The impact of spectrum prices on consumers
This insight is open to all subscribers and registered users, or available by completing the form.
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
Download the report
Complete the form 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
The impact of spectrum prices on consumers
Download the report
Complete the form 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.
Related research
Digital Nations 2026: building trusted digital ecosystems in ASEAN
Digital trust has become a strategic delivery mechanism for building digital nations. Countries that build confidence in digital infrastructure, services and institutions will be better placed to convert digitalisation into adoption, innovation, investment and socioeconomic impact. To explain how digital trust can be strengthened, this report introduces four interconnected foundations of digital trust. Traditionally viewed as connectivity providers, mobile operators are increasingly contributing to all four trust foundations, making them key enablers of digital trust.
ASEAN 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 enterprises from six countries and 10 vertical sectors across the ASEAN region to gain insight into their digital transformation. The research focused on strategic objectives, investment plans, use of technology, deployment challenges, supplier decisions, technology sovereignty, and policy and regulation.
Global enterprise survey: understanding the next phase of digital transformation and the real B2B opportunities
Enterprises will spend 10% of their revenues on digital transformation through to 2032, which brings new B2B opportunities for technology suppliers, including operators. This report analyses the key findings and implications from a GSMA Intelligence survey, which surveyed 6,342 enterprises across 50 countries and 10 vertical sectors worldwide to gain insight into their digital transformation.
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.