Sub 1 GHz

Spectrum
for LTE and
5G
May 2020
INTRODUCTION
This report provides a snapshot of the global Key statistics: • 12,968 LTE devices support one or more
status of national usage of spectrum below bands below 1 GHz (out of 16,425 LTE
• 796 operators have launched LTE
devices in GSA’s GAMBoD database); in
1 GHz for LTE and 5G services. It is part of a networks, in 229 countries/territories
addition GSA has identified 45 announced
series of reports which separately also cover worldwide.
5G devices that support sub-1 GHz
spectrum from 1 to 6 GHz and spectrum • 501 operators in 169 countries/territories spectrum bands, 20 of which are already
hold licences enabling launch of LTE using commercially available.
above 6 GHz.
spectrum below 1 GHz
• 40 countries/territories have announced
Sub-1 GHz spectrum bands are very
• 389 operators in 155 countries/territories formal (date-specified) plans for allocating
important for expanding 5G NR coverage are known to have launched LTE networks 5G-suitable frequencies below 1 GHz
in all urban/suburban/rural deployment using spectrum below 1 GHz between now and 2022 (including
technology-neutral licences or licences for
scenarios, ensuring service continuity across
mobile broadband services).
different geographies, enhancing service
• 35 of those are planning to auction/
quality in indoor environments, and helping
allocate spectrum at 700 MHz.
to close the digital divide. Mobile operators
are demanding spectrum below 1 GHz,
and these spectrum bands will also play an Figure 1: Key bands below 1 GHz; count of operators investing in LTE or 5G at each band
important role in industry for the creation
of private networks. For these reasons,
GSA foresees an increase in the number
of auctions of sub-1 GHz spectrum in the
coming years, as well as 5G NR deployments
using already assigned spectrum licences.

This report reflects a market that is in

constant evolution and feedback is greatly
appreciated to keep it current. Please send
comments and information to research@
gsacom.com.

(Note: all references to countries in this

document can be read as also including
territories, special administrative regions,
disputed territories and dependencies.)

©Copyright 2020 Global mobile Suppliers Association Sub 1 GHz Spectrum for LTE and 5G | May 2020 | 2
 LTE at bands below 1 GHz
Several key spectrum bands • 600 MHz (Band 71): 36 operators are • GSA has also identified 99 operators
below 1 GHz are used for LTE. identified as investing in spectrum at 600 investing in LTE in one of the American
Many of the same bands are MHz, at least three of which have launched 700 MHz bands (Bands 12, 13 ,14 or 17,
also used for networks based LTE services. between them covering 75 MHz within
on 2G or 3G technologies (but 699 MHz and 798 MHz). Of those, 81 have
• 700 MHz: 200 operators investing in LTE
those are not analysed in this used one of the bands to launch their LTE
across the key 700 MHz bands:
report) and for 5G (analysed network.
separately below). • 101 operators have been identified as
• Band 20: (832–862 MHz/791–821 MHz) is
investing in APT 700 MHz spectrum (Band
the most used band, with 225 operators
28: 703–748/758–803 FDD), including 99
investing in LTE using this frequency
with licences, and 57 GSA has identified
The 800 MHz band is most used, followed range, including 198 that are understood
as having launched commercial LTE
by 700 MHz and then 900 MHz. Deployment to have launched networks, 25 other
services in this band.
licensed operators and two more planning
details for the various bands are:
networks.
• 450 MHz (Band 31): GSA has identified 14
operators as investing in LTE at 450 MHz.
At least ten of them have launched LTE in
this band.

Figure 2: Countries/territories that are known to have licensed operators to use the APT/CEPT or North American 700 MHz bands

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GSA has identified 65 operators that have invested in LTE Band 5 900 MHz: GSA has counted 104 operators investing in LTE in Band
(824–849 MHz/869–894 MHz). Of those, at least 34 have launched 8 (880–915 MHz/925–960 MHz). Of those, at least 54 have launched
their networks, 27 others have licences to operate their LTE networks services using the spectrum, 42 more hold licences to launch LTE at
at 850 MHz and four more have been identified as running tests/trials 900 MHz and a further eight are testing/trialling LTE at 900 MHz.
or planning deployment.

Figure 3: Countries/territories that are known to have licensed operators to use Band 5, Bands 18, Band 19, or Band 20 for LTE

Figure 4: Countries/territories that have licensed operators to use spectrum at 900 MHz for LTE

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LTE device support for bands below 1 GHz
GSA’s GAMBoD database shows that the Table 1: LTE device support for major sub-1 GHz spectrum bands
number of devices available that can support
Band Number of Devices % of Phones
key bands below 1 GHz varies widely. As
450 MHz (Band 31) 135 0%
Table 1 clearly demonstrates, the counts
600 MHz (Band 71) 141 42.6%
range from 135 devices at 450 MHz and 141
700 MHz (Bands 12, 13 ,14 4300 54.7%
devices for the 600 MHz band (up from 61
or 17)
devices six months ago) to 6627 devices at
700 MHz (Band 28) 2351 57.5%
800 MHz (which is 40.4% of all LTE devices
800 MHz (Band 20) 6627 65.1%
identified by GSA). In most cases, phones
850 MHz (Band 5) 6274 63.7%
make up a significant proportion of all
900 MHz (Band 8) 5988 59.6%
available devices, except at 450 MHz where
there are no identified phones.

5G at bands below 1 GHz

5G services can theoretically be deployed • 700 MHz (Band n28): seventeen operators Table 2 lists the key 5G auctions/allocations
across many of the same sub-1 GHz have been licensed to use 700 MHz for 5G, that have recently taken place (including
of which three are deploying and two are
spectrum ranges as LTE. However, given those for technology-neutral licences
understood to have launched 5G using
widespread use of this spectrum for 2G, 3G spectrum at 700 MHz (AIS Thailand and or those dedicated for mobile/wireless
and LTE services, deployment of sub-1 GHz Vodafone Germany). Another seven are broadband services). For completeness, it
bands for 5G is at a nascent stage. GSA is evaluating or planning 5G at 700 MHz. We
also includes recent auctions of sub-1 GHz
can expect to see rapid change here as
aware of the following usage for 5G: spectrum dedicated to LTE.
700 MHz has been identified by the EU as
• 450 MHz: no identified trials or one of the 5G pioneer bands.
The table excludes news about auctions,
deployments.
• 800 MHz (Band n20): one operator is allocations, reallocations or renewals focused
• 600 MHz (Band n71): eight operators known to have been testing 5G at 800
exclusively on use for 2G, or 3G services.
investing in 5G in this band including four MHz.
While many of the auctions/allocations
that have launched (T-Mobile US, T-Mobile
• 850 MHz (Band n5): no identified trials or
Puerto Rico, T-Mobile US Virgin Islands and shown in the table could theoretically be
deployments.
US Cellular), one deploying 5G at 600 MHz used for 5G, the data above shows this is not
and three that are planning to do so. • 900 MHz (Band n8): no identified trials or
always happening yet.
deployments.

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Table 2: Recent 5G and 5G-suitable (e.g. technology neutral) spectrum awards and allocations for spectrum below 1 GHz (2015
onwards) and recent LTE allocations (2019 onwards)

Region/Country Spectrum Bands Licensing basis (e.g. exclusive 5G, mobile Auction/award date
broadband etc.)
Albania 800 MHz (801–811 MHz/842–852 MHz) Land mobile services March 2019
Albania 800 MHz (811–821 MHz/852–862 MHz) Land mobile services September 2019
Armenia 800 MHz LTE and LTE-Advanced H1 2019
Bahrain 791–821 MHz/832–862 MHz Technology neutral July 2019

Canada 614–698 MHz Technology neutral April 2019

China 700 MHz (703–743 MHz/758–798 MHz) Mobile services April 2020
Colombia 700 MHz (703–748 MHz/758–803 MHz) Terrestrial mobile services (IMT) December 2019
Cyprus 800 MHz (2x10 MHz) Electronic communications networks April 2019
Denmark 700 MHz, 700 MHz SDL, 900 MHz Technology and service neutral March 2019
Finland 700 MHz Mobile communications Nov 2016
France 700 MHz Land mobile 2015
Germany 700 MHz Mobile broadband 2015 (spectrum available
from 2019)
Ghana 800 MHz Mobile services December 2015
December 2018
Hong Kong S.A.R. 900 MHz Public mobile telecom services December 2018
Hungary 700 MHz 5G and wireless broadband March 2020
Italy 700 MHz 5G September 2018
Norway 900 MHz Mobile services 2017
Norway 450 MHz Mobile broadband May 2019
Norway 700 MHz Mobile broadband and 5G June 2019
Romania 2100 MHz Technology-neutral licence extension March 2020
Saudi Arabia 700 MHz, 800 MHz, Next-generation wireless high-speed data 2018
services
Sweden 700 MHz Mobile broadband services; technology and December 2018
service neutral
Switzerland 700 MHz Technology neutral February 2019
Tanzania 700 MHz Technology and service neutral June 2018
Thailand 700 MHz (733–748 MHz/788–803), Mobile services February 2020
Thailand 850 MHz Digital infrastructure August 2018 (not all
blocks sold)
Thailand 900 MHz Digital infrastructure October 2018
Thailand 700 MHz (703–733 MHz/758–788 MHz) Mobile services June 2019
Turkey 800 MHz (2x30 MHz), 900 MHz (2x10.4 MHz) IMT-Advanced (technology neutral) August 2015
USA* 600 MHz Technology neutral 2017

5G device support for sub-1 GHz bands

5G device support is at an early stage. GSA’s bands and another 25 pre-commercial

GAMBoD database includes 20 commercially devices that are expected to support one
available devices that explicitly support one or more of these bands when they become
or more of the above sub-1 GHz spectrum available.
*Note that due to the typically technology-neutral status of
licences in the USA, multiple historic auctions are relevant
for 5G. See: https://www.fcc.gov/auctions for full details.

