BRUSSELS, May 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission (EC) adopted on Tuesday the "Implementing Decision to harmonise the 26 GHz frequency band" for wireless networks, which means a big leap towards the deployment of 5G across Europe.
The decision finalises the EU-wide coordination of all three pioneer bands (700 MHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz) needed for 5G rollout in the EU Member States, according to an EC press release.
The harmonisation of radio spectrum waves are the basis for cross-border wireless communication services and it sets common technical conditions for use of these bands. In particular, the availability of the 26 GHz band will help the deployment of innovative services such as high-definition video communication, as well as virtual and augmented reality, it said.
The harmonisation of the 26 GHz band across Europe will be completed in all EU Member States by the end of March 2020 while effective use of at least 1 GHz of this band will follow by the end of 2020 the latest.
Shorthand for "fifth generation", 5G refers to high-speed digital cellular networks that can support up to a million devices per square kilometer, compared to only around 4,000 devices per square kilometer for the previous generation service.
5G will be rolled out first in major cities and along important transport paths, as well as industrial sites, said the EC.
