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5g network start date

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The rollout of 5G networks started in various parts of the world at different times, and there isn't a single "start date" for the global deployment of 5G. The development and deployment of 5G technology have been gradual and involved multiple phases. Here's a general overview of the timeline:

  1. Standardization Process:
    • The standardization process for 5G began with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defining the requirements for 5G in its IMT-2020 specification. The ITU set the framework for what 5G should achieve, including higher data rates, lower latency, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced device connectivity.
    • The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a collaboration between telecommunications standards organizations, played a crucial role in developing the technical specifications for 5G. The initial specifications for 5G New Radio (NR) were completed in December 2017 as part of Release 15, and subsequent releases have continued to refine and expand the capabilities of 5G.
  2. Initial Deployments:
    • The first commercial deployments of 5G networks started in 2018 and 2019 in select cities. These initial rollouts focused on providing enhanced mobile broadband services, with higher data speeds and increased network capacity.
  3. Global Expansion:
    • After the initial deployments, 5G networks continued to expand globally. Various countries and telecom operators initiated their 5G rollout plans, with a focus on urban areas and regions with high population density.
  4. Mid-Band and High-Band Spectrum Auctions:
    • 5G networks use a combination of low-band, mid-band, and high-band spectrum to deliver different aspects of the promised performance. Many countries conducted auctions to allocate spectrum licenses to telecom operators. Mid-band and high-band spectrum auctions, in particular, enabled operators to acquire the frequencies suitable for delivering high data rates and low latency.
  5. Continuous Improvements:
    • 5G technology is not static, and enhancements are ongoing. The 3GPP continues to release new specifications and features through subsequent releases, each bringing improvements and additional functionalities to 5G networks. This iterative process ensures that 5G networks evolve and can meet the diverse requirements of different use cases.

It's essential to note that the rollout of 5G is a complex and ongoing process, with different regions and countries progressing at varying rates. The exact "start date" for 5G in a particular location may depend on factors such as spectrum availability, regulatory approvals, and the infrastructure readiness of telecom operators in that area.