5G painpoints for spectrum management: band-aid required?

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5G is here, bringing with it huge potential yet plenty of challenges. Most of the attention over the three-year planning cycle has been focussed on use cases and network deployment strategy. The debate has shifted in recent months to address implementation issues. Spectrum and the associated assignment decisions are critical factors that will impact the speed, reach and quality of services. 5G is the first mobile generation to spur more players into the market, including participants from vertical industries. Licensing is expected to be different, and rightly so. We focus here on the pragmatic questions and painpoints associated with rollout.
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MWC Shanghai is in the books for another year, having attracted 45,000 visitors (from 12,500 companies), along with 400 exhibitors and partner groups. The numbers were up from the 2024 event by 13% and 92% respectively. This analysis highlights the key takeaways and implications from meetings, summits and announcements at the event – and in particular, whether the progress seen in China can be mapped to other regions.
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