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 an updated snapshot of the global 5G spectrum landscape, offering a detailed view of operators’ investments and regulatory activity across low-band, mid-band and high-band (millimetre wave) frequencies.
It draws on insights from GSA’s GAMBoD databases and the latest July 2025 spectrum reports, and concludes that while mid-band remains the backbone of 5G deployments, interest in low-band and mmWave continues to evolve in line with network strategies and future 6G planning.
This latest data reveals how spectrum characteristics, market maturity and use cases are shaping regulatory and operator strategies by tracking spectrum auctions and pricing. For example, low-band spectrum prices, which historically have been among the highest, are on a downward trend as regulatory efforts focus more on rural deployment and affordability to support wider digital inclusion.
Meanwhile prices for mid-band spectrum – and in particular C-band – have dropped sharply since 2023, reflecting its widespread availability, maturing markets and less demand from operators, which already hold substantial allocations.
Average pricing for mmWave
Although average global pricing for millimetre wave remains significantly lower than mid-band, it is increasingly valued for use cases needing ultra-high capacity and low latency, such as fixed wireless access (FWA), private industrial networks and high-density venues.
Recent deployments in Brazil and planned auctions in the UK, India and Japan signal a second wave of adoption, backed by a maturing device ecosystem—now exceeding 150 commercially available mmWave-capable devices globally.
“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,” explained Joe Barrett, President, GSA.
“As we move toward universal access and 6G, low-band remains strategically indispensable in supporting IoT, emergency services and inclusive digital infrastructure; and midband spectrum, where the bulk of 5G traffic is carried, will remain critical well into the 6G era. Overall, while mmWave adoption is still in the early stages globally, the GSA Research Team is tracking a steady increase in investment, especially in regions where spectrum policy, infrastructure readiness, and urban density align.”
He concluded, “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.
“As an industry, we now look forward to continued 5G growth, 6G innovation and the socio-economic benefits mobile connectivity brings globally.”
Key GSA spectrum reports:
GSA Hot Topic Report: Millimetre-Wave Spectrum (July 2025)
GSA: Midband Spectrum (July 2025)
