Mid-Band Spectrum Oct 2026
This report provides in-depth analysis of global developments in mid-band spectrum allocation and usage for LTE and 5G networks. The report highlights the increasing value of mid-band spectrum for its balance of coverage and capacity in supporting advanced network deployments. Key bands include 1800 MHz, C-band (3300-4200 MHz) and 2600 MHz.
This update outlines licensing and deployment trends, showing widespread adoption of 1800 MHz, with 461 operators investing in LTE or 5G, and the C-band emerging as the most-deployed spectrum range for 5G globally.
This latest edition provides detail on band n104 (6425-7125 MHz) spectrum, which is key for 5G-Advanced and the eventual launch of 6G.
The annex provides granular data on licensing plans, recent assignments and upcoming auctions by country, showcasing the dynamic landscape as regulators aim to unlock mid-band spectrum to address surging data demands.
The report includes device ecosystem insights, revealing robust support for LTE in key mid-band frequencies, with 23,685 devices supporting the 1800 MHz band. The number of 5G devices is growing, with almost 3,500 commercially available options supporting bands like n78 and n41.
Device Support for Mid-Band Spectrum
GSA’s GAMBoD database shows that the number of devices available with support for key LTE spectrum bands between 1.71 GHz and 7.125 GHz varies widely. The counts range from more than 4,600 for b25 to over 23,600 for b3.
The mid-spectrum bands supported by the most devices are shown in Table 1. This data shows that the key bands for LTE are all very well supported, with thousands of devices on offer.
Table 1: LTE device support for major mid-spectrum bands. (Data correct as of 21 September 2026)
| Band | Number of Devices |
|---|---|
| 1800 MHz (b3) | 23,685 |
| 2100 MHz (b1) | 21,604 |
| 2600 MHz (b7) | 20,104 |
| TDD 2300 MHz (b40) | 14,745 |
| TDD 2600 MHz (b41) | 13,432 |
| TDD 2600 MHz (b38) | 12,672 |
| AWS (b4) | 12,236 |
| 1900 MHz (b2) | 12,133 |
| TDD 1900 MHz (b39) | 8,238 |
| 1900 MHz (b25) | 4,672 |
As for 5G, the GAMBoD database now includes 4,050 commercially available devices that explicitly support one or more of the spectrum bands between 1.6 GHz and 7.125 GHz and six pre-commercial devices that are expected to support one or more of these bands when they become available. Table 2 highlights announced 5G devices with support for mid-band spectrum.
Table 2: 5G device support for major mid-spectrum bands. (Data correct as of 21 September 2026)
| Band | Number of Devices |
|---|---|
| TDD 3500 MHz (n78) | 3,723 |
| TDD 2500 MHz (n41) | 3,527 |
| 2100 MHz (n1) | 3,326 |
| TDD 3700 MHz (n77) | 3,324 |
| 1800 MHz (n3) | 3,072 |
| 2600 MHz (n7) | 2,383 |
| TDD 2600 MHz (n38) | 2,391 |
| 1700 MHz (n66) | 1,696 |
| TDD 4700 MHz (n79) | 1,596 |
| 1900 MHz (n2) | 1,604 |
Summary
As the rapid commercial introduction of 5G continues and demand for bandwidth rises rapidly in LTE and 5G networks, telecom regulators around the world are working to free up more spectrum. Operators are choosing to switch off older networks, like 2G and 3G, so that they can refarm the spectrum.
Multiple auctions happened in 2026 in various mid-spectrum bands, and GSA expects many more auctions to take place in 2027. Many countries and territories are still to set out their 5G licensing strategies. GSA will track progress in future updates of this report.
© GSA 2026
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Mid-Band Spectrum Oct 2026
