5G Spectrum Allocation Policies Differ in Japan, Korea

Communications policymakers in various countries will have to decide how to allocate additional mid-band and millimeter wave spectrum to various contestants. In some cases, policy might allow contestants to bid as vigorously as they like. In other cases, government policy might be more akin to “supporting a level playing field” by allocating spectrum on an equal basis. 

Here’s a look at mid-band spectrum held by the leading mobile operators in Japan, according to Gaku Nakazato of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. As you might guess, KDDI and NTT have the largest allocations. NTT and KDDI have the largest subscriber shares, and therefore arguably require the most spectrum. 

source: MIC

Policy in South Korea seems to aim for equal capabilities for the leading service suppliers. Both mid-band and 28-GHz millimeter wave allocations are virtually equal. 

source: Korea Ministry of Science and ICT