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.
Related insights
This report underscores the critical importance of ensuring timely access to adequate spectrum for the industry. Spectrum allocation significantly influences achieving national broadband plans and numerous regulatory and governmental policy objectives. Affordable broadband access drives socio-economic benefits, making it imperative to promote widespread and quality mobile broadband through sufficient spectrum availability.
Access to ample spectrum is pivotal for operators in enhancing network quality, lowering operational costs, and subsequently offering competitive consumer prices. Moreover, a reduced cost base facilitates improved financial returns, fostering higher levels of investment and innovation—goals aligned with common regulatory policy objectives.
LS Telecom’s analysis of global IMT spectrum licensing and usage revealed Africa’s lag in assigning available spectrum compared to other regions. Despite 1,090 MHz of identified harmonised spectrum for Africa, only an average of 477 MHz has been assigned, significantly lower than Europe’s 757 MHz average allocation.
Coleago, drawing from successful spectrum management projects in Tanzania and Botswana, offers expertise in aiding African regulators. Our experience in navigating regulatory challenges and collaborating with mobile operators uniquely positions us to mitigate regulatory uncertainty. We specialise in designing best practice spectrum management strategies and roadmaps tailored to individual regulatory contexts, supporting the efficient allocation and utilisation of spectrum resources.
Other insights
Satellite Connectivity and the Operator Challenge
The rapid expansion of low earth orbit satellite constellations and the emergence of direct-to-device connectivity are creating one of the most significant strategic challenges the mobile industry has faced in decades. Satellite operators are evolving from niche providers serving remote areas into potentially powerful competitors capable of delivering broadband and mobile connectivity directly to consumer devices independently of terrestrial infrastructure. Coleago examines the commercial, strategic and regulatory implications of this shift from the perspective of mobile network operators.
Satellite Services and Regulatory Challenges
The rapid emergence of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations and direct-to-device (D2D) technologies is reshaping the communications landscape. Satellite systems are evolving from niche, complementary solutions into mainstream providers of broadband and mobile connectivity, capable of connecting directly to smartphones without intermediary infrastructure. Convergence between satellite and terrestrial mobile networks raises profound regulatory, economic and competitive questions for policymakers worldwide.
Insights from the Pakistan 2026 Multi-Band Spectrum Auction
Pakistan’s 2026 spectrum auction released unprecedented volumes of spectrum. This Insight provides an insider perspective on the multi-band award, drawing on Coleago’s direct involvement in supporting a successful bidder, and explores the auction design, bidding dynamics and key lessons for regulators.
Spectrum Renewal: A Framework for Spectrum Valuation and Pricing
Mobile connectivity supports economic development, social participation and digital innovation across every modern economy. Yet the performance and resilience of this ecosystem depend on a scarce national asset – radio spectrum. As many countries approach key licence renewal milestones for the original IMT 4G spectrum bands that were issued 10 to 20 years ago, the question of how to value spectrum and how to determine an appropriate renewal price takes on increasing importance in the case where the spectrum is being renewed via an administrative or hybrid auction process.
Leveraging Terrestrial Mobile Spectrum for D2D capacity
This article was first published in the GTPRN 2026 Newsletter, February 2026. It provides a fresh perspective on the merits of leveraging terrestrial mobile spectrum for D2D capacity. Terrestrial mobile spectrum could be used to substantially increase D2D capacity precisely where it is needed the most given that in 90% of the globe’s surface there is no shortage of spectrum.
Navigating Spectrum Licence Renewal: Lessons from Australia
Australia’s spectrum licence renewal process shows how operators can align regulatory engagement with commercial strategy. This case study highlights Coleago’s role in helping Optus secure optimal outcomes, from evidence-based submissions to spectrum planning for 5G and 6G.