul and confining traffic to the local area instead of drawing on network
resources over a larger area.67
Security and reliability

Ensuring adequate security and reliability at network and device levels is expected to
be crucial for many 5G supported services. Services such as e-health will require
networks to be capable of safe-guarding transmitted sensitive personal information.
Always-on reliability and defence against potential cyber security attacks will also be
critical for applications such as remote surgery, public safety life-line communications
and driverless cars. This will require further development in network architecture and
technology.
There is tension between ensuring security and reliability at acceptable levels and
supporting flexibility in network management and encouraging the development of new
business models. Technical hurdles remain in structuring 5G networks to deliver both
security and flexibility to network operators.
2. Are there any additional significant enablers or major inhibitors to 5G
network deployment in Australia that are not identified in this paper?
65
66
67
METIS, Deliverable D6.6: Final report on the METIS 5G system concept and technology roadmap, April
2015, page 5.
20 | acma
Six 5G use cases
When consumer and business demand for mobile services drive increases in mobile
data traffic, network owners respond by deploying one or a combination of network
improvements, such as more efficient use of spectrum, depending on what option(s)
is(are) more commercially attractive. The enhanced mobile network can then support
enhanced services.
Industry analysts, vendors and international mobile organisations have developed a

range of detailed examples of how 5G technology could be used which illustrate
specific advantages use casesbased on the projected characteristics of 5G
networks. Demand drivers for mobile services and the technological enablers of 5G
networks are the building blocks for the identification of 5G use cases.
This chapter provides a brief overview of six use cases that outline the developments
made possible by proposed 5G network characteristics. Each use case includes
mention of individual demand drivers that relate to that example. A table at the start of
each use case indicates which of the three consumer and two business demand
drivers discussed earlier are relevant to that particular use case. The six cases are not
an exhaustive list. It is expected that 5G will have the flexibility to adapt and
accommodate a wide diversity of use cases, many as yet unidentified.
Use case 1: The Internet of Things (IoT)

Table 3: Drivers relevant to the IoT use case
1. Consumer drivers
2. Business drivers
Note: IoT specific drivers highlighted in blue.
The IoT can be understood as the aggregation of many M2M connections. It is not
limited to communications, but includes big data analysis, cloud computing and
sensors and actuators that in combination can efficiently run autonomous machines
and intelligent systems.68
As the ACMA has noted previously, the IoT will allow an increasing number and
diversity of things to be connected and support a range of rich and meaningful
68
OECD, Committee on Digital Economy Policy, Digital Economy Outlook, Chapter 5 Emerging Issues; The
Internet of Things, page 4.
acma | 21
information and data to be sent and received (and analysed), generating increased
productivity as well as introducing enhanced and new services.69
The ITU defines the IoT as a global infrastructure for the information society, enabling
advanced service by interconnecting (physical and virtual) things based on existing
and evolving interoperable information and communication technologies. 70 The
definition of the IoT is expected to evolve as the IoT becomes increasingly
sophisticated and embedded into everyday lives.
Research analyst group IDC estimates that the worldwide IoT market will increase 133
per cent to $3.04 trillion in 2020, while the number of IoT connected units will reach
approximately 30 billion.71 Examples of current IoT services include freight tracking
and logistics management using radio-frequency identification (RFID), monitoring and
automation of lighting and energy in buildings, smart grids and meters in the energy
industry, smart agriculture applications to track livestock and crop state, and smart
wearables. Emerging applications include smart home services to let people control
home appliances remotely or automate housework via communications with home
devices and smart city infrastructure in response to massive urbanisation.
The IoT at a large scale requires a number of characteristics that can be provided by
5G:
Device connectivity: serving a huge increase in the number of devices connected
to wireless networks. If the number of IoT connected units reaches the predicted 30
billion,72 for example, they are likely to significantly exceed the number of traditional
mobile network connections such as smartphones, tablets and computers.73
Energy efficiency: The massive increase in connected devices making up a fully
formed IoT is likely to require better energy efficiencies than currently possible, with
some mobile broadband devices required to be on all the time while others will turn
on intermittently. These energy efficiency needs could be supported by two 5G
characteristics: support for up to 10-year battery life for low power machine-type
devices and 90 per cent reduction in network energy usage.
Always on: some potential IoT services will require ultra-reliability and availability,
such as healthcare and automotive functions, where an outage in service
availability could have life-threatening effects.
The highly scalable and contextual proposed nature of 5G networks could support the
diversity of IoT applications with differing requirements for pricing, mobility, latency,
network reliability and resilience.74
69
ACMA, The Internet of Things and the ACMA's areas of focus, page 1.
70
ITU-T, Recommendation ITU-T Y.2060 Overview of the Internet of Things, June 2012, page 1.
71
David Swan, Telcos get cracking on Internet of Things, TechnologySpectator, 26 March 2015.
72
David Swan, Telcos get cracking on Internet of Things, TechnologySpectator, 26 March 2015.
73
74
22 | acma
Use case 2: Rich communication services
Table 4: Drivers relevant to the rich communication services use case
1. Consumer drivers
2. Business drivers
Note: Rich communications services specific demand drivers highlighted in blue.
Rich communications services refers to the next generation of communications

