EUROPEAN 5G CONFERENCE 2022

This conference has now taken place. Keep an eye out here for updates on a future event!

Session Replays

The European 5G Conference 2022

Event Overview

The 2022 edition of The European 5G Conference took place on 25-26 January virtually. Now in its 6th year, the European 5G Conference has an established reputation as Brussels’ leading meeting place for discussion on 5G policy.

This year’s conference focused on the path to the Digital Decade – accelerating 5G rollout across Europe; public Funding and investment instruments; equipment ecosystems & the continued evolution of the 5G supply market; vertical connectivity – powering the enterprises of the future; working together to secure European and Global 5G networks; pushing the limits of 5G – what comes next?; providing the right mix of spectrum for the next generation of 5G connectivity and beyond; meeting the target of 5G connectivity for all EU citizens by 2030; and delivering densification – Streamlining the rollout of 5G networks in urban areas.

Key Themes

5G secure networks

Working together to secure European and Global 5G networks

right-arrow

Pushing the limits of 5G – what comes next?

radio-waves (1)

Providing the right mix of spectrum for the next generation of 5G connectivity and beyond – low, mid, mmWave and terahertz frequencies

Network

Meeting the target of 5G connectivity for all EU citizens by 2030

smart-city blue

Delivering densification – Streamlining the rollout of 5G networks in urban areas

