Is the use of mmWave in 5G cost effective?
Please complete the form below or register for a free public account to access this report.
Use of mmWave spectrum in mobile networks - for access, not backhaul - is relatively new. Combined with limited reach, its place in a viable business model is sometimes questioned. However, compared to using 3.5 GHz spectrum alone, it can offer a compelling option in terms of total cost of ownership (TCO), particularly in areas with high levels of traffic. This Chart of the Month provides a snapshot of the full analysis in the GSMA Intelligence report, "The economics of mmWave 5G".
Download the Report
Complete the form below to get instant access to this report. For easier access in the future, you can register for a free account here.
Related research
5G in Context, Q3 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
5G in Africa 2025: market status, trends and outlook
5G momentum continues to build in Africa. As of September 2025, 53 operators in 29 markets across the region had launched commercial 5G mobile services, while 25 African operators have launched 5G fixed wireless access commercial services. To capitalise on the promise of 5G, operators require enabling policy environments. This report highlights key policy imperatives to drive the development of 5G in Africa.
Spectrum Navigator, Q2 2025
This quarterly series leverages the GSMA Intelligence Spectrum Navigator tool to identify key trends and insights. The report outlines the latest important developments in the spectrum world and the key trends to watch going forward.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
5G in Context, Q3 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
5G in Africa 2025: market status, trends and outlook
5G momentum continues to build in Africa. As of September 2025, 53 operators in 29 markets across the region had launched commercial 5G mobile services, while 25 African operators have launched 5G fixed wireless access commercial services. To capitalise on the promise of 5G, operators require enabling policy environments. This report highlights key policy imperatives to drive the development of 5G in Africa.
Spectrum Navigator, Q2 2025
This quarterly series leverages the GSMA Intelligence Spectrum Navigator tool to identify key trends and insights. The report outlines the latest important developments in the spectrum world and the key trends to watch going forward.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics