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Sub 1 GHz - future licensing activity detail by
country
This section summarises, by region and country, recent regulatory activity concerning spectrum at or below 1 GHz (whether being made
available for LTE, 5G or on a technology-neutral basis). (Please note that many of the near-term plans may change due to the impact of the
COVID-19 emergency.)

Figure 5: Countries/territories with confirmed 5G and 5G-relevant (e.g. technology

neutral) auctions/allocations of spectrum below 1 GHz before end 2021 (excludes test/
interim licences)
Although operators planning
5G networks have so far
made limited use of
Sub-1 GHz spectrum, this
situation will change,
especially given the
coverage advantages that
lower frequency spectrum
offers. As 2G or 3G networks
are decommissioned, as
countries/territories award
new tranches of spectrum
in the sub- 1 GHz ranges
and with the existence of
already-assigned technology-
neutral spectrum in many
countries/territories, more
operators will deploy 5G at
these lower frequencies.

The Americas ENACOM has also been creating local Brazil (Brazilian National
licences enabling the use of spectrum at Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL))
Argentina (Ministry of Modernization,
450–470 MHz. In 2019, ENACOM continued The latest information from Anatel is that
Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones
(ENACOM)) this process, allowing the use of spectrum there will be an auction in 2020 covering
at 450 MHz to provide fixed and mobile four bands including 700 MHz (708–718
A governmental decree, published in the
services including broadband internet. By MHz/763–773 MHz), although there is the
Official Bulletin of Argentina in January 2019
mid-2019 it had created licences covering possibility of delay to Q4 2020 or Q1 2021.
(decree 58/2019), says that the government
272 areas in 15 provinces.
has instructed the regulator ENACOM Winners of any spectrum will be expected
to make at least 20% of the spectrum, The previous regulatory authority (SeTIC) to meet commitments concerned with
previously exclusively available to satellite recommended the consideration of the 600 expanding broadband infrastructure and
provider ARSAT, available for public, private, MHz band for 5G. improving mobile service availability on
regional or local ICT services. The decree roads and small towns.
includes, amongst others, spectrum at
ANATEL held a public consultation to discuss
738–748 MHz/793–803 MHz.
the auction in Q1 2020.

Note: in most countries in the Americas, MNOs may deploy 5G/NR in their existing licensed bands as licences are technologically neutral.

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Chile (Under-Secretary of Mexico (Federal Institute of Asia-Pacific
Telecommunications (Subtel)) Telecommunications (IFT))
Australia (Australian Communication
In May 2019, Subtel launched a public In April 2019, IFT published the results
and Media Authority (ACMA))
consultation on the use of spectrum for 5G, of its study of spectrum bands for 5G
ACMA is actively replanning two sub-1 GHz
stating that it planned to tender spectrum in usage, identifying a range of bands that
bands:
four bands including 20 MHz in the 700 MHz could potentially be used for 5G in Mexico
band (703–713 MHz/758–768 MHz). including 600 MHz and 700 MHz. It followed • 850 MHz expansion band (809–824
MHz/854–869 MHz): the band is being
this in September 2019 with the publication
Another public consultation was launched cleared, and ACMA is considering future
of its spectrum plan for 2020, which includes options for its use and plans to make an
in January 2020 on the technical model for
the auction of: additional 2x15 MHz of 4G-standardised
its plans for a tender of spectrum in the four
spectrum available for mobile broadband.
bands. The consultation was scheduled to • spectrum at 600 MHz (614–698 MHz) for
Proposed allocations expected Q4 2021.
mobile broadband services including those
run until mid-February 2020. The tender was
based on 5G. • 900 MHz (890–915 MHz/935–960 MHz):
originally scheduled for May 2020. However, ACMA ran a consultation on configuration
• segments of the 800 MHz band (814–824
it has now been delayed until further notice options for the band (originally assigned
MHz/859–869 MHz) for mobile and trunked
in 2020. According to the plans, spectrum for 2G, now widely used for 3G and 4G) Q2
radio use.
2019. ACMA is considering the submissions.
at 700 MHz must be used for 5G or more
Separately IFT will be working to make Proposed allocation timetable expected
advanced technology deployments. Q4 2021.
segments of the following bands available for
Coverage requirements apply.
public or social usage: 415–420 MHz/425– In May 2020 Australia’s Department
Ecuador (Ministerio de 430 MHz, 806–814 MHz/851–859 MHz and, of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
Telecomunicaciones y de la Sociedad de in some regions 824–849 MHz/869–894 Development and Communications
la Información (MINTEL))
MHz. published five policy objectives in relation
In July 2019, MINTEL revealed plans to to the re-allocation of the 850 MHz and 900
Peru (Ministry of Transport and
auction spectrum at 700 MHz starting in MHz bands. These included supporting the
Communications (MTC))
November 2019. The Minister of Telecoms deployment of 4G and 5G technologies,
subsequently stated the spectrum would be In August 2018, the Ministry declared the promoting a competitive market for the
auctioned in 2020. However, it now seems reordering/refarming of several bands to long-term benefit of consumers, encouraging
possible the auction will be delayed until Q4 open up more spectrum for 4G and 5G investment, supporting service continuity,
20202 or 2021. services. It intends to refarm spectrum in and supporting a national Public Safety
the following bands for the provision of Mobile Broadband capability. It stated
El Salvador (Superintendence of services linked to more advanced mobile further consultations would be launched by
Electricity and Telecommunications
technologies (IMT): 452.5–457.5 MHz and ACMA, and that ACMA would be guided by
(SIGET))
462.5–467.5 MHz, 806–821 MHz and the DITRDC’s five objectives in re-allocating
In February 2020, El Salvador’s authorities 851–866 MHz, 821–824 MHz and 866–869 the two bands.
announced plans to auction its 700 MHz MHz, 2500–2692 MHz, 2300–2400 MHz and
band (which may be used for LTE or 5G 3400–3600 MHz. Cambodia (Ministry of Post and
deployments) during 2020. Telecommunications)