Organisers & Partners

Event Organiser
www.forum-europe.com
Forum Europe events are where people and policy meet. We have been organising policy conferences in Brussels and around Europe since 1989. Our events provide unique insights from the people behind the policy and those seeking to influence it. Our expert team develop conference programmes with impact and provide first-class event logistics. Forum Europe is more than an event management and conference production specialist. With offices in Brussels and the UK, we operate across Europe and globally. Through our international arm, Forum Global, our events cover five continents, and engage policymakers and industry at national and regional levels around the world. Our mission is to drill down to the issues that matter, creating policy events that are ahead of the curve, facilitating frank and open debate on some of the most pressing issues facing Europe and the world today.
Event Partner
Analysys Mason
www.analysysmason.com
Analysys Mason is a global specialist in telecoms, media and technology (TMT). Since its formation, Analysys Mason has been instrumental in shaping spectrum policy around the world through our wide-ranging studies helping regulators and operators to develop spectrum strategy, efficiently manage spectrum, formulate spectrum licence conditions, value spectrum and prepare for spectrum awards. With offices in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Americas, the Middle East and Africa we are respected worldwide for our exceptional quality of work, independence and flexibility in responding to client needs. For over 25 years we have been helping clients in more than 100 countries to maximise their opportunities.
Event Partner
Coleago Consulting
www.coleago.com
Founded in 2001, Coleago is a specialist telecoms management consulting firm. Our expertise has been developed exclusively within the telecoms sector and delivers a rare combination of telecoms-related commercial and technical skills and experience. Since 2001 we have worked on over 110 spectrum related projects in developed and emerging markets. Since 2017 our spectrum projects included the transition to 5G, including valuating spectrum most relevant for 5G such as 600MHz, 700MHz, 3.5GHz, and mm wave. We advise regulators on spectrum policy, spectrum roadmap, spectrum pricing, spectrum auctions and capacity building on the topic best practice in spectrum auctions. For mobile operators Coleago delivers regulatory advocacy and responses to consultation, spectrum valuation, bid strategy development and live auction support. Coleago also authored complete bid books for spectrum licence awards by means of a beauty contest.
Event Partner
Dynamic Spectrum Alliance
http://dynamicspectrumalliance.org/
The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) is a global, cross-industry, not for profit organization advocating for laws, regulations, and economic best practices that will lead to more efficient utilization of spectrum and foster innovation and affordable connectivity for all.
Event Partner
EANGTI
https://www.eangti.org/
With the ongoing digitalisation, telecom networks and technologies are becoming the backbone of modern societies. It is key that Europe can continue to reap the benefits of innovation and intellectual property developed in Europe. The European Association of Next Generation Telecommunications Innovators (EANGTI), is founded by group of European telecom SME’s to highlight the opportunity in creating a strong eco-system and SME-friendly environment that fosters innovation in Europe.
Event Partner
Ericsson
www.ericsson.com
Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society - a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, business and society to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future. Our services, software and infrastructure - especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud - are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities. With approximately 115,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries, we combine global scale with technology and services leadership. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the world's mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And our investments in research and development ensure that our solutions - and our customers - stay in front. Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2015 were SEK 246.9 billion (USD 29.4 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.
Event Partner
ETNO
https://etno.eu/
ETNO represents Europe’s telecommunications network operators and is the principal policy group for European e-communications network operators. ETNO’s primary purpose is to promote a positive policy environment allowing the EU telecommunications sector to deliver best quality services to consumers and businesses. Sign up to the weekly #ETNODigital newsletter at https://www.etno.eu/news/etnodigital.html
Event Partner
EWIA
www.ewia.org
The European Wireless Infrastructure Association is the European trade association of wholesale wireless infrastructure providers. Our members invest in and operate wireless infrastructure essential to the delivery of mobile voice, wireless broadband and other wireless networks. EWIA advocates policies that encourage the network infrastructure investment and deployment necessary to make advanced wireless broadband available everywhere for consumers, businesses, health care, public safety and the countless other sectors that rely on always-on wireless connections.
Event Partner
GSMA
www.gsma.com
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and Internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai and the Mobile 360 Series conferences.
Event Partner
GSOA
www.esoa.net
GSOA is a non-profit organisation established with the objective of serving and promoting the common interests of satellite operators from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the CIS. The Association today represents the interests of 21 satellite operators who deliver information communication services across the globe. Together ESOA Members provide invaluable communications services to the whole world including emergency communications, live broadcasting, maritime and aero communications, secure services for governments, 24-7 monitoring of industrial processes such as energy plants and a whole range of other communications capabilities that society has come to rely on.
Event Partner
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
https://www.hpe.com/uk/en/home.html
HPE is a global, edge-to-cloud Platform-as-a-Service company built to transform your business. How? By helping you connect, protect, analyse and act on all your data and applications wherever they live, from edge to cloud, so you can turn insights into outcomes at the speed required to thrive in today’s complex world.
Event Partner
Huawei
www.huawei.com
Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. We have more than 194,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Huawei is a private company wholly owned by its employees. Through the Union of Huawei Investment & Holding Co., Ltd., we implement an Employee Shareholding Scheme involving 104,572 employees. Only Huawei employees are eligible to participate. No government agency or outside organization holds shares in Huawei.
Event Partner
Meta
https://about.facebook.com/meta/
The metaverse is the next evolution of social connection. Our company’s vision is to help bring the metaverse to life, so we are changing our name to reflect our commitment to this future.
Event Partner
Microsoft
www.microsoft.com
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Event Partner
Nokia
https://www.nokia.com/
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.
Event Partner
OneWeb
www.oneweb.world
OneWeb is a global communications network powered by a constellation of 650 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Headquartered in London, OneWeb enables high-speed, low latency connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities everywhere around the world. OneWeb’s satellites, network of gateway stations, and range of User Terminals, provide affordable, fast, high bandwidth, low-latency communication services connected to the IOT future, and a pathway to 5G for everyone, everywhere.
Event Partner
Orange
www.orange.com
Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators present in 28 countries. At 30 June 2018, Orange has worldwide 149,000 employees and a total customer base of 260 million customers, including 199 million mobile customers and 20 million fixed broadband customers. Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies, under the brand Orange Business Services. In accordance with its strategic plan “Essentials2020”, Orange places customer experience at the heart of its strategy ‘HumanInside’ with the aim of allowing them to benefit fully from the digital universe and the power of its new generation networks.
Event Partner
Qualcomm
www.qualcomm.com
Qualcomm’s technologies powered the smartphone revolution and connected billions of people. While many of our inventions and breakthroughs reside “under the hood” of consumer electronics, they have transformed the world in a big way. They have helped propel mobile to the forefront of the technology world and to the top of consumers’ wish lists. They have created new opportunities for mobile ecosystem players — the wireless device makers, the operators, the developers and the content creators of the world. And more recently, our inventions and breakthroughs have inspired fresh, new ideas from those companies — large and small — new to the wireless space. We are engineers, scientists and business strategists. Together, we focus on a single goal — invent mobile technology breakthroughs. We pioneered 3G and 4G — and now, we are leading the way to 5G and a new era of intelligent, connected devices. Our products are revolutionizing industries including automotive, computing, IoT and healthcare, and are allowing millions of devices to connect with each other in ways never before imagined.
Event Partners
RHEA Group
https://www.rheagroup.com
RHEA Group provides bespoke engineering solutions, systems development and security services for space, military, government and other critical infrastructure.
Event Partner
Vantage Towers
https://www.vantagetowers.com/en/home-new
In delivering high-quality, resilient connectivity on an unrivalled scale, we believe we can drive Europe towards a sustainable position at the forefront of a digital new world.
Knowledge Partner
Aetha
www.aethaconsulting.com
Aetha Consulting provides strategic advice to the telecommunications industry and specialises in undertaking rigorous data-driven quantitative assessments to help businesses, regulators and policy makers make major strategic and regulatory decisions. We work with our clients to develop creative and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing them in a constantly changing environment. Aetha helps operators and regulators to analyse the opportunities and threats arising out of changes (whether real or proposed) in their radio spectrum holdings. Throughout the recent unprecedented growth of wireless services, Aetha's staff have been at the forefront of spectrum policy. Our consultants have assisted regulators to award spectrum and develop regulatory frameworks, including supporting the European Commission to tackle issues such as spectrum trading and the digital dividend. We also support operators to understand their spectrum needs, value spectrum and bid in auctions. Each year we support 10-15 bidders in spectrum auctions - a total of over 80 award processes between mid-2011 and 2017 across all regions of the world. Our technical knowledge, combined with our rigorous valuation modelling approach, ensures that our clients are comprehensively prepared for auctions.
Knowledge Partner
NERA
www.nera.com
NERA Economic Consulting is a global firm of experts dedicated to applying economic, finance, and quantitative principles to complex business and legal challenges. For half a century, NERA’s economists have been creating strategies, studies, reports, expert testimony, and policy recommendations for government authorities and the world’s leading law firms and corporations. We bring academic rigor, objectivity, and real world industry experience to bear on issues arising from competition, regulation, public policy, strategy, finance, and litigation. NERA’s clients value our ability to apply and communicate state-of-the-art approaches clearly and convincingly, our commitment to deliver unbiased findings, and our reputation for quality and independence. Our clients rely on the integrity and skills of our unparalleled team of economists and other experts backed by the resources and reliability of one of the world’s largest economic consultancies. With its main office in New York City, NERA serves clients from more than 25 offices across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Speakers included

