US Catching Up With China on 5G, but More Mid-Band Spectrum Critical, CTIA Says

The U.S. is tied with China as the leader in 5G readiness, CTIA and Analysys Mason reported. The same firm ranked the U.S. third a year ago. CTIA urged the FCC to reallocate more mid-band spectrum for 5G. The U.S. leads on the availability of low- and high-band spectrum, the report said. “We can’t be complacent as the 5G race has really just begun,” said CTIA President Meredith Baker. “We must redouble our efforts to combat the 5G ambitions and investments by China and others.” Analysys Mason predicts that by 2020, some 80 operators in more than 40 countries will provide 5G service.