The Ministry of Post and

Guatemala (Superintendencia de
Telecomunicaciones (SIT)) Telecommunications intends to be formally
planning the release of the 700 MHz band,
In March 2020, Guatemala announced plans
which will, in principle, be technology neutral
to auction during 2020 its 600 MHz and 700
including for 5G, in the coming year.
MHz bands for LTE or 5G).

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China (Ministry of Industry and Malaysia (Malaysia Communications and Europe
Information Technology (MIIT)) Multimedia Commission (MCMC))
The EU has also set the (non-binding) target
In April 2020, China moved to make In January 2020, MCMC identified 700 MHz
that each Member State should ensure
spectrum at 700 MHz useable for mobile as a key band for the initial deployment of
availability of spectrum at 700 MHz by 2020
services including 5G. It altered the country’s 5G. It intends to award 2x30 MHz at 700
(or 2022 in some circumstances) which has
radio spectrum resource allocation, so that MHz. The rest of the spectrum at 700 MHz
been a major impetus for recent regulatory
the resources previously used for broadcast will be assigned at a later stage. The tender
activity.
services is now allocated for mobile (a beauty contest) was scheduled to begin
communications, adopting the 703–743 in April 2020. MCMC expects assignment Austria (Austrian Regulatory
Authority for Broadcasting and
MHz/758–798 MHz FDD plan. China’s MIIT to be complete and 5G deployment to have
Telecommunications (RTR); Telekom-
stated the spectrum is intended to provide a started by Q3 2020. Control-Commission (TKK))
valuable low-band spectrum resource for 5G.
Myanmar (Ministry of Transport In September 2019, Austria launched a
Hong Kong S.A.R. (Office of the and Communications, Posts and
consultation on tender conditions for a 5G
Communications Authority (OFCA)) Telecommunications Department)
auction including 700 MHz (six blocks of 2x5
OFCA has stated plans to assign spectrum at In June 2019, the Ministry launched a MHz). In December, Austria approved the
617–698 MHz and 703–803 MHz for indoor consultation based on its initial IMT and auction rules, with the auction due to start
mobile services in 2020, with the spectrum 5G spectrum roadmap. Its plan envisages in April 2020 and to be complete before the
available from 2021 at the earliest. releasing spectrum at 700 MHz n28 in 2021 end of the first half of 2020. However, at the
and spectrum at 600 MHz in 2025 or beyond. end of March the process was postponed
India (Department of Telecommunications
It also envisages 850 MHz/E-GSM 900 MHz pending the end of restrictions imposed to
(DoT) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of
replanning in 2023. combat the spread of COVID-19. The new
India (TRAI))
auction date is yet to be confirmed.
The spectrum can be used for 4G or 5G
In August 2018, TRAI released detailed
deployments.
Belgium (Belgian Institute for Post and
recommendations regarding the release of
Telecommunications (BIPT))
spectrum in the lower bands for 5G. These New Zealand (Ministry of Business,
included spectrum at: 700 MHz (713–748 Innovation and Employment; Radio In 2018, BIPT announced plans to auction
Spectrum Management; and Commerce
MHz/768–803 MHz), 800 MHz (824–844 various bands of spectrum including at
Commission)
MHz/869–889 MHz), and 900 MHz (890–915 700 MHz during 2019. However, auctions
MHz/935–960 MHz). According to the Radio Spectrum scheduled for 2019 were postponed.
Management’s ‘Road map to 5G’ in New
In December 2019, the Digital In December 2019, BIPT launched a
Zealand the 600 MHz band is to be
Communications Commission (part of DoT) consultation on a draft bill and three draft
considered for 5G use.
approved an auction of the spectrum, royal decrees, which among other things,
which was originally expected in April 2020. Singapore (lnfocomm Media covered the extension of 2G (900 MHz)
However, the auction was subsequently Development Authority (IMDA)) authorisations beyond their expiry in March
postponed to later in 2020. IMDA has run a public consultation on its 2021, which would be valid until an auction