Pearse O'Donohue

Pearse O’Donohue

Director, Future Networks, DG CONNECT
European Commission

Lorena Boix Alonso

Lorena Boix Alonso

Director for Digital Society, Trust & Cybersecurity, DG CONNECT
European Commission

Annemarie Sipkes

Annemarie Sipkes

Chair, BEREC;
Director of the Telecommunications, Transport and Postal Services Department at the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM)

Rita Wezenbeek

Rita Wezenbeek

Director, Connectivity, DG CONNECT
European Commission

Bo Andersson

Bo Andersson

PTS; Co-Chair, BEREC Working Group on Wireless Network Evolution

Andreas Mitrakas

Andreas Mitrakas

Head of Market Certification and Standardisation Unit
European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)

Gilles Bregant

Gilles Bregant

Director General
ANFR

Cristina Data 240

Cristina Data

Director of Spectrum Policy and Analysis
Ofcom

Aarti Holla

Aarti Holla-Maini

Secretary General
GSOA

WenTong

Wen Tong

CTO, Wireless Network
Huawei

Bart Groothuis

Bart Groothuis MEP

Rapporteur on Europe’s cyber security directive, NIS
European Parliament

Heidi Himmanen

Heidi Himmanen

Chief Adviser, Digital Connections
Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom

Chris Woolford

Chris Woolford

Director, International Spectrum Policy
Ofcom

Bruno Cendon Martin

Bruno Cendon Martin

Director of Wireless - AR\VR HW
Meta

Peter Stuckman

Peter Stuckmann

Head of Unit, Future Networks, DG CONNECT
European Commission

Peng Zhao

Peng Zhao

Government Affairs and Policy
OneWeb

Maarit Palovirta

Maarit Palovirta

Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs
ETNO

Emma O'Toole

Emma O’Toole

Senior Manager, Spectrum
GSMA

Agenda

All times listed are in local Brussels time (CET). 

Day 1
2022-01-25
Day 2
2022-01-26
09:00 - 09:10
Welcome and Introductions
09:10 - 09:30
Keynote Presentation
Keynote Presentation image
Pearse O’Donohue
Director for Future Networks, DG Connect, European Commission
09:30 - 10:35
Session 1: The path to the Digital Decade – accelerating 5G rollout across Europe

As part of her annual State of the Union speech last autumn, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced the upcoming governance framework, “Path to the Digital Decade”. This represented a shift from the targets and voluntary measures that have been the focus of previous plans towards more concrete measures and policies. Part of the framework was focused specifically around 5G and included the requirement for member states to develop a multi-year trajectory, outlining steps they have taken and policies they are planning to achieve the target of delivering 5G coverage for all populated areas in Europe by 2030. With a number of countries failing to meet previous deadlines relating to 5G rollout and release of spectrum, this session will look at the extent to which this new framework can address that.

