The Vodafone Group continues to build its 4G spectrum portfolio, while acquiring additional spectrum for 5G services, which it expects to launch in 2020.  Read more...

Five years ago spectrum under 1 GHz was described as beachfront spectrum on the basis that it was the most valuable spectrum property available. Subsequently hype around 5G shifted regulators’ focus to mmWaves, and but in the last year, mid-band frequencies have attracted more and more attention. Read more...

Google remains a strong proponent of unlicensed spectrum, sharing and dynamic spectrum sharing. Over the past year it has  focused on the 3.5 GHz, 6 GHz and over 95 GHz bands in particular. It continues to run a TV white space database. Read more...

Japan will be hosting the Olympic Games in 2020 and the country plans to use the event as a showcase for new technologies such as 5G. As a result, both its government and its operators are very active in testing the technology. Read more...

China's government and its three mobile network operators (MNOs) are actively preparing for 5G. The MNOs expect to launch commercial services by 2020. Read more...

Despite better than expected revenues, the prices paid in Ireland suggest that operators regard 5G bands as a welcome addition rather than a prerequisite for a new era of mobile services. Read more...

German mobile operators are currently planning to deploy 5G in the 700 MHz band, which was auctioned in June 2015. They also expect to make use of spectrum in and surrounding the 3.5 GHz range. However, none has announced any firm 5G targets, or said much about 5G trials outside… Read more...

UK regulator Ofcom and the UK's four mobile network operators are actively preparing for the 5G era. However, Ofcom's plan to auction the 2.3 and 3.4 GHz bands could be held up by legal action. The 700 MHz band is due to be auctioned (lawyers permitting) by 2020. Read more...

After what seemed to many like a long delay, Canada is now preparing to follow the US in auctioning spectrum in the 600 MHz band. Its government also launched a consultation this year on using spectrum in some higher bands for 5G. Read more...

Swedish regulator PTS has been planning to assign the 700 MHz to mobile operators for some time but suffered a setback in late 2016 when the award was delayed due to "security concerns". However, it now seems to be back on track and the authority is also planning to assign… Read more...