plans for enterprise and public mobile use procedure for the band is finalised.
Indonesia (Ministry of Communications
and Informatics of Indonesia (BRTI)) of the 800 MHz spectrum bands (alongside
others). It is consulting on allocating
In January 2019, the Ministry announced it
spectrum at 800 MHz for enterprise data
was restructuring spectrum allocations in
services.
the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands to give
operators contiguous blocks of spectrum Vietnam (Ministry of Information and
with a view to facilitate refarming from 2G to Communications)

3G or 4G and enable improved coverage for The Ministry of Information and

4G services. Communications is formally considering
auctioning the 700 MHz band, which will,
in principle, be technology neutral, in the
coming year.

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Bulgaria (Communications Regulation Greece (Hellenic Telecommunications Lithuania (Communications Regulatory
Commission (CRC)) and Post Commission (EETT)) Authority (RRT))

CRC opened a public consultation on a draft In February 2020, Greece launched a public In September 2018, the government
decision to adopt a new radio spectrum consultation on plans to grant rights to use authorised the release of 700 MHz for
regulatory policy. Relevant sub-1 GHz frequency in various ranges including at 700 mobile services; RRT is now working towards
elements included: MHz (703–733 MHz/758–788 MHz). auctioning the frequencies before 2022.

• release of additional spectrum at 800 MHz

Ireland (Commission for Luxembourg (Luxembourg
for civilian use (it is currently partly used for
Communications Regulation (ComReg)) Telecommunications Regulation
security services).
Authority (ILR))
• allocation of 700 MHz after end of use by In June 2019, Ireland launched a consultation
broadcasters and security services. on a proposed multi-band spectrum auction In line with its 5G strategy published in

including 2x30 MHz at 700 MHz (with speed November 2018, in May 2019, Luxembourg
Press reports in November 2019 suggested
and coverage obligations). The spectrum launched a public consultation on the use
spectrum in the 700 MHz band would be
would be for mobile and wireless broadband of 700 MHz (703–733 MHz/758–788 MHz)
auctioned mid-2020.
services, assigned on a technology- and for 5G, as well as on the use of spectrum in

Channel Islands (Channel Islands service-neutral basis. the 3400–3800 MHz range. In March 2020,
Competition and Regulatory Authority ILR launched a consultation on the selection
(CICRA)) It followed this in December 2019 by
procedures to be used in the auction.
publishing its response to the consultation,
In November 2019, CICRA issued a draft
including the decisions to attach coverage Macedonia (Agency for Electronic
invitation to tender for spectrum to be used Communications (AEK))
(or base station deployment) requirements
for the provision of 5G services across the
to awards of all the spectrum bands. In February 2020, AEK launched a
Channel Islands and for provision of FWA
This response was subject to further consultation on its plans to issue 5G
services on Guernsey. (The licences are
consultation. A document setting out spectrum in the 700 MHz band (alongside
ultimately awarded by the UK’s regulator
processes and procedures for the awards others) in H2 2020, including its intention
OFCOM, on the recommendation of CICRA.)
was subsequently expected in the spring to reserve some of the spectrum for a
The tender would include, among others,
of 2020, again for consultation. Following new entrant and requirements to meet 5G
2x30 MHz of spectrum at 700 MHz. The
feedback on that document, Comreg’s final coverage commitments.
allocations will be determined following a
decision for the proposed awards will be
tendering process, with spectrum awards Malta (Malta Communications
published.
expected in Q3 2020. Authority)
Kosovo (Regulatory Authority for
Czechia (Czech Communications Office Malta plans to open up the 700 MHz band to
Electronic Communications (ARKEP))
(CTU)) mobile services from mid-2021.
In November 2018, the Kosovan regulator
CTU is preparing for a multiband auction of Montenegro (Agency for Electronic
opened a consultation on process for
spectrum including (2x30 MHz) in the 700 Communications and Post (EKIP))
distribution and usage of spectrum at 800
MHz band (703–733 MHz/758–788 MHz).
MHz, and 900 MHz for mobile services. Reported in local press to be planning a
In March 2020, CTU requested comments
Then in May 2019, ARKEP published plans spectrum strategy report before the end of
on its draft invitation to tender. In April, the
to license and open up new bands. The plan 2020 and an auction of spectrum at 700 MHz
deadline to respond was extended to early
included renewing the spectrum licences in 2021.
May. The final date for the auction has not
already held by IPKO and Kosovo Telecom at
yet been confirmed. Netherlands (Authority for Consumers
900 MHz (this was completed in August 2019)
and Markets (ACM) and Ministry of
Estonia (Ministry of Economic Affairs and issuing licences to use spectrum at 800 Economic Affairs)
and Communications) MHz, 900 MHz in an auction (yet to happen).
In March 2020, an auction of spectrum at
In October 2019, Estonia’s Ministry launched Latvia (Public Utilities Commission) 700 MHz (703–733 MHz and 758–788 MHz,
a consultation about plans for public tenders available from 2020) and other bands was
In April 2020, PUC launched a consultation
of various bands of spectrum including 700 launched, with applications to participate
on plans for an auction of spectrum at 700
MHz (694–790 MHz). in April, to be followed by a multi-round
MHz (703–733 MHz/738–788 MHz). The
auction. The 20-year licences have coverage
spectrum, available from January 2022,
and service speed obligations and will be
would be licensed for 20 years for the
awarded for the provision of mobile services.
provision of wireless broadband services.

