Vision 2030: Low Band Spectrum for 5G
In this report, written for the GSMA, Coleago explores why low band spectrum is the cornerstone of digital equality and affordable connectivity to ensure that mobile’s economic and social benefits can be felt in all communities.
The accessibility and distribution of low-band spectrum are essential prerequisites for fostering digital equity and advancing widespread, cost-effective connectivity. Recognised as a pivotal national asset, its deployment has the potential to bridge the gap in digital inclusion, thus enabling the full realisation of mobile technology’s economic and social advantages across diverse communities.
Low band spectrum not only assists governments in attaining social objectives but also serves as a catalyst in achieving digital parity between urban and rural regions. Its capabilities facilitate deeper penetration into buildings, broader coverage for IoT applications, and enhanced communication networks for transportation systems.
The necessity for increased spectrum allocation within this range emerges as a critical element in ensuring equitable access to urban-grade services for rural communities. This propels progress toward digital inclusion objectives. Furthermore, low band spectrum has the potential to deliver 5G speeds to rural areas and maintain consistent 5G user data rates even in less densely-populated areas, thereby minimising infrastructure costs.
As organisations evolve into industrial data platforms and integrate connectivity, IoT, and data-driven insights into their operations, access to robust connectivity emerges as an imperative. Ensuring that employment opportunities and economic sustenance are accessible across all market segments is pivotal for fostering balanced economic growth. Moreover, the support rendered by connectivity in the pursuit of environmental sustainability, particularly in the race towards achieving net-zero emissions, must be equally accessible across diverse demographics.
Addressing the digital divide necessitates the provision of affordable connectivity to all users, and low band capacity is poised to play a central role in democratising access to 5G for everyone. Embracing and harnessing the potential of low band spectrum remains fundamental in realising a future where equitable and affordable connectivity empowers communities and drives inclusive economic growth on a global scale.
Other insights
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.
Tanzania’s 3.6 GHz Spectrum Auction: Key Insights and Lessons for Future 5G Awards
Tanzania’s recent 3.6 GHz spectrum auction marks a major step toward 5G, but its design choices raise important questions about efficiency and fairness. Coleago’s latest white paper reviews the TCRA auction and shares key lessons for regulators and operators shaping future 5G spectrum awards.
Implications of a Full Transition from DTT to IPTV in the UK by 2035
In May this year, Coleago published a report prepared for the UK Spectrum Policy Forum which provides a technical and strategic assessment of future options for use of the UHF band (470–694 MHz) in the United Kingdom beyond 2034.