New iteration of PolicyTracker Spectrum Database tracks 11 auctions across six bands. The last three months included two potentially expensive spectrum auctions. Operators in one of these countries, Pakistan, largely shunned the award; but Canadian operators ended up paying record prices. These auction results are reported in the 2021 Q3… Read more...

Auctions may have become the default way to assign spectrum, but the last quarter saw just as many beauty contests. A total of 11,076 MHz of changed or new entries were included in the latest update to the PolicyTracker Spectrum Database (PSD), including an equal number of beauty contests and auctions.… Read more...

The beauty of spectrum auctions is that they force operators to put their money where their mouth is. Operators may be able to make a compelling case of why they should be assigned spectrum, and another company should be deprived of that spectrum, but auctions can "separate the wheat from… Read more...

A spectrum strategy is the result of a careful balancing act between various policy objectives. On the one hand, regulators want to help their mobile operators build fast networks, but on the other they also want to enable competition. Incumbent services should be taken into account, and space should be… Read more...

Many think of cold, snow-covered Finland and warm, sunny Italy as very different countries. Perhaps it is not surprising that their spectrum auctions have produced very different outcomes. Over the years, the home of Nokia has gained a reputation for carrying out affordable and exemplary spectrum assignments. When Finnish incumbent… Read more...

China appears to be getting closer to releasing the 700 MHz band for mobile use. The benefits of the band for mobile broadband, including rural and in-building coverage, are well documented. Chinese support, as well as making 700 MHz available domestically, would enable neighbouring Hong Kong and Macau to move ahead… Read more...

Download the coverage obligations white paper Mobile coverage obligations are an increasingly important part of spectrum auctions and national connectivity strategies. This reflects the growing economic importance of mobile broadband and the patchy success of previous initiatives. In many developed nations there are no reliable voice and data services in… Read more...

In the past few weeks we have updated our Spectrum Research Service entries about the current mobile bands and will be highlighting trends in a series of research notes. We start by identifying the technological progression from 2G to 5G. Some bands are still being used for 2G - and… Read more...

Although 26 GHz is a long term prospect for the development of new mobile services in Europe, the region’s immediate hopes are pinned on two bands: 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz. Read more...

The world's most sought-after spectrum is currently being auctioned in what is arguably Europe's strongest economy - so why are wallets staying closed? Read more...