designed to meet the needs and expectations of consumers who are increasingly
turning to OTT services and online video both at work and for entertainment.
Consumer and, to some extent, industry demand for enhancements in this category of
services will require improvements to mobile networks. These services range from
personalised and interactive entertainment services through to support for the virtual
office. Examples include:
Optimised media delivery services that meet the different usage patterns for
content consumption in different contexts75 such as provision of real-time ultra-
high-definition content streaming for watching concerts and sporting events from
multiple angles. This includes the challenging task of delivering these services in
ultra-dense user environments such as popular sporting events.
Transference and delivery of ultra-high resolution images such as 4K-UHD (four
times the resolution of Full-HD) and 8K-UHD (16 times the resolution), expanding
to 3D imaging and hologram services over time.76
Delivery of cloud gaming and video streaming on smartphones and tablets
everywhere, including in high mobility environments such as trains, cars and
planes.
Enhancements to working across locations that are enabled by the capacity to
share ultra-high resolution images and video in real-time. While existing 4G
technology is currently capable of supporting both multi-person video calling and
the high bandwidth data networks needed to draw on data stored in the cloud77,
rich communications services will support higher resolution images and be
available in high mobility environments, facilitating knowledge sharing and
collaboration anywhere and at any time.
5G characteristics that will enable rich communications services include:

Bandwidth and data rates: needed to support both uplink and download of video
rich services over wireless networks.
75
Ericsson, 5G: What is it for?, October 2014, page 9.
76
77
acma | 23
Ultra-low latency: for enhanced user experiences potentially including the delivery
of 3D images and holograms.
Always on connectivity: to support services in high mobility environments such
as cars, planes and high speed trains.
5G networks are expected to offer the data rates and capacity needed to support both
uplink and download of video rich services over wireless networks.
Use case 3: Augmented reality and the tactile internet

Table 5: Drivers relevant to the augmented reality and tactile internet services
use case
1. Consumer drivers
2. Business drivers
Note: Augmented reality and tactile internet specific demand drivers highlighted in
blue.
Augmented reality and the tactile internet are developments which are expected to
support potential new and enhanced services across industry sectors including health
and automotive, as well as the next steps in immersive gaming and entertainment
services.
Augmented reality refers to the integration of digital information with a video stream or
users environment in real time. It is expected to have applications in gaming and
entertainment, but could also have practical applications in industry. For example,
there are many potential applications of augmented reality in the mining industry.
Improvements in network capability could support a remote operator of heavy
machinery to access richer contextual information in real-time such as terrain
information, impending weather, vehicle-related data, approaching vehicles and
hazards and the layout of property boundaries and utility lines.78
The tactile internet refers to a system where humans will wirelessly interact with and
control real and virtual objects, in such a way that the user interacting with the
environment does not perceive any difference between local and remote content. This
will typically involve a tactile (involving the sense of touch) control signal and audio
and/or visual feedback.79 For example, a user could wear an exoskeleton connected
wirelessly that would enable physical therapy sessions without being in the same
78
79
Next generation mobile networks (NGMN) Alliance, 5G White Paper, 17 February 2015, page 16.
24 | acma
location as the physiotherapist.80 Other potential applications include remote surgery,
remote driving and flying of unmanned vehicles, and remote augmented reality.81
5G characteristics that will facilitate augmented reality and the tactile internet include:
Bandwidth, ultra-low latency and data rates: both augmented reality and the
tactile internet require very high bandwidth, ultra-low latency and gigabit-speeds for
instantaneous transfer of substantial data volumes over reliable connections. 82 The
full realisation of the potential of augmented reality and tactile internet in this
respect is beyond the capability of current 4G networks to deliver.
Always on connectivity: to send data and video feeds and push contextual
information to users in real-time.83 Services such as remote surgery and driving will
also require ultra-high reliability.
Independent of 5G capabilities, there are other technological developments required

before the potential use of augmented reality and the tactile internet could become a
reality, such as further developments in motion sensors and heads up display.84
Use case 4: Vertical industries use cases

