WASHINGTON – The U.S. is "far behind" in licensed mid-band spectrum availability and faces a growing mid-band spectrum deficit as other countries release more of these airwaves for 5G, making the identification of more mid-band spectrum an important priority for policymakers, a new Analysys Mason study finds.

"U.S. policymakers should be praised for their focus on making 2020 the year of mid-band. This report highlights just how quickly other nations continue to open more of these key airwaves for 5G," said Meredith Attwell Baker, CTIA President and CEO. "We need a roadmap to effectively double the amount of mid-band spectrum set for auction this year, and the 3.1-3.55 GHz and 6 GHz bands are the two clear opportunities to support America's 5G economy."

Analysys Mason looked at the amount of mid-band spectrum (3 GHz-7 GHz) currently available, as well as the amount expected to be available by the end of 2020 and by the end of 2022, in 14 key countries.

Key findings include:

"To continue as 5G leaders, our study finds making more mid-band spectrum beyond initial amounts made available in the 3.5 GHz band is being treated with priority in several other markets," said Janette Stewart, a Principal with Analysys Mason and the lead author of the report. "With the ideal blend of coverage and capacity in mid-band spectrum, our research indicates that outside of the U.S., every wireless provider that has launched 5G in the benchmark countries—19 out of 19—has used mid-band spectrum in its initial 5G launch."

CTIA