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Norway (Norwegian Communications Romania (National Authority for MHz/958.7–959.5 MHz, 914.9–915
Authority (Nkom)) Management and Regulation in MHz/959.9–960 MHz), and at other bands
Communications (ANCOM))
NKom issued an updated spectrum plan in higher frequency ranges. The spectrum

in December 2019 stating that it was In June 2019, ANCOM published plans for the lots at 700 MHz and 1500 MHz are primarily

considering auctioning additional spectrum auction of spectrum across multiple bands being considered for 5G (the other lots

at 738–758 MHz (700 SDL). for the provision of public networks and available are highly fragmented so would
services and broadband communications be used to expand capacity in existing
In April 2020 NKom launched a consultation
including among others 700 MHz: 2x30 MHz networks).
(ending in May 2020) to determine levels of
(FDD) and 1x15 MHz (SDL) and 800 MHz: 2x5
interest in using spectrum at 410.8–412.6 In December, it issued another consultation
MHz (FDD).
MHz/420.8–422.6 MHz for IoT and to help it on the proposal for the selection procedures

decide how to allocate the resources. (Other During 2019, the regulator launched two for the tenders of spectrum at 700 MHz,

parts of the 410–430 MHz range are used for public consultations about the technical 900 MHz and 1800 MHz. It then opened up

PMR.) details of the auction process. Then in March applications in March for participants in an
2020 the regulator announced that the auction of:
Poland (President of the Office of auctions would be completed by the end of • 2x30 MHz at 700 MHz (703–733 MHz/758–
Electronic Communications (UKE))
the third quarter of 2020. 788 MHz) for the provision of wireless
In December 2018, Poland applied to the broadband.
Russia (The Minister of Digital
EC for more time to open up the 700 MHz • 2x4.2 MHz at 900 MHz available on a
Development, Communications and
spectrum band, requesting a delay from technology-neutral basis.
Mass Communications, including the
2020 to 2022. State Commission for Radio Frequencies • 2x9 MHz at 1800 MHz available on a
(SRCF)) technology-neutral basis.
Portugal (National Communications
Authority (ANACOM)) In March 2020, SRCF published its decisions Initial bids/applications to participate are due
that various frequency ranges including 694– in May 2020, with the award expected before
In June 2018, the regulator approved a
790 MHz are promising for the construction the end of H1, with spectrum at 700 MHz
roadmap for the distribution of 700 MHz
of 5G networks in Russia. available for use from 1 July.
(694–790 MHz) spectrum for future 5G
wireless services. According to the regulator, It additionally charged the Ministry of Slovenia (Agency for Communication
the band, which is currently used for digital Communications, along with Rossvyaz, to Networks and Services)

terrestrial television services, will be freed up work on the conditions for use of spectrum
In May 2019, Slovenia published its national
by 30 June 2020. in the following ranges (among others) for
spectrum strategy. Its plans include an
5G: 791–820 MHz, 832–862 MHz, 880–915
In December 2019, Anacom approved a auction within the 2020 timetable of
MHz, 925–960 MHz.
decision to auction spectrum at 700 MHz spectrum at 700 MHz, alongside the sale

(2x30 MHz FDD), plus unused spectrum at Slovakia (Office for Regulation of of spectrum in other bands. In December,

900 MHz (2x5 MHz, 2x3 MHz and 2x1 MHz Electronic Communications and Postal it issued a call for consultation amongst
Services (RU)) existing operators on the upcoming calls
FDD), as well at spectrum in higher frequency
ranges. The spectrum is to be issued on a In June 2019, RU announced that it was for tender of 5G frequencies, with the

technology- and service-neutral basis. The proceeding with an auction of spectrum at consultation opening on 9 Jan 2020.