Table 6: Drivers relevant to the vertical industry sectors use case
1. Consumer drivers
2. Business drivers
Note: Vertical industry sectors specific demand drivers highlighted in blue.
The vertical industries use case recognises the potential for mobile network
developments to improve productivity and introduce new or enhanced services across
a number of specific industry sectors. Examples of value creation for vertical industry
sectors in mobile network developments include:
Healthcare. There are several elements of consumer health that could be
improved through the implementation of connected trackers and monitors. Example
applications include:
Remote access to medical care. Individuals in remote areas may have very
limited access to medical specialists. Providing the ability for medical
specialists to perform surgery remotely could bring significant benefits.
80
Gerhard P. Feltweis, Tech. Univ. Dresden, The Tactile Internet: Applications and Challenges, March 2014.
81
METIS, Deliverable D1.5: Updated scenarios, requirements and KPIs for 5G mobile and wireless system
with recommendations for future investigations, April 2015, page 47.
82
Nokia, 5G uses cases and requirements, page 5.
83
Ericsson, 5G systems; Enabling Industry and Society Transformation, January 2015, page 10.
84
acma | 25
Monitoring. Health monitors for the unwell could allow patients to recover in
the home.85
Automotive. Motor vehicles are increasingly connected to their environments.
Automotive demands for improved mobile data networks include:
Infotainment. Real-time information provided through connected devices
including augmented reality dashboards.
Traffic. monitors on cars and transport links will provide a more detailed
understanding of traffic flows, and may enable real-time changes to traffic
(such as traffic lights, changing direction of lanes) to improve traffic flows
immediately and long-term.86
Reducing accidents. If all cars have monitors tracking location, speed, and
other environmental factors, the number of accidents may be reduced. 87
While some of these applications are already supported by current 4G LTE networks,
such as videoconference healthcare consultations and performance monitors on car
parts, 5G networks are expected to help make these types of services more widely
available.
5G characteristics that will support the vertical industries use case, include:
Bandwidth and device connections: to support high data volumes and service
an increase in the number of devices connected to wireless networks, such as
health monitors, consumer devices, traffic monitors and sensors.
Ultra-low latency: for applications such as remote surgery and driverless cars.
Always on connectivity: with ultra-high reliability requirements for remote surgery
and patient care and monitoring, as well as driverless cars and traffic monitoring.
100 per cent geographical coverage is also required to support an intelligent traffic
monitoring and management system and driverless cars, and to ensure new
remote healthcare services are available across metropolitan, regional and remote
locations.
85
Ofcom, Promoting investment and innovation in the Internet of Things Summary of responses and next
steps, 27 January 2015, page 9.
86
SNS Research, The LTE, LTE-Advanced & 5G Ecosystem: 2015-2020, February 2015, page 80.
87
Ofcom, Promoting investment and innovation in the Internet of Things Summary of responses and next
steps, 27 January 2015, page 9.
26 | acma
Use case 5: Ultra-reliable and lifeline communications
Table 7: Drivers relevant to the ultra-reliable and lifeline communications use
case
1. Consumer drivers
2. Business drivers
Note: Ultra-reliable and lifeline communications specific demand drivers highlighted in

blue.
The ultra-reliable and lifeline communications use case refers to the next generation of
public safety and disaster management communications services. In the future,
disaster and safety communications are expected to evolve from largely voice and text
based systems into an enhanced service that uses big-data driven real-time
intelligence, more precise location information and real-time video.88 This type of
communications system could boost the capability of public safety organisations to
coordinate operations and respond quickly and safely to locate and recover victims
affected by natural disasters and other events.
5G characteristics that could support the ultra-reliable and lifeline communications use
case include:
Bandwidth and ultra-low latency: ultra-low latency and high bandwidth to support
heavy traffic including both uplink and downlink video, to serve the need of both
personnel on the ground and control centres for real-time intelligence and data.
Always on connectivity: including very high reliability and support for high
mobility in challenging physical environments and conditions.
It is expected that these requirements would be natively supported by 5G

infrastructure configured to support ultra-high reliability and scalability to respond to
sudden demands for increased network capacity. 89
88
89
acma | 27
Use case 6: Mobile broadband access everywhere
Table 8: Demand drivers relevant to the mobile broadband access everywhere
use case
1. Consumer drivers
2. Business drivers
Note: Mobile broadband access everywhere specific demand drivers highlighted in

