The Impact of Spectrum Set-Asides on Private and Public Mobile Networks
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.
Please sign in or register for a free public account to access this report.
Setting aside dedicated spectrum for enterprises has been seen as a way of incentivising private network adoption and digitalisation. However, set-aside schemes also reduce the amount of spectrum available for public networks, restricting speeds and raising infrastructure and operational costs. Spectrum constraints can see consumers experience a lower quality of service, higher costs or both.
This research is the first of its kind to apply robust statistical analysis to the impact of spectrum set-asides. The results of the study highlight the need to consider the unintended and undesired consequences of spectrum set-asides, particularly as there is no evidence of a clear benefit.
Related research
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.
Digital Nations 2025: Achieving the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan
Successfully realising ASEAN’s development plans requires concerted efforts by stakeholders to fully leverage the opportunities presented by digitalisation. This report highlights three principal measures to improve digital readiness: bridge the infrastructure gap, accelerate regional policy harmonisation, and leverage international cooperation mechanisms.
The impact of spectrum pricing in Bangladesh
At around 16%, Bangladesh’s spectrum-cost-to-revenue ratio exceeds the Asia Pacific median (10.4%) and is twice as high as the global median (7.7%). High spectrum cost has been shown to negatively impact consumer outcomes, such as network coverage and speeds. Reducing prices by 50% would align spectrum costs closer to the Asia Pacific median at about 12% by 2035, boosting 4G speeds by 17% and enabling 99% 5G coverage, yielding a cumulative $34 billion GDP boost. Aligning costs to the global median of 8% of operators’ revenue would increase 4G speeds by 22% and accelerate 5G rollout further, generating a $45 billion GDP boost.
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
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.
Digital Nations 2025: Achieving the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan
Successfully realising ASEAN’s development plans requires concerted efforts by stakeholders to fully leverage the opportunities presented by digitalisation. This report highlights three principal measures to improve digital readiness: bridge the infrastructure gap, accelerate regional policy harmonisation, and leverage international cooperation mechanisms.
The impact of spectrum pricing in Bangladesh
At around 16%, Bangladesh’s spectrum-cost-to-revenue ratio exceeds the Asia Pacific median (10.4%) and is twice as high as the global median (7.7%). High spectrum cost has been shown to negatively impact consumer outcomes, such as network coverage and speeds. Reducing prices by 50% would align spectrum costs closer to the Asia Pacific median at about 12% by 2035, boosting 4G speeds by 17% and enabling 99% 5G coverage, yielding a cumulative $34 billion GDP boost. Aligning costs to the global median of 8% of operators’ revenue would increase 4G speeds by 22% and accelerate 5G rollout further, generating a $45 billion GDP boost.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics