PolicyTracker Spectrum and Private Network Databases updated for Q3 2024

The PolicyTracker Spectrum Database (PSD) shows allocations and assignments of exclusive licensed spectrum, which is usually awarded to mobile operators. Meanwhile, our Private Networks Regulatory Database shows how spectrum is being made available for shared private network use. Both have now been updated to reflect the latest changes.

In the past quarter, a total of 210 MHz of licensed spectrum was added to the PSD, with assignments taking place in three countries—Canada, Vietnam and Bangladesh. This is a major decrease from the same quarter last year, which saw 12 new assignments.

This spectrum assignment slump comes as many countries in the global north have completed their “5G auctions”. While some countries, particularly in the Americas, have yet to hold their 5G awards, most are now looking ahead to future 5G capacity bands and 6G bands.

The Private Networks Database shows that an additional ten countries assigned spectrum for private use since the database was last updated just over a year ago, suggesting a growing interest in the number of countries adopting dedicated private network spectrum (sometimes called “spectrum set-asides”).

The PolicyTracker Spectrum Database is updated quarterly and is available in Google Sheets and as an Excel document. Information from the database is also accessible on our interactive web-based database and our Data Explorer function.

The Private Networks Regulatory Database is available as part of the wider Private Networks Benchmarking update, updated in September. All of these features are available as part of the Spectrum Research Service.