blue.
The mobile broadband access everywhere use case aims to support connectivity in all
locations and situations with the user experiencing no change in perceived quality of
service. This includes high mobility situations where a user may be remotely working
and interacting from a high speed train, vehicle or plane. Other examples include
continuity of user experience both indoors and outdoors and in dense, high-traffic
situations such as in concerts, sports stadiums or crowded public transport
interchanges.
Mobile broadband access everywhere is also a requirement for productivity-enhancing

use cases such as increasingly sophisticated smart grid and smart metering solutions
in the energy, water and gas utilities sectors.90 At the same time, the growth in the
number of exclusively mobile customers suggests that some consumers will be
increasingly relying only on the mobile network for communications and internet
access, and so expect to have reliable access to that service.
The 5G characteristic underpinning the mobile broadband access everywhere use

case is:
Always on connectivity: available everywhere (100 per cent coverage) and at all
times (99.999 per cent of the time).
While theoretically, mobile broadband access everywhere could be achieved using

current network technologies, this has not been economically viable for network
operators. Therefore 5G is expected to be capable of deployment under very low cost
conditions, using ultra-low cost network infrastructures, ultra-low cost devices and
ultra-low cost operation and maintenance.91 To achieve this, some industry groups
have noted that 5G may support varying data rates in different geographical areas.
One estimate is that 5G will provide minimum data rates of several 100Mbps for users
in urban and suburban areas, and rates of several 10Mbps everywhere else, including
sparsely-populated rural areas in both developed and developing countries. 92
90
91
METIS, Deliverable D1.5: Updated scenarios, requirements and KPIs for 5G mobile and wireless system
with recommendations for future investigations, April 2015, page 25.
92
Ericsson, 5G systems; Enabling Industry and Society Transformation, January 2015, page 10.
28 | acma
5G developments and existing
regulatory arrangements
The pathway to 5G remains uncertain, as spectrum requirements, device standards,
network structure and capabilities are still being defined. However, the existing
research and commentary on developments in mobile networks reveals important
themessuch as scalability, flexibility and contextual awarenessthat are likely to
interact with existing regulatory arrangements.
Considering aspects of existing regulatory arrangements that enable or remove

inhibitors to the further development and deployment of the next generation of mobile
services in Australia can be usefully structured by the five key components of an
internet-enabled economy. These are:
infrastructure
devices
services/apps
digital information/digital content
users interacting with each of these elements.
This chapter considers existing regulatory arrangements that may further enable the
development of mobile networks in each of the five key components.
Infrastructure
In terms of the ACMAs existing regulatory remit, actions by the regulator to support
the ongoing development of mobile networks, including 5G, are likely to focus on:
the allocation of public resources necessary to allow wireless network infrastructure
to develop
support for the international harmonisation of spectrum arrangements to provide
economies of scale for manufacturers and provide flow through benefits to
Australian consumers arising from cheaper device costs.
Supporting flexible network design requirements

5G networks are expected to support a range of services that will often have differing
requirements in terms of quality of service, network structures and communications
paths. This means that the structure and capabilities of 5G networks are likely to
change according to context and incorporate a wide range of technologies and
devices based on need.
Regulation around mobile networks administered by the ACMA is currently based on

defined network and service environments. The anticipated network design
requirements for 5G may require adjustment to facilitate consumer and business
benefits, depending on how 5G networks evolve. The ACMA is monitoring these
developments to assess their impacts on likely future spectrum demand.
Higher frequency bands and new spectrum requirements