 

  • What new concrete measures and policies relating to 5G were announced as part of the ‘Path to the Digital Decade’ framework?
  • To what extent can these new measures help to get 5G rollout across Europe back on track, and to meet the key 2030 targets?
  • Do they strike the correct balance between the delivery of more binding policies whilst avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy?
  • To what extent will the proposals included in the framework of potential multi-country initiatives help facilitate EU countries joining forces to make it easier for them to raise funding from existing EU programmes and private investors?
  • What are the next steps with regards to getting agreement from the European Parliament and member states, and what is the expected timeline ahead?
Session 1: The path to the Digital Decade – accelerating 5G rollout across Europe image
Moderator: Georg Serentschy
Senior Advisor, Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP
Session 1: The path to the Digital Decade – accelerating 5G rollout across Europe image
Rita Wezenbeek
Director, Connectivity, DG CONNECT, European Commission
Session 1: The path to the Digital Decade – accelerating 5G rollout across Europe image
Annemarie Sipkes
Chair, BEREC; Director of the Telecommunications, Transport and Postal Services Department at the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM)
Session 1: The path to the Digital Decade – accelerating 5G rollout across Europe image
Aarti Holla-Maini
Secretary General, GSOA
Session 1: The path to the Digital Decade – accelerating 5G rollout across Europe image
Maarit Palovirta
Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs, ETNO
Session 1: The path to the Digital Decade – accelerating 5G rollout across Europe image
Jean-Pierre Faisan
Chair of communications working group, European Wireless Infrastructure Association (EWIA)
10:35 - 10:50
Refreshment Break
10:50 - 11:55
Session 2: Public Funding of 5G Deployment – encouraging co-operation across member states as a path to growth and recovery

Investment in 5G features heavily in the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) – the largest component of Next Generation EU, the EU’s landmark instrument for post-pandemic recovery. This signifies a significant paradigm shift in public financing for the sector – never before has so much public investment been available to help drive forward the development of network infrastructures in Europe and boost 5G network rollout. A specific objective for funding has been on multi country projects (MCPs) and the creation of cross-border initiatives that bring together the expertise of several member states to deliver large-scale projects that no single Member State could develop on its own. This session will look at the specific areas that are being targeted with this funding, including plans for deployment of ‘5G corridors’ – networks along major transport paths to enable advanced Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) services. It will look at examples of large-scale MCPs that are starting to emerge, and at the work that is being done by the Commission to support and encourage Member States to use funding from their national recovery and resilience plans to join forces and support these initiatives.

 

  • What public funding is being made available to facilitate innovative and forward-looking 5G related projects, and how can this help to ultimately stimulate private investment in these areas?
  • What work is specifically being done by the Commission to support and encourage the development of multi country projects and cross-border initiatives?
  • What requirements will projects need to meet in order to access the available funding?
  • How are the European Commission working together with the automotive, road and rail sectors to harness the power of 5G in order to meet targets that have been set for pan-European 5G Corridors for Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM)?
  • What examples of MCPs in this area have been seen and what co-operation models are emerging?

 

Session 2: Public Funding of 5G Deployment – encouraging co-operation across member states as a path to growth and recovery image
Moderator: Elisabetta Cafforio
Principal, Arthur D Little
Session 2: Public Funding of 5G Deployment – encouraging co-operation across member states as a path to growth and recovery image
Eric Gaudillat
Head of Sector - 5G Connectivity, Investment in High-capacity Networks Unit, DG CONNECT, European Commission
Session 2: Public Funding of 5G Deployment – encouraging co-operation across member states as a path to growth and recovery image
Ralf Capito
Director External Affairs, Vantage Towers
Session 2: Public Funding of 5G Deployment – encouraging co-operation across member states as a path to growth and recovery image
Lenka Solcova
Project Co-ordinator, 5G Corridor Munich - Prague
Session 2: Public Funding of 5G Deployment – encouraging co-operation across member states as a path to growth and recovery image
Alberto Di Felice
Director for Infrastructure, Privacy & Security Policy, DIGITALEUROPE
11:55 - 13:00
Session 3: 5G Equipment ecosystems – the continued evolution of the 5G supply market

Europe is home to 2 of the 3 major equipment suppliers and is a world leader in investment in 5G trials and pilots. Despite these facts however however, the overall investment that is being seen in 5G infrastructure is lagging behind other regions and many vertical sectors are slow to identify 5G business cases and embrace the new possibilities that it can bring. This session will look at what can be done to address these issues, and more broadly at the key trends that are influencing the future development of 5G ecosystems. A particular focus will be given to the emergence of OpenRAN and other associated initiatives such as network virtualisation. To what extent are these likely to be a ‘game changer’ for the future development of 5G, and what could this mean for European players?

 

  • What factors are contributing to the low level of investment in 5G infrastructure that is being seen across some member states?
  • How can Europe address these and ensure that it is taking advantage of its position of strength in the networks Equipment market for 5G?
  • What examples of networks based on Open RAN platforms are starting to emerge in Europe?
  • How disruptive are Open RAN and other associated initiatives such as network virtualisation set to be for the 5G supply chain in Europe?
  • What might this mean for the development of 5G in Europe in both the short term and long term? What advantages could it bring and what challenges exist?
  • To what extent is it important that a harmonsied approach to the development of the 5G ecosystem is achieved, both in Europe and globally?
  • Is there a risk that the emergence of OpenRAN risks moving the network equipment market from a European strength (Ericsson/Nokia etc) into an American strength (software companies running their solutions on hardware provided by the big cloud providers e.g. Google, Amazon Web Services)? How can this be avoided?

 

Session 3: 5G Equipment ecosystems – the continued evolution of the 5G supply market image
Moderator: Janette Stewart
Partner, Analysys Mason
Session 3: 5G Equipment ecosystems – the continued evolution of the 5G supply market image
Bo Andersson
PTS; Co-Chair, BEREC Working Group on Wireless Network Evolution
Session 3: 5G Equipment ecosystems – the continued evolution of the 5G supply market image
Peter Stuckmann
Head of Unit, Future Networks, DG CONNECT, European Commission
Session 3: 5G Equipment ecosystems – the continued evolution of the 5G supply market image
David Bachmann
Co-President, European Association of Next Generation Telecommunications Innovators (EANGTI) & CEO, ng-voice GmbH
Session 3: 5G Equipment ecosystems – the continued evolution of the 5G supply market image
Olivier Simon
Director of Radio Innovation, Orange
13:00 - 13:45
Lunch
13:45 - 14:50
Session 4: Cyber Security – Working together to secure European and Global 5G networks

The last 12 months have seen a continuation of efforts from European policymakers to deliver a common European approach to the cybersecurity of 5G networks. Following the launch of the EU 5G toolbox in 2020, a new cyber certification scheme for 5G has been proposed in an effort to coordinate standards and efforts for 5G security across member states. This session will take stock of the various initiatives and programmes launched in Europe in recent years to bolster cybersecurity and to counter the vastly expanded threat landscape resulting from the roll out of 5G. It will look at how Europe is striving to maintain its global leadership position on cybersecurity, and at work that is being done with partners on an international level to secure the global supply chain.

 

  • What progress, successes and possible shortcomings have been seen with regards to the implementation of the EU 5G Toolbox across member states?
  • How is Europe working with other regions to ensure the security of the complex global 5G supply chain?
  • To what extent will the proposed EU-wide cybersecurity certification scheme on 5G, in combination with measures identified in the EU 5G Toolbox, be enough to guarantee the robustness and resilience of 5G and future generations and ensure Europe’s cybersecurity leadership position?
  • How can this also help to build consumer confidence in 5G security?
  • How can emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain be harnessed to help secure the 5G supply chain?
  • Following the work that is being done on the EU Mega Constellation, what role can satellites play in deliver secure connectivity for 5G and future networks?
Session 4: Cyber Security – Working together to secure European and Global 5G networks image
Moderator: Lorenzo Pupillo
Associate Senior Research Fellow, CEPS
Session 4: Cyber Security – Working together to secure European and Global 5G networks image
Lorena Boix Alonso
Director, Director, Digital Society, Trust and Cybersecurity, DG CONNECT, European Commission
Session 4: Cyber Security – Working together to secure European and Global 5G networks image
Andreas Mitrakas
Head of Market Certification and Standardisation Unit, European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)
Session 4: Cyber Security – Working together to secure European and Global 5G networks image
Bart Groothius MEP
Rapporteur on Europe’s cyber security directive, NIS, European Parliament
Session 4: Cyber Security – Working together to secure European and Global 5G networks image
Mikko Karikytö
Chief Product Security Officer & Head of Product Security, Ericsson
Session 4: Cyber Security – Working together to secure European and Global 5G networks image
Annemie Turtelboom
Member responsible for special report on 5G security, The European Court of Auditors
Session 4: Cyber Security – Working together to secure European and Global 5G networks image
Roberto Mazzolin
Chief Technology Strategist, RHEA Group
14:50 - 15:10
Afternoon Break
15:10 - 15:30
Thinking Point: Experiences in deploying 5G Standalone networks in China

Deployment of 5G standalone has to date in Europe been a little slower than expected. This thinking point will explore the situation regarding rollout of 5G standalone in China, one of few places in the world who have deployed 5G standalone networks to date. What have their experiences been, and what results have been seen?

Thinking Point: Experiences in deploying 5G Standalone networks in China image
Wang Zhiqin
Chair, IMT-2020 (5G) & IMT-2030 (6G) Promotion Group of China; and Vice President, China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT)
15:30 - 16:40
Session 5: Beyond 5G – The journey towards a sustainable 6G

5G network rollout are in full swing with in Europe and elsewhere around the world. As we have just seen however, initial network deployments do not use all the capabilities currently defined for 5G. Building on the last session which explored the next step in the 5G journey of 5G standalone, this session will now take things one step further and explore the path towards 6G. It will look at the early expectations and visions for 6G and how it will differ from 5G; as well as the work that is being done to define technical requirements and standards. It will also look at the potential that 6G has to help to contribute to key policy goals and targets around sustainability, and the work that needs to be done to deliver on this.

 

  • How will 6G differ from 5G?
  • Should 6G be considered as an evolution of 5G or should we be looking to take a ‘clean slate approach’?
  • What were the initial visions and ambitions for 5G, and how many of these may actually remain pipedreams until 6G comes around?
  • What is the path to 6G going to look like, and what early work is already being done to shape this?
  • What are early expectations and visions and how realistic are these?
  • What potential technology trends are likely to play a part in shaping 6G, and how can Europe ensure that it is in a position to take advantage of the benefits offered by these future technologies?
  • How can Europe make the most of competitive advantages that it has in areas such as edge computing and cybersecurity to ensure that we do not miss out as this new wave of technologies starts to emerge?
  • How important is a co-ordinated European approach in order to deliver this?
  • How can 6G help to provide a new approach to delivering sustainability and tackling the UN sustainable development goals?
Session 5: Beyond 5G – The journey towards a sustainable 6G image
Moderator: Matti Latva-aho
Director – 6G Flagship, University of Oulu
Session 5: Beyond 5G – The journey towards a sustainable 6G image
Cristina Data
Director of Spectrum Insight and Analysis, Ofcom
Session 5: Beyond 5G – The journey towards a sustainable 6G image
Bernard Barani
Deputy Head of Unit, Future Connectivity Systems, European Commission
Session 5: Beyond 5G – The journey towards a sustainable 6G image
Dr. Volker Ziegler
6G Leadership, Chief Architect, Nokia Bell Labs
Session 5: Beyond 5G – The journey towards a sustainable 6G image
Dr. Wen Tong
CTO, Wireless Network, Huawei
Session 5: Beyond 5G – The journey towards a sustainable 6G image
Nicolas Chuberre
Solution Line Manager, Thales Alenia Space
09:00 - 10:10
Session 6: Powering the enterprises of the future – what is the best approach to meet vertical connectivity needs and how can this be delivered?

Across Europe and elsewhere around the world, regulators are putting plans in place to deliver the required connectivity to vertical industries in order to enable them to take advantage the benefits of 5G. Significant divergence in is being seen across Europe, with a number of different models being brought in to allocate spectrum directly to vertical users rather than to mobile operators. This session will explore the impact that these divergent approaches that are being seen might have, and at whether there is a need to look at intervention at a European level to deliver a more co-ordinated approach. Furthermore, it will explore the extent to which this apparent trend towards the use of regulatory intervention to meet the connectivity needs of vertical sectors is necessary. For example, Telenor and Telia were awarded licences in a recent Danish auction, that came with an obligation to make spectrum available for private networks; whilst two other operators, TDC and Three, are both deploying private 5G networks in the country on purely commercial terms. Where is the balance between the use of regulatory intervention and market forces to deliver the required vertical connectivity for 5G?

