Spectrum Policy Trends 2026

The year ahead promises continued transformation across the global connectivity landscape. As 5G matures in leading markets and new launches continue worldwide, governments and regulators face growing pressure to plan new spectrum capacity, provide long-term regulatory certainty, and support sustained investment.

At the same time, new developments—from direct-to-device connectivity to early preparations for 6G—are reshaping how spectrum is managed and coordinated globally.

With the right regulatory frameworks in place, spectrum policy can unlock connectivity, drive economic growth, and expand digital opportunity.

What’s inside the report

Spectrum Policy Trends 2026 highlights the top five spectrum policy trends shaping the year ahead, including:

• 5G to reach maturity in leading markets as launches continue
• Spectrum assignments and renewals to support connectivity goals
• Digital inclusion policies will require focus on low bands
• D2D: momentum to accelerate in MSS bands
• Spectrum activity for the 2030s to gather pace

Download the report to understand the top five spectrum policy trends shaping the global connectivity landscape in 2026.