GSMA Intelligence has identified five key spectrum trends to monitor in 2025. Spectrum renewals and network sunsets will dominate discussions as assignments in bands like 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz expire in over 30 countries, coinciding with 61 planned 2G and 3G network sunsets. These bands, historically crucial for coverage and capacity, will need renewal on technology-neutral terms to support 4G and 5G advancements.
Direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity will also gain prominence as 99 operators collaborate with satellite companies, with regulators in markets like Australia, the UK, and India addressing satellite-based services.
The adoption of the 6 GHz band for IMT will expand following its identification for mobile use at WRC-23, with nations like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Cambodia incorporating it into their roadmaps.
Meanwhile, innovative pricing and licensing models, such as spectrum extensions in Germany and Spain, will encourage investment in connectivity as more countries adopt similar frameworks, Radhika Gupta, Head of Data Acquisition at GSMA Intelligence, said.
Lastly, preparations for next-generation technologies will intensify, with WRC-27 agenda studies exploring new IMT and mobile satellite bands, while trials on coexistence and spectrum needs take shape alongside ongoing 5G network deployments.
The spectrum trends in 2025 will have several key implications for mobile operators and vendors. For operators, the renewal of spectrum licences offers a strategic opportunity to reassess and optimize spectrum portfolios.
As licences approach expiry in over 30 countries, operators must proactively engage with regulators, clearly articulating their spectrum requirements backed by clear use cases. The inevitability of network sunsets also demands careful planning.
Operators must develop clear strategies and roadmaps for transitioning from legacy networks like 2G and 3G, ensuring a smooth migration to 4G and 5G. The increasing focus on satellite services means that operators cannot afford to overlook the growing potential of satellite connectivity to address coverage gaps and IoT needs. Partnerships with satellite players and participation in regulatory discussions will be key for operators to avoid interference issues and leverage the full potential of satellite technologies.
For vendors, ensuring the safe coexistence of various technologies is essential as the momentum of direct-to-device (D2D) services grows. Regulatory discussions and studies on D2D in IMT bands are crucial, and vendors must support efforts to protect terrestrial networks from interference. International coordination will be necessary to sustain D2D services alongside existing mobile and other technologies.
Vendors also play a crucial role in supporting operators through network sunset transitions. Challenges such as the reliance on legacy networks for critical services and affordability of 4G/5G devices must be addressed, with policy measures from regulators assisting the transition.
Telecom equipment vendors should advocate for clear and transparent spectrum roadmaps to provide operators with the long-term certainty they need to make investment decisions and ensure the sustainability of industry growth.
Baburajan Kizhakedath