auction itself was scheduled to start in April 700 MHz (694–790 MHz). The auction was
Spain (Ministry of Energy, Tourism and
2020 and to complete in June 2020. However, originally expected to happen before the end Digital Agenda (MINETAD))
due to the impact of COVID-19, ANACOM of 2019, with the spectrum available for 5G
In June 2019, Spain’s Council of Ministers
postponed a consultation on the award services by June 2020.
approved a royal decree to release spectrum
procedure and DTT migration (needed to
In August 2019, it launched a public at 700 MHz (694–790 MHz) for the provision
open up the 700 MHz spectrum band for
consultation on the planned methods of 5G services, with the process due to be
use by mobile operators). It is expected new
for an auction of spectrum at 700 MHz completed by June 2020. A public tender of
timetables will be released in due course.
(703–733 MHz/758–788 MHz), as well as the spectrum was expected before that date.
ANACOM has also previously consulted on for auctions of spectrum at 800–900 MHz However, the process has been officially put
the allocation of spectrum at 450 MHz. (880–882.9 MHz/925–927.9 MHz, 889.9– on hold while the country takes measures to
890.1 MHz/934.9–935.1 MHz, 913.7–914.5 tackle COVID-19.

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Sweden (Swedish Post and Telecom Middle East and Africa Qatar (Communications Regulatory
Authority (PTS)) Authority (CRA))
Cyprus (Ministry of Transport,
In February 2020, the regulator began CRA is considering auctioning the 700 MHz
Communications and Works (MCW))
the process of considering how to treat band for 5G mobile services. The 700 MHz
In August 2019, MCW launched a public
spectrum in the 900 MHz bands, with frequency band would be deployed to
consultation of the auction of spectrum
existing licences expiring in 2025. accommodate the demand of the service
for 5G in various bands, including 700 MHz
providers and for the applications of the
UK (Office of Communications (Ofcom)) (2x30 MHz, 730–733 MHz/758–788 MHz. In
public protection and disaster relief (PPDR).
its feedback on the consultation, published
In December 2018, Ofcom stated plans to
November 2019, it stated plans to hold an Réunion (ARCEP – France)
auction spectrum in the 700 MHz band and
auction by end June 2020 for spectrum at
the 3600–3800 MHz band. The plans were In October 2019, ARECP launched a
700 MHz.
subject to consultation, which ended in mid- consultation regarding the extension of
March 2019. In October 2019, it reconfirmed Orange’s 900 MHz and 1800 MHz licences.
Iraq (Communications and Media
plans to auction to the spectrum and Commission)
In December 2019, it launched a further
in March 2020, Ofcom confirmed that it
Iraq has been undertaking a review of consultation on the terms and conditions
would not impose coverage obligations
spectrum allocated to FWA services. It for allocation of spectrum at 700 MHz and at
on the licences. Spectrum available at 700
launched an initial public consultation in 3400–3800 MHz with a view to launching the
MHz includes paired spectrum (703–733
December 2018, with a second expected allocation procedure during 2020.
MHz/758–788 MHz) and a block at 738–758
to follow. It has been examining the use of
MHz suitable for SDL delivery. Spectrum South Africa (Independent
spectrum at 450 MHz, alongside spectrum
available at 3.6–3.8 GHz spans 3680–3800 Communications Authority of South
in other frequency ranges, considering the Africa (ICASA))
MHz (with existing fixed links to be cleared
need for spectrum for 4G and 5G services.
from the band). The auction was planned for In November 2019, ICASA published and
Spring 2020 but had not happened at the Israel (Ministry of Communication) opened its spectrum plan to consultation.
time of writing. The plan envisages making licences available
Israel launched a tender of 5G spectrum
in the various bands available for the
Ukraine (National Commission for the in July 2019 including spectrum in the 700
purposes of providing national wireless
State Regulation of Communications MHz band (2x30 MHz FDD). The tender
and Informatization (NCCIR), Ministry of broadband open access services including
was delayed late in 2019 and is expected to
Digital Transformation) among others 700 MHz (2x30 MHz at 703–
recommence in 2020.
733 MHz/758–788 MHz) and 800 MHz (2x30
In December, it was reported in local press
Mayotte (ARCEP – France) MHz at 791–821 MHz/832–862 MHz).
that NCCIR had submitted a plan to the State
Special Communications Administration for In October 2019, ARECP launched a The consultation closed at the end of January
the termination of CDMA services at 850 consultation regarding the extension of 2020, with ICASA stating that it would, having
MHz. Spectrum in the 824–834 MHz and Orange’s 900 MHz licence. taken account of the consultation feedback,
869–879 MHz ranges will continue in use set out a timetable and process for the
In December 2019, it launched a further
until 2025. Spectrum from 834–843 MHz and spectrum assignments during Q2 2020.
consultation on the terms and conditions
879–888 MHz is expected to be released in
for allocation of spectrum at 700 MHz, with
mid-2020 for newer generation services.
a view to launching the allocation procedure
Also, in December, Ukraine’s National during 2020.
Television and Radio Broadcasting Council
(NRADA) announced that a plan to release Mozambique (Instituto Nacional das
Communicacoes de Mozambique (INCM))
spectrum at 700 MHz, (790–862 MHz/694–
790 MHz) for LTE had been approved. Dates In August 2019, Mozambique approved
for release have not yet been determined. TV-White Space standards opening up
the potential for licensing of white-space
spectrum between 470 MHz and 694 MHz
for wireless broadband services.

