GSMA

5G

Through its 5G initiative, GSMA provides access to information and resources on 5G-related issues (e.g. 5G launches around the world, 5G video series). It also runs 5G Developer Labs, which bring together industry stakeholders to establish common application program interfaces (APIs) that operators can implement, thus supporting interoperability efforts.

GSMA produces policy papers on 5G-related issues (e.g. spectrum allocation and harmonisation, security and safety of 5G networks)  and contributes to international dialogue on these topics. It has issued several recommendations for governments and regulatory authorities on 5G-related issues, including:

• Governments should avoid inflating 5G spectrum prices (e.g. through excessive reserve prices or annual fees) as they risk limiting network investment and driving up the cost of services.
• Exclusively licensed spectra should remain the core 5G spectrum management approach.
• Setting spectra aside for verticals in priority 5G bands could jeopardise the success of public 5G services and may waste spectra. Sharing approaches like leasing are better options where verticals require access to spectrum.
• Regulators must consult 5G stakeholders to ensure spectrum awards and licensing approaches consider technical and commercial deployment plans.
• Governments and regulators need to adopt national spectrum policy measures to encourage long-term heavy investments in 5G networks (e.g. long-term licences, clear renewal process, spectrum roadmap).

In a study published in 2018, GSMA argues that, if Europe wishes to position itself as a global 5G leader, it must ensure that an appropriate regulatory environment is in place. It suggests, for example, that regulators must encourage a strong pro-investment environment, provide timely access to harmonised spectra, and enable operators to harness the potential of data to innovate.

GSMA has actively contributed to the European debates on 5G security issues. It has called on EU institutions and European governments to safeguard multiple policy objectives simultaneously when considering options to further secure network infrastructure: security, competition, innovation, and consumer impact. It has also welcomed the recommendation on 5G cybersecurity issues by the European Commission in 2019, noting that a common EU approach to 5G network security is essential to avoid fragmentation and ensure a proportionate and coherent approach. In January 2020, GSMA endorsed the 5G security toolbox agreed by EU member states to address security concerns related to the deployment of 5G networks.

Several GSMA initiatives have been launched to support efforts towards effective approaches to the security of 5G networks: the Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme, developed in co-operation with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project assesses the product designs of telecom vendors and independently tests the components for security, and the Telecommunications Information Sharing and Analysis Centre was designed to collect and disseminate information and advice on security incidents within the mobile community.

INTERNET OF THINGS

GSMA promotes co-operation among companies providing Internet of Things (IoT) services, elaborates policy papers on IoT-related issues, and contributes to international dialogue on these issues.

The Association runs an IoT programme designed to help operators accelerate the delivery of IoT devices and services. It does so by fostering industry collaboration and advocating for adequate policy frameworks that support the growth of IoT.

Over the years, GSMA has outlined multiple recommendations and principles for governments and regulators to consider when elaborating IoT-related public policies. Among them:

• To design an IoT policy, policymakers should  build a 3-step plan consisting of scoping the country’s needs and potentials, estimating the positive impact on different economic areas and IoT verticals, and then designing and implementing specific actions to enable such growth.
• In considering challenges such as privacy, security, and standardisation, governments should avoid as much as possible the creation of specific rules and national standards for IoT. Instead, governments should ensure that general data protection laws are applicable to IoT contexts, and support industry-led best practices and standards on security issues.
• Governments should engage in bilateral and multilateral dialogue to ensure that international IoT activities encourage competition, investment, and innovation.
• Regulators should ensure that spectrum harmonisation policies are predictable and consistent, as they enable global scale services and cost-effectiveness in the IoT industry.

GSMA also promotes a secure IoT market where companies have to take responsibility to embed security from the beginning and at every stage of the IoT value chain. Together with the mobile industry, GSMA offers a wide range of resources providing guidance and expertise to help companies with the challenge of securing a connected future.

The Association co-operates with mobile operators, governments, and local authorities on developing common approaches to smart city solutions that are beneficial to businesses and citizens alike. Additionally, GSMA explores issues related to the development and deployment of connected vehicles and drones.

AUGMENTED/VIRTUAL REALITY

GSMA’s activities related to augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies are closely connected to its work in 5G. One of its main goals is to accelerate the delivery and deployment of 5G cloud-based AR/VR technologies. To this aim, it launched the GSMA 5G Cloud XR Forum, to foster co-operation among global operators and vendors on a common approach that focuses on avoiding market fragmentation and supports the adoption of AR/VR services. The Forum also works on exploring value chains, stakeholders, and business models in these emerging technologies; facilitating the sharing of good practices and case studies; and co-ordinating the development of a recommended service architecture to accommodate 5G cloud-based services.

Other GSMA initiatives in the area of AR/VR include the Cloud AR/VR Whitepaper, the Cloud AR/VR Streaming paper, and the City of the Future – a VR-enabled web platform that demonstrates how various policy decisions could impact the future of cities and citizens globally.