Examination of Traditional Regulatory Limits in the Face of Technology Advancements in 5G/6G Using Large, Active Antenna Arrays
As they implement new technologies, regulators around the world work within the limits and procedures referenced in the ITU Radio Regulations (RR), a set of international regulations by all ITU-R member states that govern the use of spectrum by existing and emerging wireless technologies. However, the RR do not encompass every new technological concepts. And, as a result, adapting new technologies and concepts to work within the limits and procedures of outlined in the RR is not always straightforward. The use of active antennas, in which transmitters are integrated with the radiating structure, is one such topic. Over the past couple of years, the ITU-R has been discussing how to apply conducted power limits to 5G transmitters using active antennas. The variance in the interpretations being debated is such that there could be quite a significant adverse impact on the deployment, operation, and performance of 5G stations. This challenge would only grow due to the trend in 5G/6G towards larger active arrays with potentially hundreds of transmitters. It is crucial to consider what these regulatory limits are, both in letter and spirit, how they have been used in the past, what impact the new interpretations could have, and in what ways they can accommodate multi-antenna and other new technologies.