No specific frequencies have been identified for 5G as yet by industry proponents,
although it is likely to operate in both high (millimetre wave) frequency bands (for
dense urban environments) and lower frequency bands (for example, below 6 GHz).
acma | 29
The ACMA issues technology flexible licences. This means that although technical
arrangements may be optimised for specific applications (such as mobile broadband),
the choice of technology to deploy is purely a commercial decision for licensees. It is
likely that bands currently used for 2G, 3G and 4G in Australia will be identified
internationally by standards bodies, regional organisations and individual countries for
future 5G use. This would enable operators, in a process known as refarming, to
transition their spectrum to the highest value use if and when required. Operators
would then be able to deploy 5G services in these bands regardless of whether
additional spectrum is identified or not. As an example, in Australia, spectrum initially
used for 2G either has been or is currently being refarmed for 3G and 4G purposes.
The predicted growth in IoT devices and data traffic, as well as the contextual use of
spectrum depending on network and service requirements, will increase demand for
capacity, and therefore potentially spectrum, and flexible spectrum allocation to allow
for different use cases, particularly if that spectrum is also allocated for other uses.
The ACMA and regulators internationally are responding to these challenges. The
2015 Spectrum Review undertaken by the Department of Communications and the
Arts in conjunction with the ACMA makes recommendations to improve the flexibility of
the spectrum policy and management framework that will further assist in the
development of mobile networks. The ACMA has also recently released its mobile
broadband strategy consultation paper, Beyond 2020, that is in part designed to
address the forthcoming challenges presented by 5G and other developments in terms
of spectrum allocation and management. As another measure, the ACMA is proposing
changes to spectrum class licensing arrangements in the 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz band and
5.8 GHz spectrum bands to support a variety of IoT applications such as data
telemetry, machine data and monitoring and sensor networks.93
Regulators internationally are also responding to these challenges. Some

communications regulators have begun to look into the feasibility of licensed shared
access to spectrum, while research on the technologies needed to enable sharing is
also underway. In April 2015, the FCC announced innovative new arrangements in the
3.5GHz band, which will see implementation of a three-tier shared-use framework
involving Incumbents, Priority Access and General Authorised Access. These
arrangements will enable access to 150 MHz band suitable for wireless broadband
services, while still protecting the incumbent military radar systems from interference. 94
In its final report, the EU project for Mobile and wireless communications enablers for
the twenty-twenty society (METIS) advocated the development of a spectrum toolbox
to allow 5G systems to operate under different regulatory frameworks and spectrum
sharing scenarios. The toolbox would contain tools to enable operation in both high
and low frequencies using small and large bandwidths, facilitate different sharing
scenarios and adopt different rules for different services, all in a time-sensitive
environment where shifting spectrum demands are flexibly accommodated as service
demands on 5G mobile networks change.
Devices
The ACMAs involvement in the international harmonisation of spectrum arrangements
influences the device standards development which enables the availability of
affordable handsets.
93
ACMA, Easier access to spectrum for the Internet of Things, December 2015.
94
Federal Communications Commission Breaking down barriers to innovation in the 3.5GHz band, 21 April
2015.
30 | acma
International harmonisation of spectrum arrangements
Part of the ACMAs role is to participate in the harmonisation of international spectrum
arrangements. This will be an important influence on the availability and cost of 5G
devices in Australia.
Most recently, the ACMA actively engaged in the issue of identification of spectrum for
International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in preparation for the identification of
future agenda items at WRC15. The ACMA were heavily involved in the development
of the AsiaPacific regional position through contributions to the AsiaPacific
Telecommunity Conference Preparatory Group for WRC15. The successful result
was the creation of a future Agenda item on this issue.95
The impact of the ACMAs role can also be seen in the ACMAs work on achieving
regional agreement on an efficient and usable band plan for the 700 MHz band. By
collaborating and harmonising with Australias AsiaPacific neighbours, the ACMA
ensured the Australian market could benefit from global economies of scale and have
a greater choice of mobile handsets in the 700 MHz band. These benefits are also
achieved in other bands used for mobile broadband (and other services) by Australia
supporting and adopting internationally harmonised arrangements.
Device-to-device (D2D) communications and altered traffic paths

D2D communications, an integral part of potential 5G network structures, will enable
communications to bypass elements in a centralised network design. Traffic in this
context is directly communicated between devices via a direct link using cellular
resources rather than a base station, and so bypassing core network elements.96
Different traffic paths offer potential opportunities in terms of improved quality of

service, to allow routing of traffic to mitigate areas of network congestion.
D2D communications may also require some assessment of how D2D traffic flows are
accommodated within the regulatory framework, so that important regulatory
requirements such as the emergency call service and interception requirements that
rely on location information often gleaned from mobile base station traffic, can
continue to be supported in a D2D communications environment.
Services/applications
5G networks are expected to support enhanced services and applications and will be
a particularly important support for the development of the IoT. Many existing
regulatory arrangements that come within the ACMAs remit, including its role in
telephone numbering administration and managing internet security via the Australian
Internet Security Initiative (AISI), will interact with the development of enhanced
services enabled by 5G networks, including the IoT.
Enabling the IoT applications

