GSMA’s Mobile Economy Middle East and North Africa 2025 report highlights that harmonised and timely access to mobile spectrum is essential for the successful growth of mobile networks.
The GSMA report, released today at MWC 2025 Doha, shows that 4G smartphones account for 60 percent of mobile Internet users in the MENA region, while 3G smartphones make up 23 percent, 5G smartphones 10 percent, and feature phones around 7 percent.
By 2030, most MENA countries are projected to have initiated at least partial 2G/3G network closures, with complete phase-outs expected among the GCC states, according to GSMA Intelligence data.
Spectrum harmonisation is vital for efficient mobile network development because it supports economies of scale, lowers device costs and enables consistent 5G performance. Smartphone affordability is a ongoing challenge; the median cost of an entry-level device is 18 percent of monthly GDP per capita, increasing to 44 percent for the poorest 20 percent of individuals in the region. Though 4G-enabled devices are widespread, 30 percent of users rely on 3G or feature phones.
Mid-band spectrum in the 1 to 8 GHz range is essential for city-wide 5G capacity, offering the best balance between coverage and performance while reducing the need for network densification. 5G, as percentage of connections, will reach 48 percent in 2030 from 7 percent in 2024.
The 3.5 GHz band remains the core band for 5G and has now been harmonised across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas following WRC 2023, enabling broader device availability and faster deployment.
The 6 GHz band is becoming increasingly important, with more than 80 percent of the global population recognising its potential to deliver high-capacity 5G and future technologies.
Adding new spectrum in the 6 GHz range is necessary to meet rising data demands, especially in dense urban areas where bandwidth constraints are more pronounced.
Low-band spectrum below 1 GHz, including the emerging 600 MHz band, is crucial for rural expansion and reducing the widening digital divide between urban and remote areas.
By 2030, markets will require an average of 5 GHz of high-band mmWave spectrum to support enhanced mobile broadband, fixed wireless access and enterprise-grade 5G services.
Technology-neutral spectrum licensing enables operators to refarm spectrum for both 4G and 5G, ensuring smoother transitions to advanced networks while supporting legacy users.
Fair and moderate spectrum pricing is important because excessively high fees slow down 5G rollout, weaken service quality and can lead to higher consumer prices.
Long-term spectrum licences, predictable renewal processes and reduced upfront payments help operators invest confidently, with several MENA countries already adopting models that prioritise coverage commitments instead of monetary gains.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