 

  • Are there advantages to the divergence in approaches to deliver vertical connectivity that is being seen across member states (for example in fostering experimentation and innovation), or will this in the long term hamper economies of scale and constrain scope for private networks in some jurisdictions?
  • Is there a need for a more co-ordinated approach in Europe and to what extent is this possible?
  • To what extent is there a need for intervention at a European level to encourage this to happen?
  • What form could this intervention take and where does the balance lie between coordinating approaches and making allowances for national differences across member states?
  • What spectrum bands are most suited for local use and possible development of private networks?
  • What work is being done at a European level to study the use of the 3.8GHz – 4.2GHz band to provide a solution to deliver localised broadband connectivity, and what potential does this approach have?
  • How successful has the approach that has been seen across many countries of making spectrum (mainly in the 3.5GHz / mmWave bands) available direct to vertical users rather than to mobile operators?
  • Should the approach of creating private networks in this way be seen as a threat or an opportunity for MNOs, and what new business models are being facilitated by this move away from the traditional approach?
  • Has this led to a surge in the advent of 5G verticals or is spectrum lying around remaining unused?
  • To what extent is there actually a market failure when it comes to making spectrum available for private networks that requires regulatory intervention (administrative licencing models, set asides and obligations); or would the issue actually be addressed on commercial terms without intervention?
  • With other regions (eg LatAm) just starting to explore options for delivering vertical connectivity, to what extent is there the possibility of delivering a globally coordinated approach?
Session 6: Powering the enterprises of the future – what is the best approach to meet vertical connectivity needs and how can this be delivered? image
Moderator: Soren Sorensen
Associate Director, NERA
Session 6: Powering the enterprises of the future – what is the best approach to meet vertical connectivity needs and how can this be delivered? image
Eric Fournier
Director for Spectrum Planning and International Affairs, Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR); & Chair, RSPG
Session 6: Powering the enterprises of the future – what is the best approach to meet vertical connectivity needs and how can this be delivered? image
Jonas Wessel
Director, Spectrum Department, PTS
Session 6: Powering the enterprises of the future – what is the best approach to meet vertical connectivity needs and how can this be delivered? image
Dave Wright
Head of Global Wireless Policy, Office of the CTO, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Session 6: Powering the enterprises of the future – what is the best approach to meet vertical connectivity needs and how can this be delivered? image
Antonio Franchi
Head of the 5G/6G and IoT Strategic Programme, European Space Agency
Session 6: Powering the enterprises of the future – what is the best approach to meet vertical connectivity needs and how can this be delivered? image
Luigi Ardito
Senior Director of Government Affairs EMEA, Qualcomm
10:10 - 11:25
Session 7: The 5G ‘sweet-spot’ – Forecasting and meeting increasing needs for spectrum in the mid-band frequencies

Mid-band has been critical for 5G rollout to date both in Europe and around the rest of the world. Whilst a large amount of spectrum has now been made available in the 3.5GHz band (and in some cases elsewhere), a recent GSMA study claimed that this is only the start and in order to meet future needs for 5G, an additional 2GHz of mid-band spectrum will be required by 2030. This session will look at the extent to which this figure is a realistic estimate of what is actually required, and at the different bands and options that are available in order to meet these growing needs. Specific focus will be given to the parts of the C-band not yet allocated to 5G (3.3GHz – 3.4GHz and the 3.6GHz – 3.8 GHz), 4.8 GHz, 6 GHz and 10 GHz ranges, all of which will be considered at WRC-23. How can the need for additional bandwidth for 5G be balanced with the needs of other key users across the mid-band frequencies – satellite, WiFi and more?

 

  • Most countries have now completed their 5G awards, and most MNOs now have at least 70-100 MHz of 3.5 GHz spectrum. For how long will this be enough, and where can we find more spectrum for second carriers or increased capacity?
  • To what extent is the figure provided by the GSMA study of an additional 2GHz by 2030 an accurate reflection for member states across Europe?
  • What scope is there to use spectrum in the C-band to help meet these needs (beyond the 3.4GHz – 3.6GHz section that has already been allocate)?
  • What other bands provide options, and to what extent could WRC-23 help to provide a clearer picture?
  • How important is it that a co-ordinated approach across the mid-band frequencies is seen in the region, and globally?
  • Should the next capacity layer be allocated through traditional exclusive use licences, or could new shared use models emerge?
  • How can policymakers balance the requirements of 5G in mid-band frequencies with the needs of other key users in the bands?

