Several countries have conducted spectrum auctions between January and June 2025 in order to enhance customer experience of smartphone customers.
These multiple spectrum auctions and awards generated an estimated total of $8.5 billion in Brazil and $52–60 million in Costa Rica, with smaller awards in Venezuela and Moldova. Some nations in Europe and Asia are planning for spectrum auctions, according to TelecomLead.com Research.
Brazil
In 2025, Brazil conducted two key spectrum-related events. In February, the country moved forward with the assignment of a 700 MHz spectrum block previously returned by Winity II. Although this was not a traditional auction, it marked a crucial step in reallocating valuable low-band spectrum to enhance mobile coverage, especially in underserved regions. The licensing terms were under review by Anatel, the Brazilian telecom regulator, to ensure efficient use and competitive balance.
In early July, Brazil ran a high-profile auction covering 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 26 GHz bands. Claro, Vivo, TIM and several regional/new entrants obtained licenses, and the auction raised a hefty BRL 47.2 billion or ~US $8.5 billion, rcrwireless reports.
Operators including Claro, TIM Brasil, and Vivo secured national licenses across all key bands. Regional and emerging players such as Brisanet, Algar Telecom, Sercomtel, Cloud2U, Fly Link, Neko, and Consorcio 5G Sul also acquired regional or specific frequency blocks, increasing market diversity and fostering competition.
The 3.5 GHz band received the highest demand, accounting for nearly half of the total auction proceeds, followed by the 2.3 GHz and 700 MHz bands. Although licenses in the 26 GHz millimeter wave band were also offered, some went unsold and are expected to be re-auctioned later. Licensees are subject to strict coverage obligations, including deployments in rural and federal highway areas, supported by infrastructure investment bonds worth an estimated BRL 7.44 billion.
Anatel, the telecom regulator, also began preparing for future auctions of 6 GHz spectrum as part of its PRISMA-RF spectrum planning roadmap, with public consultations launched in early 2025. These steps reflect Brazil’s continued push to expand 5G access and enhance digital connectivity nationwide.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica held a major multi-band 5G auction in January, offering over 1 000 MHz across 700 MHz, 2.3, 3.5 and 26 GHz bands. National licences went to Claro and Liberty, while five regional players also secured spectrum. The baseline bid started at $52.5 million, but the final total exceeded that — though the exact cumulative amount wasn’t fully disclosed.
Venezuela
Venezuela allocated smaller blocks: 50 MHz in 3.5 GHz to Digitel and 40 MHz in 2.6 GHz to Movistar early in January cullen-international.com.
Moldova
Moldova followed with a broad multi-band auction in February, spanning 700 MHz up to 26 GHz for both 4G and 5G services.
Poland
Poland planned mid‑2025 auctions targeting the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands , while the UK, Serbia, Slovakia, and others issued tenders or opened consultations for upcoming mid‑ and high‑band spectrum sales in the same period . No firm revenue figures are available yet for those.
In total, confirmed auction revenue from January to June 2025 was at least US $8.6 billion, reflecting strong operator demand in Latin America. Major participants included national incumbents Claro, Liberty, Digitel, Movistar, and Brazil’s block winners Vivo, TIM, Brisanet, Algar Telecom, Sercomtel, Winity II, Consorcio 5G Sul, Cloud2u and Neko. Other regions like Europe and Asia-Pacific have ongoing preparations or consultations slated for later in 2025.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
