Bahrain has released C-Band spectrum for 5G Private Networks, becoming the first country in the GCC to offer the frequency which experts say will improve the performance and reach of 5G wireless networks, writes Avinash Saxena.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that it is making spectrum (radio frequency) in the 3.8 to 4.2GHz band available to businesses, government users, and licensed operators as part of efforts to enable both private and public sectors to benefit from the latest technologies.
The regulator said this will further cement the kingdom’s reputation for leadership in the digital market, having already achieved 100 per cent 5G commercial network coverage.
TRA General Director Philip Marnick said: “Bahrain remains one of the most well-connected places globally. Not only does 5G technology enable better mobile broadband for consumers, it also supports industrial applications.
“To ensure the kingdom can take full advantage of the potential of wireless technology, the TRA is making spectrum available in the 3.8 to 4.2GHz band to support private network services.”
Licences will be available to businesses, government users and licensed operators, allowing them to determine the best ways of utilising wireless technologies to support their digitisation plans.
The TRA will also launch a programme to ensure users can reap the benefits of wireless technologies while incorporating them into the digitisation of their operations.
Experts say C-band has in the past mainly been used by satellite TV operators and is now being tapped by telecom operators to improve the performance and reach of 5G wireless networks.
The band sits in the middle between mm-wave and low-band, allowing for faster speeds with longer range.
According to the digi.com website’s own testing, there was ‘a significant improvement in locations that deployed C-band’.
By 2023, next generation 5G devices will start to combine many C-band channels for even faster speeds in the gigabit to multi-gigabit range.
“In the coming years, there will be many new use cases for C-band 5G,” it predicts.
“As deployment spreads, C-band 5G will provide a boost to augmented reality, virtual reality, video, manufacturing, health care, smart home installations and even drones.
“Imagine using your cellular connection to interact with your home appliances, your personal fitness trackers and your streaming content on your smart phones, tablets, computers and TVs – all at the same time, without delay or signal disruptions. This is the power of C-band 5G.”
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