Do Not Reinvent the Wheel: A Checklist for Developing National 5G Strategies

Abstract

Digital transformation is taking place across all levels of governance, from small businesses to governments. If the seed of digital transformation is data, then reliable connectivity is the nourishing soil that data need to prosper. With digital transformation, billions of connections require more broadband. In response to this need, some countries are preparing national 5G strategies, as 5G technology has been identified as a significant driver of the digital economy. In this study, 16 national 5G strategies have been systematically and comprehensively analyzed, and a checklist has been developed to formulate national 5G strategies and policies. The checklist can be used by policymakers, especially in developing countries, to guide the preparation of national 5G strategies and policies. Of course, each country’s national strategy will differ regarding resources, culture, etc. It is hoped that this checklist may speed up the preparation process by providing a baseline during the strategy formulation phase and make the process more efficient by incorporating lessons learned, especially for developing countries.