# Spectrum Demand Forecasting for IoT Services
###### Abstract
17, mMTC and cMTC (critical MTC) have evolved from its predecessors LTE-M and NB-IoT, introducing a new NR type of device called \"NR Light\" to support industrial IoT use cases. Additionally, the operation on frequency bands beyond 52 GHz is also targeted. Both Rel. 17 and 18 seek advances on _sidelink_ standardization for V2X use cases (V2X stands for vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure, or vehicle-to-network, for short: vehicle-to-everything communications). Finally, Rel. 18 will also include the so-called _RelCap_ evolution and positioning. RedCap (a shortcut for Reduced Capability) is one of the most interesting initiatives in 3 GPP towards expanding the cellular network reach on IoT use cases. The new type of devices targeted with RedCap varies from wearables, industrial wireless sensors or video surveillance equipment. These devices should work in both frequency ranges (FR1 and FR2) using reduced bandwidth parts and less hardware complexity. Due to the considerable influence of the 3 GPP, and the nature of the IoT services (using cellular networks for their access link, transport link, or both), the IoT spectrum is highly related to the 5G spectrum and comprises all bands related to new services that can be served by future cellular networks. Although many IoT services (especially short-range services) may not be part of cellular networks, most of these will be designed to work on unlicensed bands without seriously affecting the band's spectral efficiency and the performance of other devices. The so-called 5G spectrum includes all bands in contention for future allocation for IoT and 5G services around the world that were discussed in the WRC-19 (World Radiocommunications Conference). This spectrum has been divided into three main groups:  
Low bands (sub 1 GHz): Will be mainly used for services that require extreme coverage such as deep indoor, or suburban, or rural services. Much more active use of ISM sub 1 GHz bands (from 100 to 900 MHz) is foreseen. Another key factor is the use of digital-dividend bands between 700 and 800 MHz that have not been allocated in many countries. Most LPWAN technologies are designed to operate in 900 MHz, other short-range technologies also use bands as low as 400 MHz actively. Mid bands (from 1 to 6 GHz): Some of the most interesting bands are the 3.4-3.6 GHz band open for Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) or the 2.5 and 2.69 GHz band open for IMT-2000 and BWA. Mid bands provide wider bandwidths and good coverage for eMBB and mission-critical services. Increased pressure has been put for sub 6 GHz spectrum to be available for V2X communications [12]. Currently, many European regulators (such as OFCOM in the UK, AGCOM in Italy, ARCEP in France, BNETZA in Germany) are in the process or have plans of auctioning mid bands between 3.4 and 3.8 GHz. High bands (over 6 GHz): Primarily millimeter wave (mmW) developments from 24 to 100 GHz. Due to the very wide bandwidths available, it is especially useful for very high data rates and short-range communications. Several European countries have already started studies on the 26 GHz band and a global agreement on this band was accorded in the WRC-19. According to [13], the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) preparations for WRC-19 have included among other topics: frequency bands for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), additional bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), Wireless Access Systems and Radio Local Area Networks in mid bands. Regional bodies such as Asia-Pacific APT, Arab ASMG, African ATU, European CEPT, CITEL from The Americas and Central Asia RCC, support 5G use of 24.25-27.5 GHz, 31.8-33.4 GHz, and 40.5-43.5 GHz [14]. In addition, the CEPT considers that the 24.25-27.5 GHz band is a clear priority for immediate study. Inside CITEL, Colombia also has a favorable position declaring that \"the lower portions of the frequency range (from 24.25 GHz to 43.5 GHz) provide good opportunities in terms of availability, technical performance and potential for global harmonization\" [13].