The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) published on its website the details of its approved preliminary frequency bands plans for the fifth generation (5G) mobile services. Last month, the CRA announced the readiness of the 700 MHz, 3500 MHz and 26 GHz bands for the 5G technology. This will allow service providers to start with the preliminary official testing on pre-standard network, towards the deployment of the standard networks and providing 5G commercial services to the consumers by late 2018 and early 2019.

Details of the preliminary plans indicates that the 700 MHz frequency band will be deployed to accommodate the demand of the service providers and for the applications of the public protection and disaster relief (PPDR). The CRA will initiate a public consultation regarding the frequency range which will be assigned for Machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications for both broadband and narrowband in the 700 MHz frequency band. For the 3500 MHz frequency band, CRA will initially distribute the frequency range 3400-3600 MHz with a 100 MHz bandwidth carrier for each service provider. CRA will also take into consideration the frequency range of 3600-3800 MHz for future assignment based on regional trends which are still being coordinated.

While regarding the 26 GHz band, the CRA will assign the frequency range 26.5 – 27.5 GHz with a 400 MHz bandwidth carrier for each service provider; however, in 2019 the CRA will vacate another part of the band so that the frequency range 25.5 – 27.5 GHz become available for the distribution of two carriers with 800 MHz bandwidth for each one per the service provider. The CRA aims that the full frequency range of 24.5 – 27.5 GHz be available in early 2021, so that each service provider be assigned 1 GHz bandwidth in the 26 GHz frequency band.

These plans enhance the role of the CRA in accelerating the introduction of advanced and innovative technology in the State of Qatar, with the aim of meeting the needs of consumers which will benefit the development of telecommunications market and sector and enhance a sustainable national, social and economic development of Qatar. Also with 5G technology a massive global shift in mobile telecommunications standards will happen, the peak internet connection speed will reach at least to 1 Gigabits per second (Gbps).

CRA is the communications regulator in the state of Qatar established by virtue of Amiri Decree (42) in 2014. CRA regulates the communications & information technology and postal sectors, and access to digital media. CRA uses its regulatory powers mandated by the Amiri decree to protect consumer rights, ensure competition, manage the resolution of disputes, and manage the electromagnetic spectrum. In all its activities, the CRA seeks to ensure the provision of advanced, innovative and reliable ICT and postal services across the state of Qatar. For more information, please visit: https:/cra.gov.qa/en