Spectrum Blog

Stay informed on the latest Spectrum news and insights from our team of industry experts.

Shaping the Future: Spectrum at the GSMA Ministerial Programme 2024

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Government decision-makers and industry thought-leaders convened to discuss the role of spectrum policy in delivering global digital ambitions at the GSMA Ministerial Programme during MWC Barcelona 2024.

The road to WRC-27: a new cycle begins

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The start of the new WRC cycle will see a year of organisation and understanding of the new topics. Studies that need to be carried out include coexistence, spectrum use, and needs. For mobile evolution, this will involve understanding new mobile use cases and their spectrum ...

Private mobile network strategies gain momentum

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Best practice regulation for private mobile networks (PMNs) is still being developed, and the coming years will clarify which approach brings the greatest positive impact to society.

New regulatory approaches emerging from the demise of single wholesale networks

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In 2024, we expect a further demise of the SWN approach. Instead, policymakers will rely on network competition to deliver mobile network coverage and broadband adoption, bolstered by supportive government policies.

Spectrum pricing as an enabler in bridging the coverage and usage gaps

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The high costs demanded for spectrum licences in the past are being replaced by new assignment approaches that propose investment commitments.

Technology-neutral licensing and network sunsets take up to drive spectrum efficiencies

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In 2024, sunsets are no longer a question of ‘if’, but ‘when’, emphasising the importance of a well-planned network sunset roadmap.

For the benefit of billions: the impact of WRC-23 decisions on spectrum policy in 2024

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WRC-23 has opened the doors to a new era of connectivity for all services and laid the foundation for mobile progress into 5G-Advanced and 6G.

The digital age depends on technology-neutral spectrum licensing

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For countries that want to reap the rewards of mobile connectivity, optimising spectrum usage and licensing continues to be a crucial success factor. That includes maximising the use of existing resources using tools such as technology-neutral spectrum licensing. The need ...

3.5 GHz spectrum expansion: maintaining US 5G leadership

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The 3.5 GHz band extension for 5G is an available tool to maintain US status as a 5G leader. It will deliver the capacity required to drive US connectivity in the era of 5G-Advanced technologies.

Spectrum assignment moves Uganda closer to national broadband targets

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In June 2023, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) successfully awarded spectrum to two of the country’s mobile operators, MTN and Airtel.

European spectrum policy for the Digital Decade – options for the new Radio Spectrum Policy Programme

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A more pro-investment approach from the new Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP) can be an important driver of Europe’s connectivity goals.

MWC Shanghai: 6 GHz takes big steps towards commercial 5G ecosystem

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The future of the 6 GHz band will be one of the hottest topics at the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23). In the last year, trials, interest from countries, and the outlook for the 6 GHz IMT ecosystem are all showing great promise. But that promise can ...

Spectrum Policy and the Race to Net Zero

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Spectrum policy has an important role to play in the race to net zero. A new report from GSMA Intelligence shows how efficient spectrum use reduces carbon emissions while simultaneously generating economic benefits for society. The potential impact is two-fold. Firstly, ...

WRC-23 will define Europe’s Digital Decade

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By adopting final positions ahead of World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) that encourage 5G expansion, policymakers can help deliver Digital Decade goals and create a greener Europe that leaves no one behind in the digital age.

KSA leads global race in 5G… the future depends on spectrum

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Saudi Arabia today is one of the world’s leading 5G nations and has some of the fastest networks in the world. This leadership status is no coincidence but the result of a solid commitment to the development of mobile technology and years of planning. The country’s operators ...

Policymakers discuss maximising benefits of WRC-23 at MWC Barcelona

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Some of the world’s most prominent policymakers and mobile thought leaders joined us at the Ministerial Programme during MWC Barcelona to discuss how the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) can be used for the benefit of billions all over the world.

The future of mobile spectrum debated at the GSMA Ministerial Programme

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Across three cross-regional roundtables at the GSMA Ministerial Programme, we hosted discussions on how industry, government and international organisations can work together to maximise the impact of spectrum.

Balanced 6 GHz decisions continue as regional and global trend

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Following a recent decision from telecom regulator IFT, Mexico has joined a growing number of countries that are keeping their regulatory options open for the 6 GHz band - an important decision for the future of 5G.

Setting the Stage for 6G

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For regulators, ministries, operators, vendors and researchers, spectrum policy for 6G is becoming increasingly important. 2023 will mark the beginning of a long journey for 6G as new studies initiate.

Spectrum Assignments: Balanced Pricing and Licence Conditions to Spur Mobile Growth

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In 2023, we expect to see a growing realisation among regulators and policymakers that spectrum pricing is key to unlocking the digital growth of nations. In return for more rational prices, there will be licence obligations demanding coverage of networks and quality of services.