2026年频谱政策趋势

Spectrum Policy Trends 2026 February 2026 Contents Foreword25G to reach maturity in leading markets as launches continue4Spectrum assignments and renewals to support connectivity goals8Digital inclusion policies will require focus on low bands12D2D: momentum to accelerate in MSS bands16Spectrum activity for the 2030s to gather pace20 The year ahead promises to be one of continuedtransformation across the connectivity landscape.From expanding coverage in underserved areas topreparing for the next generation of mobiletechnology, 2026 will bring new opportunities andchallenges. The mobile industry, alongside government and regulatoryexperts, is laying the long‑term foundations for thedeployment of 6G networks in the 2030s. Understandingfuture spectrum requirements has become critical foroperators, the wider mobile industry, regulators andpolicymakers. Close collaboration between industry and government,thoughtful planning, and forward‑looking regulation will allbe important to ensure mobile connectivity drives progressfor societies worldwide. Planning new spectrum capacity will remain a priority in2026 as 5G matures in leading markets and new launchescontinue worldwide. Governments considering mobilelicence renewals will focus on long‑term or indefinitelicences to deliver network quality while increasinglyshifting toward pricing approaches that better align withlong‑term connectivity goals. At the same time, greateremphasis on low‑band spectrum will help regulators tacklethe digital divide by improving rural and deep‑indoorcoverage. Supportive regulatory frameworks help unlock thesocio‑economic benefits of mobile connectivity. Whengovernments provide long‑term stability and encouragesustained investment, mobile networks can expand,improve in quality, and deliver the digital infrastructure thathelps economic growth, productivity, and innovation. With the right spectrum regulation, mobile connectivitycan continue to expand opportunities, empowercommunities and fuel digital growth worldwide. Direct‑to‑device (D2D) connectivity is also set todevelop, with hybrid mobile and satellite spectrummodels supported by a growing number of partnershipsbetween satellite and mobile network operators. As thesedevelopments accelerate, regulators will continue shapingthe necessary frameworks to oversee D2D services. Luciana Camargos,Head of Spectrum, GSMA At the international level, preparatory work for WRC‑27 willintensify, with candidate bands – including 4.5 GHz and 7GHz‑under study for future IMT use to deliver the 200‑400 MHz channels needed for 6G. MSS allocations andD2D applications are also being considered alongside theirpotential harmful interference to mobile networks. Spectrum Policy Trends5G to reach maturity in leading markets as launches continue Nearly eight years on from the first commercial launches, 5G deployment isstarting to mature. As a result, the pace of 5G launches is starting to slow,with 375 networks already launched globally by the end of 2025. Adoptionvaries regionally and the busiest areas for the next wave of 5G deploymentsare likely to be in Africa as well as island nations. 5G’s maturity in early‑adopters has seen MNOs developing their networks as data consumptionincreases in line with network quality. Operators continue to require accessto sufficient low‑, mid‑, and high‑band spectrum to deliver affordable, high‑quality 5G for smart cities, high‑capacity enhanced mobile broadband, andenterprise digitalisation. Why does it matter? 5G is expected to continue developing into the 2030s,while growth in the second half of this decade will see 5Gconnections surpass 4G by 2028. Higher 5G adoption willhelp deliver capacity for increasing consumer demandas mobile traffic is expected to grow by 15‑20% in theperiod up to 2030. However, the migration of operatorsand consumers to 5G and higher‑speed networks will alsodrive traffic growth in itself as users become accustomedto consistent speeds and higher network quality. Ensuring 5G capacity delivers connectivity in all areaswill enable secure public networks and provide economicgrowth. New functionality will continue to develop through5G‑Advanced and 5G will remain a platform for innovationthat will drive mobile into the 2030s. However, the speed,reach and quality of 5G services continues to dependon governments and regulators supporting sufficient,affordable spectrum access. What are the policy considerations? Full‑power, licensed spectrum has been important to 5G’ssuccess. It enables wider coverage areas, helps providehigh‑quality service, and drives network investment. Todeliver the full range of 5G use cases, operators needaccess to spectrum across low, mid‑, and high bands. Regulators can support growing demand through clearingand harmonising prime bands, aiming for at least 100MHzof contiguous mid‑band spectrum per operator at launch,while expanding low‑band capacity. Long‑term, technology‑neutral licences and flexible‑useframewor