In the context of LTE, the use of Licensed Assisted Access to aggregate licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands is key to helping operators deploy gigabit LTE. In fact, research from Qualcomm suggests that 90% of global operators can deliver a gigabit-class cellular experience using LAA and 10 megahertz of licensed spectrum. With the commercialization of networks based on the 5G New Radio standard poised to take off throughout 2019, what’s the vision for using unlicensed spectrum with 5G NR?
