5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Study: China, South Korea Ahead of US in 5G Readiness

By Andy Szal | April 16, 2018

The U.S. trails China and South Korea in newly released rankings of select countries’ readiness for 5G networks.

The study, commissioned by wireless industry group CTIA and conducted by research firm Analysys Mason, characterized China’s lead as “narrow” but attributed it to “both proactive government policies and industry momentum.”

The Chinese government, the report said, committed to provide at least 100 MHz of mid-band spectrum and 2 GHz of high-band spectrum to each of the country’s major wireless providers; each operator, in turn, has established launch dates for 5G service.

South Korea ranked second out of the 10 countries included in the report. The U.S. finished third, which analysts attributed to strong 5G investment levels from the domestic wireless industry.

Japan ranked fourth in the Analysys Mason study, with a gap between the top four nations and three European nations in a “second tier:” Germany, the U.K. and France. The three remaining countries — Canada, Singapore and Russia — comprised a third tier.

But the report also noted that other countries hope to catch up to the global leaders. The U.K. and European Union are updating wireless infrastructure regulations, while the U.K., Spain and Italy each plan to hold 5G spectrum auctions this year.

China’s lead in 5G systems previously drew concern from U.S. national security officials, but the industry group also pointed to the potential economic ramifications of losing the race to next-generation networks.

Recon Analytics, in a separate CTIA-commissioned study, said the U.S. victory in the race to 4G led to a nearly $100 billion increase in the nation’s GDP and an 84 percent increase in industry-related jobs.

In addition, fast 4G deployment helped the U.S. establish leading market positions in app development and other wireless and tech segments.

“When countries lose global leadership in a generation of wireless, jobs are shed and technology innovation gets exported overseas,” Recon Analytics founder Roger Entner said in a statement.

CTIA officials called on policymakers to overhaul local zoning processes, which could delay or prevent installations of small cell 5G infrastructure, as well as make more spectrum available — particularly in mid-band spectrum.

The Analysys Mason report said that by the end of 2018, the U.S. will rank sixth out of the 10 nations in the amount of vital spectrum available between 3 GHz and 24 GHz.

“The United States will not get a second chance to win the global 5G race,” said CTIA President and CEO Meredith Attwell Baker.

Related Articles Read More >

Improved VNAs cover 5G FR1, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth bands
How 5G network slicing works: part 2
Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
How 5G network slicing works: part 1

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: Internet of Things
Explore practical strategies for minimizing attack surfaces, managing memory efficiently, and securing firmware. Download now to ensure your IoT implementations remain secure, efficient, and future-ready.

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World