LS telcom together with its partner VVA has completed a study on future spectrum needs for wireless services in Denmark for the Danish Energy Agency (DEA). In preparation of the WRC 2019, the DEA wanted to get an independent view on the demand for radio spectrum in order to help shape Danish and European spectrum policy. The study considers several spectrum-using markets, such as mobile broadband, backhaul, short-range devices, and the transport market. The growth of the markets themselves was examined as well as the impact of changes in technology on spectrum demand over the next 5 and the next 10 years.

The study found that the amount of spectrum needed for mobile data services will increase by a factor of between 3 and 8 times by 2021 and by a factor of between 9 and 14 times by 2026 respectively. Although the bands already identified for IMT will increase the amount of spectrum available for mobile services in Denmark by a factor of two, there will be a shortfall of 500 MHz of spectrum in urban areas by 2021 and a total of over 4000 MHz by 2026 if there are no further spectrum efficiency gains. The study also provides recommendations and suggestions of spectrum bands and technologies to overcome these shortages.

Concerning backbone spectrum needs, it all depends on the extent to which fibre will displace the need for microwave links. The analysis forecasts that the number of wireless links will not rise, but the capacity required of each link will. Therefore, no further spectrum will be needed within the next five years. However, a need to overlay higher capacity links in the bands between 60 and 90 GHz in a timescale of 5 to 10 years will require the DEA to prepare for licensing of these bands.

The report further forecasts that no additional spectrum is required for WiFi, smart meters and PMSE, apart from for major events, when there may occur problems sharing the existing channels. According to the report, there is also no need for additional spectrum for aeronautical, maritime, road and rail transport over and above that already identified. For PMR, however, the report foresees a possible reduction in the demand for spectrum.