The ability of 5G networks to support a massive increase in device connections is
expected to be a support for the IoT. Devices and services within the IoT will serve a
range of services including monitoring, sensing, and delivering updates for a wide
variety of purposes. As noted earlier, changes proposed by the ACMA to the spectrum
class licensing arrangements that authorise particular device applications are intended
95
Letter to the Editor from ACMA CEO Chris Chapman, Communications Day, 13 November 2015, pages
910.
96
Operator Services, Verticals, Strategies and Forecasts, February 2015, pages 11011.
acma | 31
to facilitate easier access to IoT applications. In addition, exploiting the maximum
potential of the IoT will require industry and consumers to trust network security and
the processes in place to ensure secure storage, transport and use of data.
Content
5G networks will enable enhanced services including the provision of content in a
variety of contexts. Existing regulatory arrangements managed by the ACMA will
interact with the provision of content services over 5G networks.
5G networks likely to enable context aware content

Context-awareness is a key theme in commentary on 5G networks and services. The
5G network has been described as content displayed as it is needed or relevant rather
than the user actively seeking such material. The provision of relevant information
when it is needed without action by the user has the potential to offer benefits.
The shift to context-awareness has been described as reconfiguring relationships

between the service and the user. For example, in a 5G context the emphasis of
healthcare approaches could shift more towards wellness. In this scenario, the
network is continually providing relevant support for wellness, such as dietary, blood
pressure, and exercise monitors in combination with other services. This permits
greater emphasis on proactive support of wellness that has the potential to prevent the
use of more extensive healthcare services in the future.97
Context-aware networks could deliver more informative, efficient, immediate and

targeted emergency services warnings, which may contribute to an enhanced
protection of the public provided by emergency services.
The protection and treatment of an individuals personal data, in terms of security and
privacy, may be challenged by the automatic generation of content.
The ACMA identified digital information management, which states that the treatment
of data by media and communications network operators, service providers, and other
rights holders should respect user preferences, relevant privacy legislation and
applicable community standards,98 as an enduring concept for media and
communications regulation.
In the envisaged context-aware network, information or content is generated

automatically rather than by request. This arrangement potentially risks the
unauthorised or inappropriate sharing of content or information and challenges the
concept of digital information management.
The risk of personal or sensitive information being shared without authorisation exists
for any online user. A context-aware network elevates this risk in two ways:
it potentially holds more information about a user than current networks
it displays relevant information as a push rather than pull service.
While there are general privacy obligations that apply to the disclosure of personal
information, there remains communications-specific obligations administered by the
ACMA that relate to disclosure of the content of communications.
97
Travis Johnson, CEO, Mnet Mobile, Mumbrella 360 conference presentation, Technology Whats Now
and Next?, 2015.
98
ACMA, Enduring concepts: Communications and media in Australia, November 2011, page 7.
32 | acma
To the extent existing privacy and security protections are not regarded by consumers
as adequate in this environment, it may act as a barrier to consumer confidence in
using context-aware services on 5G networks and regulatory certainty will become
more important.
User experience
The goal of 5G networks to provide a seamless user experience will require network
operators to match the performance characteristics of fixed networks in terms of
speed, quality, reliability and security. 99 Some analysts have also noted that the
requirement to build out fibre closer to the customer to support high frequency mobile
networks will also contribute to the breaking down of the distinction between fixed and
mobile networks, as mobile networks incorporate fixed network elements. 100
The changing use of mobile services, as well as its increasing similarity to fixed
services, has a two-fold effect:
existing technology-specific regulatory arrangements, such as the standard
telephone service and number portability, may ultimately prove in the future to be a
barrier to full exploitation of the benefits from developments in mobile networks
consumers have access to an increasing range of OTT services and mobile
networks that can partially or totally fulfil fixed-line service functions.
Regulatory attention has traditionally focused on fixed-line telephone services, such as

the standard telephone service and universal service obligation. The ability of the
individual to access multiple communications access and service pathways suggests
that in the future there may be ways to achieve the universal service objective other
than a regulated service.101
3. Are there additional regulatory issues around 5G network deployment,
relevant to the ACMAs responsibilities, which are not discussed in this
paper?
99
Huawei, 5G: A Technology Vision, January 2014, page 3.
100
Mark Newman, Ovum, 5G is not mobile, 23 October 2014, page 3.
101
ACMA, Six emerging trends in media and communications, November 2014, page 14.
acma | 33
Conclusion
5G represents the next stage of development for mobile networks. Due to be deployed
in Australia from around 2020, the specific pathway to achieve projected 5G
characteristicssuch as the ability to support a massive increase in connections,
speeds of 110 Gbps, and greatly reduced latencyis under development. It is likely
to involve a combination of higher frequency bands and technological developments,
including Massive MIMO and beamforming.
5G use cases display the potential benefits of this next stage of mobile network
development. One use case is the IoT, for which 5G will provide support for,
particularly in enabling an increase in device connections with an anywhere and
anytime capability.
There is significant development activity underway internationally to prepare for 5G

