Overcoming a Spectrum Deficit in a 5G World (.PDF Download)

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Radio-frequency spectrum is the lifeblood of the wireless industry. However, a deficit in the amount of spectrum available for growing mobile data services appears imminent.

In mid-January 2021, a big step was taken for 5G networks in the U.S. as mobile network operators (MNOs) spent over $80 billion to acquire the spectrum upon which their network services will be built. But according to a model of spectral demand created by Resonant, an updated version of a model developed by the FCC,¹ increasing demand for data services threatens to result in a situation where data demand will overwhelm the available spectrum starting in 2021 and continue to worsen through 2025.