Concludes low-band remains indispensable, midband is the 5G workhorse and mmWave provides bridge to future 6G planning
The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) has released an updated assessment of how 5G spectrum is being used across the globe, providing granular detail on what operators are investing in and how regulators are acting in the low-band, mid-band and high-band (millimetre wave) segments.
Drawing from GSA's GAMBoD databases and its latest July 2025 spectrum reports, the analysis concludes that although mid-band underpins the majority of 5G rollouts, momentum behind low-band and mmWave adoption is shifting in response to operator network plans and preparations for 6G.
The findings demonstrate how spectrum characteristics, market development stage and specific applications are steering both regulator choices and operator behaviour, as evidenced by tracking spectrum auction activity and what bidders are willing to pay. Low-band spectrum, traditionally commanding premium prices, is experiencing downward pressure on valuations as regulators increasingly prioritise reaching underserved areas and improving affordability to advance broader digital inclusion.
Mid-band pricing, particularly for C-band allocations, has fallen substantially since 2023, a shift driven by the spectrum's ready supply, markets reaching maturity and reduced operator appetite given that many already control sizable holdings.
Millimetre wave pricing on average remains well below mid-band levels globally, yet its appeal is strengthening for applications demanding extreme capacity and minimal delay—including fixed wireless access (FWA), dedicated industrial networks and crowded public spaces.
Recent mmWave deployments underway in Brazil alongside forthcoming auctions scheduled in the UK, India and Japan point to a second phase of growth, supported by a maturing hardware market that now includes more than 150 commercially available devices with mmWave capability.
While there is naturally a focus on new spectrum auctions and the journey to 6G, it is important to also to remember the significance of shutting down older 2G and 3G networks in allowing operators to unlock low-band and mid-band spectrum – both of which are vital for expanding 4G and 5G services
Joe Barrett, President, GSA
Barrett elaborated that low-band frequencies remain strategically vital for supporting Internet of Things applications, emergency response systems and equitable digital infrastructure as universal access and 6G development advance. Mid-band spectrum, which carries the preponderance of 5G traffic, will maintain its importance throughout the 6G transition. While mmWave uptake remains nascent on a worldwide basis, GSA's research division is documenting a consistent rise in capital deployment, particularly in areas where spectrum policy, network infrastructure and population density create favourable conditions.
As discussions ramp up toward WRC-27 and WRC-31, global harmonisation and smart spectrum sharing – including AI-driven allocation – will be central to shaping a flexible, high-performance wireless future. GSA's Spectrum Group will continue to contribute studies and technical analysis to international, regional and individual country policymakers and regulators to facilitate the timely availability of spectrum for use by mobile network operators.
Joe Barrett, President, GSA
He added, "As an industry, we now look forward to continued 5G growth, 6G innovation and the socio-economic benefits mobile connectivity brings globally."