technologies.
For its part, the ACMA is already working to identify ways that 5G technologies can be
facilitated in Australia, including through its day-to-day spectrum management
activities, its recently released mobile broadband strategy, Beyond 2020, the Spectrum
Review undertaken jointly with the Department of Communications and the Arts, and
work in national, regional and international fora, including the World
Radiocomunication Conference held in November 2015.
The ACMA will continue to monitor developments in the deployment and use of mobile
networks, and consider ways that new technologies and services can be facilitated
under existing regulatory arrangements. In particular, the ACMA is interested in views
from stakeholders on the following questions:
1. Are there any additional demand drivers supporting 5G network deployment in
Australia not identified in this paper?
2. Are there any additional significant enablers or major inhibitors to 5G network
deployment in Australia that are not identified in this paper?
3. Are there additional regulatory issues around 5G network deployment, relevant to
the ACMAs responsibilities, which are not discussed in this paper?
The ACMA appreciates responses and feedback on the questions it has raised
throughout this paper, which will assist it to refine its monitoring capabilities in this area
and identify important enablers for 5G network deployment in Australia.
34 | acma
Glossary
Name Definition
1G First generation mobile technology.

Mobile telecommunications services that use analogue
techniques to provide voice communications.
2G Second generation mobile technology.

Mobile telecommunications services that use digital
techniques, providing voice communications and a relatively
low transmission rate for data.
3G Third generation mobile technology.

Broadband mobile telecommunications services supporting
both voice channels, and IP-based video and data services.
4G Fourth generation mobile technology.

Enhanced broadband mobile telecommunications services
supporting voice, video and data services over an all IP
network.
5G Fifth generation mobile technology.

There is currently no agreed definition or standard for 5G
technology.
Advanced Mobile The first generation mobile analogue system.

Phone Service
(AMPS)
Augmented reality An enhanced version of reality created by the use of

technology to overlay digital information on an image of
something being viewed through a device or interface.
Bandwidth A measurement of how much data can flow through a specific

connection at one time. Bandwidth also refers to a range of
frequencies used to transmit a signal.
Beamforming A processing technique used for signal transmission or

reception.
Carrier A technology that allows mobile network operators to use

Aggregation spectrum in disparate radio-frequency bands as a single
transmissions channel. Carrier aggregation is part of the LTE-
A specification.
Code-Division 2G and 3G digital mobile telephony system.

Multiple Access
(CDMA)
Cloud computing Internet-based computing where data and applications are

hosted online, stored on remote servers and available to
clients on demand through broadband internet-enabled
devices.
Device-to-device Each terminal is able to communicate directly with other

communications terminals bypassing the core network in order to either share
(D2D) their radio access connection, or to exchange information.
acma | 35
Name Definition
Fixed Mobile The merging of the previously distinct fixed and mobile
Convergence platforms.
(FMC)
Fixed Mobile The displacement of fixed voice (and sometimes data)

Substitution (FMS) services by mobile voice (and sometimes data) services.
Global System for 2G mobile digital technology.

Mobile
communications
(GSM)
High Speed A technical standard for mobile networks that enhances

Packet Access WCDMA based 3G networks. It provides data rates of up to
Plus (HSPA+) 168 Mbps (downlink) and 22 Mbps (uplink).
Internet of Things Encompasses the increasing number of things (whether

(IoT) domestic appliances, monitoring equipment, or a great range
of other objects) that communicate over the internet with little
or no human involvement.
Latency The amount of time a data packet takes to travel through a

network, measured from when a query or request is sent into
the network from a device to when the response or required
data arrives back at that device.
Licensed Shared Enables non-commercial entities to share their spectrum with

Access (LSA) wireless carriers while retaining control over it.
Long Term A suite of radio and core network specifications for the
Evolution (LTE) enhancement of mobile networks beyond 3G capabilities. It is
associated with 4G system builds providing higher data rates,
higher quality of service and better resource utilisation.
Long Term Involves enhancements to LTE including improvements to

Evolution carrier aggregation, small cell performance and interference
Advanced (LTE- management techniques, resulting in the ability to provide
Advanced) higher peak data rates, theoretically over 1 Gbps.
Long Term A wireless standard that allows the broadcast of a video

