The Nigerian 3500 MHz Spectrum Auction
A review of the NCC’s 3500 MHz spectrum auction and the learning for other regulators seeking to award spectrum to support the development of mobile broadband and 5G.
Insights
Telecoms industry analysis, commentary, and research by Coleago’s expert team of directors and consultants.
Estimating Mid Bands Spectrum Needs for the 2025-30 Timeframe
This report, written by Coleago for the GSMA, provides a global analysis of spectrum needs to meet the 5G vision of providing ubiquitous high-speed wireless mobile connectivity and a user experience to match that of fixed networks.
Mobile Services, Spectrum and Network Evolution to 2025
Aimed at telecoms regulators and operators, a review of key global developments, insights, trends, and best international practices, to inform future spectrum policy and management and operator strategies.
The Benefits of Technology-Neutral Spectrum Licences
In many countries the process of introducing new technology in existing frequency bands is delayed because spectrum is not licensed on a technology-neutral basis. Indeed some countries have not learned the lesson from a delayed introduction of 3G and 4G and are now repeating the same mistake for 5G.
Increasing Mobile Broadband Coverage Through Spectrum Awards
Many regulators are pursuing the goal of increasing mobile broadband coverage. The award of new spectrum offers regulators an opportunity to increase existing coverage levels. In this paper, Graham Friend explores the key challenges associated with this strategy.
The Benefits of Developing a Spectrum Roadmap for Realising Regulatory Policy Objectives
A spectrum roadmap can play a key part in realising the efficient use of spectrum and promoting investment and innovation. A spectrum roadmap is one of the most significant things a regulator can do to plan how best to allocate spectrum resources and reduce regulatory uncertainty.
5G and mmWave spectrum
In this paper, we consider regulatory approaches to the assignment of mmWave spectrum. The abundance of mmWave spectrum means that demand may not exceed supply and so an auction format may not be the appropriate approach. Regulators need to be flexible over their choice of award mechanism and less prescriptive or demanding in their choice of licence conditions.
Regulatory Approaches to Providing Deep Rural Coverage
In a number of markets, governments are working together with the regulator and mobile operators to address coverage “black spots” and deep rural coverage. This new paper explores some of the approaches being adopted.
Sustainable Spectrum Pricing
Whether or not a 5G business case is workable depends on how much operators have to pay for spectrum licences. 5G requires more spectrum but generates little or no incremental revenue. Regulators need to assess the sustainability of spectrum licence fees by comparing the annualised cost of spectrum to mobile operator revenue. The methodology is easy to apply and only relies on data specific to a particular market.
Tanzania 700 MHz Spectrum Auction – Learning from Best Practice
The Tanzanian telecommunications regulator recently concluded a successful spectrum auction which reflected all the key elements of best practice spectrum management. Coleago advised TCRA and in this paper, we highlight the key factors that contributed to the success of the auction.
Regulatory Levers to Stimulate Investment in LTE and 5G
5G has captured the imagination of policymakers but there is a gap between the political rhetoric and telecoms regulatory action to achieve mobile broadband and 5G policy objectives. With mobile operators and equipment vendors sounding cautious about the business case for 5G, a change in government policy is needed to stimulate investment.
5G Regulatory Policy and Assignment Strategies
The introduction of 5G will require a reassessment of spectrum management best practice as the economics of the wireless industry are fundamentally changed.