Maximising the socio-economic value of spectrum

This insight is open to all subscribers and registered users, or available by completing the form below.
Report details
Maximising the socio-economic value of spectrum
The challenge policymakers often face when it comes to radio spectrum is deciding the most efficient way to use each spectrum band to deliver the greatest socio-economic benefits overall. This report provides practical guidance for the implementation of a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to quantify the impact of different spectrum assignment strategies.
Radio spectrum is a critical and scarce natural resource. The licensing choices made by governments and regulators impact all aspects of connectivity in a country. To facilitate the application of CBAs further, we illustrate the theory in practice by quantifying the costs and benefits of two case studies that some regulators are either currently facing or might face in the context of 5G: whether set-asides for local users should be made in prime 5G bands; and whether set-asides for new entrants are justified.
Download the Report
Complete the form below to get instant access to this content. For easier access in the future, you can register for a free account here.
By submitting this form, you agree that your email address and related activity on the platform will be processed for the purpose of generating and providing the requested report. Your data will be shared with GSMA Intelligence for this purpose. For more information, please see the GSMA Intelligence Privacy Policy.
Report details
Maximising the socio-economic value of spectrum
Related research
Sovereignty at MWC Barcelona 2026: the content consensus
For much of 2025 and early 2026, the development of sovereign AI and sovereign digital service strategies – including the role telecoms could play in supporting them – was regularly in the news. For operators, the strategies represent an opportunity to support national agendas, reassert their relevance in the digital economy and drive new revenues based on their position as highly regulated and trusted service providers. This analysis looks at the sovereign messaging conveyed in sessions at MWC from operators, vendors, regulators and cloud providers.
Spectrum Navigator, Q4 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.
Network Sunsets, Q4 2025
This quarterly series leverages GSMA Intelligence data on network sunsets to identify the key trends and understand the future. The report outlines the latest developments in network sunsets. The data provided here covers network sunsets by year, technology and region. The report also spotlights the momentum in 2G/3G network sunsets in the context of total active 2G/3G networks globally.
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
Sovereignty at MWC Barcelona 2026: the content consensus
For much of 2025 and early 2026, the development of sovereign AI and sovereign digital service strategies – including the role telecoms could play in supporting them – was regularly in the news. For operators, the strategies represent an opportunity to support national agendas, reassert their relevance in the digital economy and drive new revenues based on their position as highly regulated and trusted service providers. This analysis looks at the sovereign messaging conveyed in sessions at MWC from operators, vendors, regulators and cloud providers.
Spectrum Navigator, Q4 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.
Network Sunsets, Q4 2025
This quarterly series leverages GSMA Intelligence data on network sunsets to identify the key trends and understand the future. The report outlines the latest developments in network sunsets. The data provided here covers network sunsets by year, technology and region. The report also spotlights the momentum in 2G/3G network sunsets in the context of total active 2G/3G networks globally.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics
