Spectrum leasing in the 5G era

This report provides a global overview of spectrum leasing and offers best-practice recommendations for policymakers. It examines how successes to date suggest there is an untapped potential for using spectrum leasing to accelerate the 5G era.

Exclusive licensing should continue to be the cornerstone of a country’s spectrum strategy; it is essential to guaranteeing the necessary long-term investment commitments needed for 5G networks and to delivering high quality mobile broadband services. However, access models such as leasing can, when implemented correctly, help expand connectivity and avoid the use of set-asides.

The report looks at several enablers of spectrum leasing: the creation of an enabling regulatory environment; support for voluntary commercial negotiations; and the availability of sufficient affordable spectrum in the right bands.