Public Consultation On The Roadmap And Strategy For 5th Generation .

2.2. 5G Contribution to socio-economic growthAccess to connectivity is a major driver of economic growth and societal development. Thecountry will realise both economic and social benefits (productivity, efficiencies and jobs) fromthe continued evolution of 5G, contributing significantly to expansion of innovation, productivity,and collaboration across enterprise, research and academia.Globally it has been proven that an increase in broadband penetration in a country contributes tosocio-economic development. Although the estimation of exact contribution may vary, increase inbroadband penetration contributes to several sectors of the economy, including growth of GrossDomestic Product (GDP), job creation, increased educational opportunities, better services, andrural development.There is potential for 5G to bring changes across a range of sectors and industries. Depending onthe focus of its implementation, the deployment of 5G networks can have both qualitative andquantitative impacts in the economy. For example, improved access to medical professionals andhealth data through mobile connectivity could lead to overall health improvements. Expandedavailability of educational resources and job training could affect the characteristics of the labourpool. Improvements in industrial settings could increase efficiency and productivity, resulting inchanges to the cost structures of underlying products used.Furthermore, some studies and forecasts indicate that 5G use cases will be reflected across multiplesectors or verticals, demonstrating the wide range of potential impacts of 5G technology andservices across various economies. For example, gaming and software industries in Kenya cantake advantage of 5G and develop virtual reality (VR) applications for education or augmentedreality (AR) applications for tourism for local markets that can also be exported to other marketsglobally.2.3. 5G Use Cases5G is expected to address three key usage scenarios: enhancement of the traditional mobilebroadband services, ultra-reliable and low latency communications and massive machine-typecommunications. 5G has versatile capabilities that can facilitate innovative applications. There isa need to foster the development of innovative uses and applications with potential to impact acrossindustries in the country. Table 1 below presents selected 5G use cases and applications.Table 1: Selected 5G use cases and applicationsApplicationCommunicationsUse Cases High-speed home andoffice broadband 5G dongles/mobileroutersExamples Improved broadband connectivity due tohigher-speed, lower-latency connections Expanded Internet access due to new orexpanded network deployments3

Agriculture &WaterHealthcare E-farming Stationary/nearstationary monitoringnetworks Collaborative robots Connected sensors for smart agriculturesystems enabling better monitoring ofcrops, animals, and equipment. Animal tracking could also benefitwildlife management and protection Integration into agricultural processes canincrease efficiencies and lower costs forlabour-intensive industries Smart water management Remote access to medical professionalsand specialized care through enhancedvideoconferencing, remote diagnosis, andremote surgery Collection and analysis of patient datafrom connected wearablesensors/monitors Personalized medicine leveraging datacollected from wearables and improvedaccess to providers Assisted living / home care automation Connected Ambulances Improved and more immersive distancelearning via videoconferencing andimproved access to rich media resources Industrial/workplace education due tovideoconferencing, augmentedreality/virtual reality, and haptic feedback Remote smart meterse/m HealthVirtual meetingHigh-speedbroadband in thehome High-speedbroadband in theoffice Remote objectmanipulation Smart wearables High-speed homebroadband Virtual meeting Virtual or augmentedreality Remote objectmanipulationManufacturing, Collaborative robotsMining, and Remote objectConstructionmanipulation Virtual meeting Virtual or augmentedreality Ultra-low-costnetworksPublic Safety and Broadband to specialDisastereventsResponse Remote objectmanipulationEducation Smart factories, including replacement ofwired connections, cell automation,machine vision, improved efficiency Real-time assistance viavideoconferencing and augmented reality Remote control of industrial equipment Smart Grids for energy Enhanced, secure, mission-criticalcommunications4

Smart City &Transportation Internet of Things(IoT) Big data analysis andAITourism andtravel Remote objectmanipulation Coverage extension in out-of-networkareas through new device-to-deviceconnectivity models Unmanned vehicles/drones for rescue andreconnaissance Smart Sustainable intelligent trafficsurveillance Systems Connected and autonomous vehicles Connected infrastructure equipped withsensors and cameras for trafficmanagement and preventive maintenance Enhanced vehicle safety Robot monitoring Robotic customer service assistants andchatbots Immersive experiences for touriststhrough augmented, virtual and mixedreality, 3D motion tracking, and 4k 360 VR interactive content streaming Virtual tour guides Virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality(AR)3. Frequencies to Support 5GSpectrum is the lifeblood for all wireless communication networks. The Authority is adoptingglobally harmonized spectrum and standards that will facilitate the development andimplementation of 5G and the expansion of LTE network coverage in Kenya. Further, theAuthority has developed a spectrum release plan to ensure that appropriate spectrum is madeavailable in a timely manner to enable robust 5G service.A variety of spectrum is necessary to support 5G networks, which will operate in a mix of spectrumbands. Low-band spectrum below 1 GHz provides wide area and deep indoor coverage andsupports IoT low data rate applications. Medium-band spectrum from 1 to 6 GHz provides bothgood network coverage and capacity capabilities. High-band spectrum above 24 GHz (mmWave)offer very high data rates and high system capacity in dense deployments. Low- and mid-bandspectrum is critical for robust LTE deployments, while spectrum in all three bands will be neededto support the full range of capabilities and requirements of various 5G applications, services, anddeployment models.5G will make the best use of a wide array of spectrum available across spectrum bands fordeployment of IoT, enhanced mobile broadband, and mission-critical applications and services,5

like connected autonomous vehicles, critical infrastructure management, remote medicalprocedures, as well as command and control communications for drones and robotics.While previous generation networks primarily operated in licensed spectrum bands below 3 GHz,5G will bring the next level of convergence with support for licensed, shared, and unlicensedspectrum. Private networks can operate with exclusive or shared spectrum use, the latter beingparticularly important given the high projected demand for spectrum in a variety of frequencyranges.5G can be introduced in existing frequency bands previously used for other services (re-farmed)or shared with existing services or in new bands. MNOs can therefore either re-farm their existingspectrum or seek new frequency bands to deploy 5G networks.The proposed spectrum bands are typically in internationally harmonized frequencies identifiedfor IMT. The deployment of 5G in these harmonized bands will benefit from economies of scale,enabling global roaming, reducing equipment design complexity, preserving battery life,improving spectrum efficiency and potentially reducing cross border interference. Consequently,harmonization of spectrum for IMT leads to simplification and commonality of equipment, whichis desirable for achieving economies of scale and affordability of equipment.The successful deployment of 5G requires timely availability of sufficient spectrum, in suitablefrequency bands to support targeted network coverage, capacity and speed. To that end, theAuthority is proposing a spectrum release plan as indicated in the timetable in this Roadmap.3.1. 5G Frequency BandsThe following are core bands for deployment of 5G globally/regionally to address diversifiedrequirements from the varied 5G usage scenario.1. Low-band (sub 1 GHz) - High prioritya) The 700 MHz band (694 - 790 MHz)The sub 1-GHz spectrum provides deep and large coverage for eMBB, IoT and low latencyapplications and services and can be used in the 5G context to ensure adequate coverage.The 700 MHz band was primarily assigned to analogue TV. As a second digital dividend, it wasrelinquished by broadcasting services and allocated to mobile services. Although this band offerslimited bandwidth – allowing for guard bands, it provides 2 x 30 MHz in duplex, which has beensplit into blocks of 2 x 10 MHz.2. Mid-band (1-6 GHz)b) The L-band (1427 - 1518 MHz) - Medium priority6

The L-band is a good complimentary band to combine with sub 1 GHz band (e.g. 700 MHz band).The band provides a good combination of capacity and coverage. The ecosystem is developed inEurope for its use by supplemental downlink (SDL), which could lead to benefits from economiesof scale. A total of 90 MHz of spectrum is available on TDD basis.c) The 2.3 GHz band (2300 - 2400 MHz) - High priorityThe band provides wider bandwidths enabling enhanced mobile broadband and mission-crit icalcommunications. There is a total of 100 MHz TDD spectrum available in the band. Depending onthe need to implement a guard band, the total spectrum could be less. As per current LTE standards,the blocks could be split in multiples of 20 MHz, and licensed up to 2 operators, in order to ensurea minimum amount of spectrum per operator.d) The 2.6 GHz band (2500 - 2690 MHz) - High priorityThe band has been freed up and a bandwidth of 190 MHz is available for licensing. The currentLTE device ecosystem for this band includes a combination of 140 MHz in FDD and 50 MHz inTDD blocks. There is need to re-plan the band on TDD basis and avail the spectrum to licenseeson a competitive basis. The spectrum could be split into two blocks of 100 MHz and 90 MHz andlicensed to two operators.e) The C-band (3300 - 3600 MHz) - High priorityThe C-band is emerging as the primary frequency band for deployment of 5G with greatestpotential for global harmonization allocated on TDD basis. It provides an optimal balance betweencoverage and capacity for cost effective network deployment. In Kenya, the band is fragmentedand currently assigned to operators and needs to be re-planned to enable re-farming for 5G.Already one operator has re-farmed its spectrum holding in the 3.5GHz band and deployed a 5Gtrial network.f) The 4.8 GHz band (4800 – 4990 MHz) - Low priorityThe band is identified for IMT in Kenya and some countries through a footnote in ITU RadioRegulations. The conditions of use of the band for IMT will be reviewed by WRC-23. Theecosystem for the band is still under development and has not yet matured. The band could beconsidered to be released to the market after the decisions of WRC-23.3. High-band/mmWave (above 6 GHz)The following are the millimeter wave bands that can be used for 5G by Mobile Network Operators(MNOs) and different industry verticals.g) The 26 GHz band (24.25 - 27.5 GHz) - Medium priorityThe 26 GHz band is one of the bands in which early mmWave 5G deployments are underway tosupport ultra-high capacity and delivery of extremely high data rates and low latency required by7

some 5G enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) applications. The 26 GHz band is most suitable foroutdoor hotspot, in-building coverage and fixed wireless access (FWA) with outdoor customerpremises equipment (CPE). The band is important in the overall 5G ecosystem as it will addressspecific 5G eMBB use case requirements and demands.There is a total bandwidth of 3.25 GHz based on TDD and split into blocks of 200 MHz. In thisband, a contiguous bandwidth of approximately 800 MHz per MNO network can be allocated tosupport the achievement of certain 5G/IMT-2020 key performance indicators such as peakthroughput and area density.h) The 40 GHz band (37-43.5 GHz) - Low priorityThe 40 GHz band is harmonized globally for deployment of IMT. It is a promising band for theearly deployment of 5G millimetre wave systems. It provides extreme bandwidths for ultra-highbroadband speeds. It may be used for private 5G networks by verticals though the ecosystem hasnot developed and matured at the moment.4. Other mmWave frequency bandsi) The other 40/50 GHz bands - Low priorityThe 40/50 GHz bands include the 47.2-48.2 GHz frequency band. The band is identified fordeployment of IMT in a few countries. It provides extreme bandwidths for ultra-high broadbandspeeds. It may be used for private 5G networks by verticals though the ecosystem has notdeveloped and matured at the moment.j) The 66 - 71 GHz band - Low priorityThe 66 - 71 GHz band is identified for IMT for flexible use for 5G systems enabling both IMT andnon-IMT technologies and shared with WiGig systems. The band provides extreme bandwidthsfor ultra-high broadband speeds.Summary of 5G Frequency bandsFrequency bandBandwidthPriority1694 - 790 MHz2x10 MHzLow21427 - 1518 MHz91 MHzMedium32300 - 2400 MHz100 MHzHigh42500 - 2690 MHz190 MHzHigh53300 - 3600 MHz300 MHz (re-farm)High64800 – 4990 MHz190 MHzLow8

724.25 - 27.5 GHz3.25 GHzMedium837- 43.5 GHz6.5 GHzLow947.2 - 48.2 GHz1 GHzLow1066 - 71 GHz5 GHzLow5. Unlicensed band to support 5GLicence exempt frequency bands are those that can be used by certain applications without theneed for prior authorisation or an individual right of use. This does not mean that they are notsubject to regulation – use must still comply with pre-defined technical rules to minimise the riskof interference. Both licensed and license-exempt wireless technologies are required to supportbroadband connectivity. Most licence exempt bands are harmonized and are shared with otherservices such as industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment or radars. Wi-Fi and Bluetoothare some of the most familiar examples of licence exempt applications.There is currently 538.5 MHz of mid-band spectrum available for licence-exempt use in ITURegion 1, which includes Kenya. The bands used are: 2400 - 2483.5 MHz 5150 - 5350 MHz 5470 - 5725 MHzOne of the technical solutions that may be considered for license-exempt broadband services isWi-Fi. In addition, 5G NR-U has been developed by 3GPP (via Release 16) which allows for bothnon-standalone and standalone operation of 5G NR transmissions in the license-exempt 5 GHzand 6 GHz bands. The enhancement of the specifications is continuing.The lower 6 GHz band (5925-6425 MHz) is being considered in all the three regions ofInternational Telecommunication Union (ITU) for license-exempt use in order to meet rapidlyincreasing demand for unlicensed spectrum. Wi-Fi technology is expected to play an importantrole in supporting 5G networks, with ultra-dense, high-speed connections to wireless and wirednetworks. Wi-Fi complements 4G and 5G connectivity. Globally, Wi-Fi offload will remainimportant. Technologies using licence-exempt spectrum offer very low barriers to entry. Wi-Fiserves as a platform for the creation of innovative business modelsThe African Telecommunications Union (ATU) has adopted Recommendations to open up thelower 6 GHz band (5925-6425 MHz) for license-exempt use to support the operation of Wi-Fi inAfrica.9

3.2. Allocation of Spectrum for 5G servicesIn order to realize the full potential of 5G, it is important that adequate spectrum is made availablein appropriate frequency bands. The Authority will endeavour to plan the spectrum for 5Gefficiently through facilitation of adequate contiguous spectrum, while also avoiding spectrumfragmentation.To ensure effective delivery of 5G services that meets ITU-R’s IMT-2020 target values (DL100Mbps and UL 50Mbps) in a commercial scale, contiguous spectrum of 60 – 100 MHz in bandsbelow 6 GHz may be assigned to each MNO, subject to availability, to facilitate the delivery ofaffordable, high throughput 5G services. For bands above 6 GHz, contiguous spectrum bandwidthof at least 800 MHz per MNO is necessary to enable eMBB.3.3. 5G Spectrum SharingThe demand for 5G spectrum is expected to rise exponentially in the near future. IMT spectrum isoften assigned through individual licensing, the Authority is considering making certain 5Gspectrum available through spectrum sharing.Spectrum sharing mechanisms allow a limited number of licensed users to access the spectrum,under certain conditions. It is often used when spectrum cannot be released everywhere or withina certain timeframe, or if spectrum use must be coordinated to mitigate interference.Further, shared licenses will be issued to support verticals such as local/private 5G networks,managing interference through geographic separation or other mitigation techniques. The limitedcoverage needed for private networks makes it well-suited for a shared-use format in mmWavebands, for instance, where interference can largely be managed through geographic separation.Private networks can provide benefits for small geographic areas that require high bandwidth suchas industrial facilities, universities, and ports. Because the spectrum is used over smallergeographic areas than a traditional wide-area mobile network, the same spectrum can be used bymultiple users, provided sufficient geographic separation exists to avoid interference.3.4. 5G Spectrum PricingThe cost of deployment of 5G networks are expected to be high due to network densification. Inthis regard, there is a need to determine appropriate spectrum acquisition and usage fees.Reasonable frequency fees for 5G spectrum will promote infrastructure investment and encouragethe swift deployment of 5G networks, allowing operators to focus available capital on networkinvestment.Currently, licensees with at least 51% ownership by Kenyans are allowed to pay initial spectrumlicense fees in equal instalments for 10 years for initial frequency fees of above Kshs. 1B. Locallyowned operators who wish to deploy 5G can take advantage of this provision.10

3.5. LicensingThe Authority issues technology and service neutral licenses based on a unified licensingframework (ULF) which enables licensees to deploy any technology and provide any services inthe bands identified and assigned for IMT (mobile) services. Technology-neutral licenses allowoperators to upgrade networks and deploy the latest technologies under exist

1.1. Objective of the 5G Roadmap and Strategy The goal of this roadmap is to facilitate implementation of 5G mobile technology for the benefit of the citizens, the economy and industry at large and make Kenya a global leader in 5G mobile technology. The roadmap outlines strategies that will enable the deployment of 5G technology to