The impact of spectrum prices on consumers
Create a free account or sign in to access and download this report.
The radio spectrum that governments license to operators is central to the quality and affordability of mobile broadband services. However, some government policies – inadvertently or not – result in high prices being paid to access spectrum. This study presents strong, new evidence that high spectrum prices can cause negative consumer outcomes, including lower coverage levels and slower data speeds.
Mobile networks are regularly upgraded to offer improved benefits to consumers in terms of service quality and cost – for example, better coverage and faster and more affordable data. However, there are significant variations in these metrics between countries. The report assesses whether high spectrum prices, and other aspects of spectrum management, can be a cause of such differences in service quality and cost. Governments and regulators can therefore take this into account when planning spectrum assignment approaches.
This study is, to our knowledge, the first that uses econometric models to consider the impact of spectrum pricing on a broad range of consumer outcomes. The analysis is applied to both developed and developing countries. The results show there is significant evidence to suggest a causal link between high spectrum prices, and certain other spectrum management decisions, and negative consumer outcomes.
The findings have important ramifications for governments and regulators – particularly those betting on 4G and 5G as enablers of growth and sustainable development.
Report details
The impact of spectrum prices on consumers
Report details
The impact of spectrum prices on consumers
Related research
Digital Africa Index 2026 – Digital government: from access to meaningful use
Over the past decade, mobile operators in Africa have invested significantly to expand network coverage and capacity. Despite this investment, the region has not seen the same level of growth in the adoption and use of mobile internet. To help address this, in 2024, the GSMA launched the first Digital Africa Index (DAI). This provides a comprehensive assessment that helps countries in Africa understand how advanced they are in integrating digital technologies into their societies and economies. It also offers guidance on the interventions required to accelerate growth. This report accompanies the launch of the third edition of the Digital Africa Index.
Africa enterprise survey: navigating the digital transformation of industries and the B2B opportunity
B2B has emerged as a strategic growth area for operators and the wider tech/digital ecosystem. As the digital transformation of vertical sectors accelerates, gaining insights directly from enterprises is key. GSMA Intelligence surveyed more than 430 enterprises across six countries in Africa, from 10 vertical sectors, to gain insight into their digital transformation. The research focused on strategic objectives, investment plans, use of technology, deployment challenges, supplier decisions, tech sovereignty, and policy and regulation.
Enterprise survey for the GCC and wider MENA region: navigating the digital transformation of industries and the B2B opportunity
B2B has emerged as a strategic growth area for operators and the wider tech/digital ecosystem. As the digital transformation of vertical sectors accelerates, gaining insights directly from enterprises is key. GSMA Intelligence surveyed almost 900 enterprises from 10 vertical sectors across the GCC and wider MENA region to gain insight into their digital transformation. The research focused on strategic objectives, investment plans, use of technology, deployment challenges, supplier decisions, tech sovereignty, and policy and regulation.
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 more- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics
How can we support you?
Get in touch
Contact the GSMA Intelligence support team for help with your account, subscriptions, or access to reports and insights.
Newsletter
Subscribe to the GSMA Intelligence newsletter for the latest industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.