Kupu
Glossary
What is radio spectrum? Radio spectrum is part of the electromagnetic spectrum used for wireless technologies like radio, TV, Wi-Fi, and mobile services. It ranges from 1 Hz to 3000 GHz and is divided into “bands” allocated for specific uses. Some bands (e.g. 700, 1800, 2600 MHz) require government licences, while others (e.g. 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi) are open but can suffer congestion.
What’s special about 5G? 5G is the next generation of mobile technology. It offers faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect many more devices. While it feels similar to 4G now, it will enable new services like real-time applications, better video, and faster downloads. A 5G-compatible device and plan are required.
How can Māori benefit? In 2022, Māori secured spectrum rights through Tū Ātea Limited, which holds 5G spectrum and 20% of all future allocations. This creates opportunities to deliver services, partner commercially, and support Māori innovation, helping close the digital divide and generate economic returns.
What about 6G? 6G trials are underway and will eventually surpass 5G, but 5G will remain in use for many years, working alongside earlier technologies like 4G and 3G.
Is 5G safe? Yes. 5G operates on the same principles as earlier mobile tech, with no evidence of unique health risks. Research and the Ministry of Health confirm safe levels. Misinformation linking 5G to Covid-19 is unfounded.
3.5GHz Band - 3.5GHz generally refers to frequencies in the range 3.4-3.8GHz. The 3.5GHz range is the primary range for 5G technologies.
5G - 5G stands for the Fifth Generation of cellular telecommunications technologies - all network infrastructure and associated equipment and mobile handsets.
Allocation - This refers to spectrum allocations given, for example, to spectrum management rights holders (mostly companies but also the IMSC).
Auction - New Zealand Government generally uses auctions to allocate spectrum. Spectrum auctions are held from time to time to sell spectrum management rights to bidders.
Base Station - A fixed transceiver, the main communication point for wireless mobile devices.
Core / 5G Core - The central coordinating hardware and software of a network, the heart/brains of a mobile network
DUC (Demonstration Use Case) - A use case that includes (1) a goal with interactions, (2) a real and achievable outcome, (3) a set timeframe, and (4) an identifiable benefit for communities and people.
Electromagnetic Spectrum - Sourced from stars including our sun. Has several sub-bands within it such as Gamma, X-ray, Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared, Microwave, Radio
Hertz - A measurement of the frequency of waves:
1 wave that passes through a given point in 1 second = 1 hertz (1Hz)
1,000 waves that pass a given point in 1 second = 1 kilohertz (1KHz) Maritime radio, navigation
1 million waves that pass a given point in 1 second = 1 megahertz (1MHz): FM radio, aviation, GPS, television, ultrasound.
1 billion waves that pass a given point in 1 second = 1 gigahertz (1GHz): 3G, 4G, 5G, cell phones, radar, microwave ovens, FM radio, wireless data (wifi), satellite.
High Frequency Bands - Generally, has more MHz of spectrum available. Larger available bandwidth enables more data to be carried. The downside is it does not go as far. Good for big cities and suburban areas, but not suitable for rural areas. High-frequency bands are also useful for big events and private networks.
IMSC - Interim Maori Spectrum Commission, now Tū Ātea Limited.
Interference - Radio wave emissions don’t stop at the boundary and could interfere with adjacent spectrum use. Regulations and technical requirements help limit spectrum interference.
ITU (International Telecommunications Union) - The telecommunication arm of the United Nations. One of its functions is to make decisions about international spectrum usage
Low Frequency Bands - Less MHz available. Carries less data due to limited available spectrum. The upside is it travels much further. Great for rural areas.
LTE - Long-term evolution” and a term for 4th Generation (4G) cellular telecommunications technologies. Currently 4G is used to deliver fast mobile internet.
MNO - Mobile Network Operator such as Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees.
MSWG - Māori Spectrum Working Group. The foundation group that negotiates with the Crown.
Non-Standalone 5G - A 5G service that operates in conjunction with a 4G network (like that of Spark, Vodafone, 2degrees).
Placement - Where on a band an allocation or management rights apply.
Private Network - A closed network that is not available to the public and located in a specific area.
Radio Engineer - A person with technical skills in wireless communications, from early-stage to expert. Typically, they require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. They work with devices that emit and receive radio waves.
Radio Spectrum - Part of the electromagnetic spectrum, from 3Hz to 300GHz. Currently, cellular spectrum sits in the range 700MHz to 30GHz.
Spectrum (also see Electromagnetic Spectrum) - Electromagnetic waves, comes in bands including the ‘Radio Spectrum’, which is where cellular and other bands are located
Spectrum Management Rights - Rights to manage spectrum subject to the Radiocommunications Act 1989 and the Radiocommunications Regulations 2001.
Standalone 5G - A 5G network that can operate independently of a 4G network.
Wavelength - Distance between two ‘wave’ crests.
Long Wavelength - Fewer waves pass a given point within 1 second. Long wavelength = low frequency.
Short Wavelength - More waves pass a given point within 1 second. Short wavelength = high frequency.