Evolution stream over a mobile network to multiple consumers with
Broadcast (LTE-B) appropriate 4G devices at the same time.
Massive Multiple Refers to the idea of equipping wireless transceivers with a

Input, Multiple very large number of antennas to increase the spectral
Output (Massive efficiency of a wireless link.
MIMO)
Millimetre wave Spectrum in the frequency range from 30 to 300 GHz.

spectrum Frequencies in this range have wavelengths between 1 and
10mm. Due to their higher bandwidth over traditional cellular
bands, millimetre wave bands can provide significantly wide
channel sizes and higher speeds.
Machine-to- Automatic communications between devices without the need

machine for any human interaction.
communications
(M2M)
36 | acma
Name Definition
Network Function Allows network functions to be implemented by a program

Virtualisation instead of a physical piece of hardware, separating network
(NFV) infrastructure from the services that it provides.
Over-the-top- Online delivery of video direct to the consumer without the

services (OTT network access provider being involved in the control or
services) distribution of the content itself.
Quality of Service A set of standards and mechanisms to ensure high-quality

(QoS) performance for applications.
Radio Access A part of a mobile telecommunications network. The RAN

Network (RAN) connects the device to the core network.
Radio-frequency Small devices consisting of a chip and an antenna that act as

identification a unique identifier for an object. Uses include tracking of
(RFID) goods and access management.
Software Defined Enables dynamic reconfiguration of network architecture to

Networking (SDN) adjust for changes to load and demand.
Tactile internet Refers to a system where humans will wirelessly interact with
and control real and virtual objects, in such a way that the user
interacting with the environment does not perceive any
difference between local and remote content.
Time Division Duplex communication links that separates uplink and

Duplex (TDD) downlink traffic through the allocation of different time slots
within the same frequency band.
Voice over LTE Voice services are delivered over data streams by mobile
(VoLTE) network providers.
Wideband Code 3G mobile technology.

Division Multiple
Access (WCDMA)
acma | 37
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Demand for mobile services 9

Technological enablers for 5G 14

Six 5G use cases 21

5G developments and existing regulatory arrangements 29

Specific requirements for 5G (source: GSMA Intelligence)

This report examines:

Feedbacktell us what you think

How to provide feedback

A recent ACMA-commissioned study found that mobile broadband increased

There is recognition across the international community that communications networks

Evolution of mobile networks

Research and planning is currently underway to define 5G systems, with industry

Figure 2 illustrates this technology evolution, including milestones for deployment of

Seven key characteristics of 5G

The two requirements that could be classified as revolutionary and generation-defining

The specific requirements for 5G identified by GSMA Intelligence provide a useful

Supporting IoT developments and context-aware services

Table 1: Demand drivers for improved mobile networks

Increasing mobile connections and data usage

Next generation communications and entertainment

Consumer demand drivers

Increasing number of mobile devices

Increasing use of data-based services

One example of data-based services is the use of mobile applications. Seventy-five

Consumer expectations of next generation communications and entertainment

Increasing expectations of reliability for mobile-only users

Growth in the number of exclusively mobile Australians is likely to encourage

Business demand drivers

Mobility as an enabler of increased business productivity

Existing services enhanced by access to mobile data storage

Since 5G characteristics are still under development, the optimal network

This chapter explores the technological developments enabling the rollout of 5G

Technology developments and spectrum efficiency

MIMO involves the simultaneous use of multiple antennas to increase spectrum

In considering mobile broadband applications, end-user equipment is ideally compact

Table 2: Examples of 5G demonstrations at millimetre wave frequencies

Demonstrator Peak data rate Frequency Bandwidth

Nokia 10 Gbps 73 GHz 1 GHz

Ericsson 5.8 Gbps 15 GHz 400 MHz

Samsung 7.5 Gbps 28 GHz 800 MHz

Network infrastructure and topology

5G requirements for additional base stations

Flexible, scalable and intelligent network architecture

Emerging technologies such as Self-Organising Networks (SON), Network Function

NFV allows network functions, such as firewalls, to be implemented by a program

Similarly, network capacity could be dynamically re-assigned to serve customer

The ACMA is responsible for the management and allocation of radiofrequency

5G expected to use a wide range of frequency bands

Other 5G technological enablers

Security and reliability

Industry analysts, vendors and international mobile organisations have developed a

Use case 1: The Internet of Things (IoT)

Increasing mobile connections and data usage

Next generation communications and entertainment

Note: IoT specific drivers highlighted in blue.