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Planned sub-1 GHz LTE and 5G auctions and
their dates
Forty countries/territories have announced formal (date-specified) plans for allocating 5G-suitable frequencies below 1 GHz between
now and end-2021 (including technology-neutral licences or licences for mobile broadband services). Thirty-five of those are planning
to auction/allocate spectrum at 700 MHz. The details are shown in the table below.

Table 3: Confirmed 5G and 5G-relevant (e.g. technology neutral) auctions/allocations of spectrum below 1 GHz and their dates 2020 to
2021 (excludes test/interim licences)

Region/Country Auction/allocation award date Spectrum bands Licensing basis (exclusive 5G,
mobile broadband)
Argentina Originally 2019, new date to be 738–748 MHz/793–803 MHz Public or private, regional or local
confirmed ICT services
Australia Q4 2021 850/900 MHz Mobile broadband
Austria 2020 700 MHz 5G
Belgium Originally 2019, new date to be 700 MHz 5G
confirmed
Brazil 2020 700 MHz Technology neutral
Channel Islands (Guernsey and Q3 2020 700 MHz 5G
Jersey)
Chile 2020 700 MHz 5G or more advanced
Cyprus June 700 MHz (2x30 MHz, 730–733 Wireless broadband
MHz/758–788 MHz)
Czechia 2020 700 MHz Technology neutral
Ecuador 2020 700 MHz 5G
El Salvador 2020 700 MHz Mobile services
Estonia H1 2020 694–790 MHz 5G
Greece 2021 700 MHz 5G
Guatemala 2020 600 MHz and 700 MHz LTE
Hong Kong S.A.R. 2020 617–698 MHz and 703–803 MHz Indoor mobile
India Q3 2020 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz Technology neutral
Israel H1 2020 700 MHz 5G
Kosovo Originally 2019, new date to be 800 MHz, 900 MHz Technology neutral
confirmed
Latvia 2020 700 MHz Wireless broadband
Lithuania By 2022 700 MHz Mobile services
Luxembourg May 2020 703–733 MHz/758–788 MHz 5G
Macedonia H2 2020 700 MHz 5G
Malaysia April 2020 (possible delay due to 2x30 MHz at 700 MHz 5G
COVID-19)
Malta Mid-2021 700 MHz Mobile services
Mayotte 2020 700 MHz 5G
Mexico 2020 600 MHz Mobile broadband including 5G
Montenegro 2021 700 MHz TBC
Myanmar 2021 700 MHz n28 4G and 5G
Netherlands June 2020 700 MHz Mobile services

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 Region/Country Auction/allocation award date Spectrum bands Licensing basis (exclusive 5G,
mobile broadband)
Norway From 2021 738–758 MHz (700 SDL) Mobile comms and 5G
Portugal 2020 700 MHz (2x30 MHz FDD), plus Technology and service neutral
unused spectrum at 900 MHz
(2x5 MHz, 2x3 MHz and 2x 1 MHz
FDD)
Réunion 2020 700 MHz 5G
Romania Q3 2020 700 MHz, 800 MHz 5G
Slovakia Q2 2020 700 MHz (694–790 MHz), 900 Mobile services including 5G
MHz
Slovenia End 2020 700 MHz National mobile services
South Africa 2020 700 MHz, 800 MHz Wireless broadband open access
services
Spain 2020 700 MHz 5G
UK Spring 2020 700 MHz Mobile services
Ukraine Mid-2020 850 MHz (834–843 and 879–888 To be confirmed
MHz)

Summary
It is clear, with the number of spectrum
awards expected over the coming years
that the importance of sub-1 GHz spectrum
is going to continue to grow, both for LTE
and increasingly, for 5G services. GSA will
continue to track this space. This report will
be updated later in 2020.

©Copyright 2020 Global mobile Suppliers Association Sub 1 GHz Spectrum for LTE and 5G | May 2020 | 14
ABOUT GSA
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ecosystem and has been representing
mobile suppliers since 1998.

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