Smarter spectrum policies could ease Europe’s mobile investment needs, new GSMA report finds
Mobile operators in Europe are paying much more for spectrum than they did a decade ago, and it is holding back network investment, according to new analysis from the GSMA. The report says spectrum costs have tripled in ten years, tying up capital that could otherwise support 5G standalone rollouts and upgrades to mobile infrastructure.
The GSMA argues that policy changes around how governments price and assign spectrum could unlock up to €30 billion in additional investment. Lower upfront fees, more predictable licensing terms and a focus on long-term network quality rather than short-term auction revenue are highlighted as ways regulators could help operators invest more in coverage and capacity across Europe.
More from Telecom
U Mobile has signed a three-year 5G wholesale agreement with Telekom Malaysia. Under the deal, U Mobile will supply 5G MOCN (multi-operator core netwo
MasOrange has picked Ericsson to supply a unified 5G standalone (SA) core network under a six-year deal, replacing its current dual legacy cores. The
Ukrainian operator Kyivstar has acquired regional internet provider Shtorm to strengthen its fixed broadband business. The company did not reveal how
T-Mobile US has formally pushed back on Verizon’s lawsuit over its advertising, calling the rival carrier hypocritical and defending its savings claim
Light Reading has pulled together all of its Mobile World Congress 2026 reporting in one place. The event runs in Barcelona from March 2–5, 2026. The
Cable One’s new CEO, Jim Holanda, is putting mobile service at the center of the company’s future, but he is not promising quick results. Holanda call