 

Session 7: The 5G ‘sweet-spot’ – Forecasting and meeting increasing needs for spectrum in the mid-band frequencies image
Moderator: Amit Nagpal
Partner, Aetha Consulting
Session 7: The 5G ‘sweet-spot’ – Forecasting and meeting increasing needs for spectrum in the mid-band frequencies image
Chris Woolford
Director, International Spectrum Policy, Ofcom
Session 7: The 5G ‘sweet-spot’ – Forecasting and meeting increasing needs for spectrum in the mid-band frequencies image
Heidi Himmanen
Chief Adviser, Digital Connections, Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom
Session 7: The 5G ‘sweet-spot’ – Forecasting and meeting increasing needs for spectrum in the mid-band frequencies image
Glyn Carter
Future Spectrum Director, GSMA
Session 7: The 5G ‘sweet-spot’ – Forecasting and meeting increasing needs for spectrum in the mid-band frequencies image
Martha Suarez
President, DSA
Session 7: The 5G ‘sweet-spot’ – Forecasting and meeting increasing needs for spectrum in the mid-band frequencies image
Petra Vorwig
Global Spectrum & Regulatory Policy, GSOA
Session 7: The 5G ‘sweet-spot’ – Forecasting and meeting increasing needs for spectrum in the mid-band frequencies image
Alessandro Casagni
Director, Wireless Regulatory Policy, Huawei (on behalf of Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia & ZTE)
11:25 - 11:45
Break
11:45 - 12:05
Thinking Point: Introducing the Metaverse
Thinking Point: Introducing the Metaverse image
Bruno Cendon Martin
Director of Wireless - AR\VR HW, Meta
12:05 - 13:15
Session 8: The evolving connectivity landscape – new spectrum bands, new technologies, new approaches

The way in which connectivity is provided today is very different to how it was delivered ten years ago. And similarly, as the journey towards the next phase of future wireless connectivity continues, it can be expected that the connectivity ecosystem in 2030 will be very different to that which we see today. With the demand for connectivity set to increase at an exponential rate and wireless communication set to become more and more vital for all aspects of daily lives, connectivity technologies, systems and regulatory frameworks will all need to evolve in order to keep pace. This session focus on what this evolution of the connectivity landscape will look like, and at what needs to be done to ensure that the power of wireless can continue to push our world forward. Focus will be given to new technologies that are emerging; at innovative new ways of finding the bandwidth to enable these; and at the possibility of collaborative new business models.

 

  • What will the overall connectivity ecosystem look like in 2030, and how will it likely differ from today?
  • There was a time that mid-band spectrum were considered too high frequency to be used for mobile technology, but this has of course change hugely. As the evolution of technologies and systems continues, how will the demand for different spectrum bands be set to change?
  • What scope in the future can be played by terahertz frequencies and other bands that have traditionally been considered as unusable?
  • To what extent is the way in which we access spectrum set to change? What role can spectrum sharing and other innovative methods play in increasing spectrum efficiency?
  • What new challenges and opportunities might the use of these new bands bring?
  • How are technologies evolving, and how might this affect what are currently considered as traditional models of connectivity, and the connectivity landscape more broadly?
  • What role can non-terrestrial technologies play in helping to deliver cost-effective and high-capacity connectivity in future wireless networks?
  • What scope is there for increased collaboration between mobile and satellite providers, and the emergence of hybrid terrestrial-satellite systems?

 

Session 8: The evolving connectivity landscape – new spectrum bands, new technologies, new approaches image
Moderator: Marc Eschenburg
Partner, Aetha Consulting
Session 8: The evolving connectivity landscape – new spectrum bands, new technologies, new approaches image
Alexander Kühn
Head of Spectrum, BNetzA
Session 8: The evolving connectivity landscape – new spectrum bands, new technologies, new approaches image
Branimir Stantchev
Head of Sector, Spectrum for Wireless Broadband, European Commission
Session 8: The evolving connectivity landscape – new spectrum bands, new technologies, new approaches image
Eiman Mohyeldin
Chair, 6G Spectrum Team, GSA
Session 8: The evolving connectivity landscape – new spectrum bands, new technologies, new approaches image
Simon Watts
Global Spectrum & Regulatory Policy, GSOA
Session 8: The evolving connectivity landscape – new spectrum bands, new technologies, new approaches image
Lorelien Hoet
Government Affairs Director EU, Microsoft
13:15 - 14:05
Lunch
14:05 - 15:20
Session 9: Delivering digital equality – Meeting the target of 5G connectivity for all