Spectrum Pricing May 2025
The May 2025 Spectrum Pricing Update provides a comprehensive overview of global spectrum auctions and assignments. It highlights a sharp fluctuation in auction values over recent years: from a peak of $140.1 billion in 2021 to just $1.06 billion in 2024. The report focuses on key spectrum bands, including the C-band, millimetre wave and 700 MHz, noting varying prices driven by competition, licensing terms and economic contexts.
The C-band remains critical for 5G deployment, with prices ranging widely. For example, the United States achieved a high of $0.875/MHz/pop in 2021, while Albania’s 2024 auction fetched just $0.041/MHz/pop. Millimetre-wave spectrum saw limited activity, with lower valuations; India’s 2022 auction recorded $0.0007/MHz/pop despite significant revenue generation. The 700 MHz band is highly valued for its potential to expand 5G coverage, averaging $0.288/MHz/pop in recent auctions.
The update highlights a slowdown in spectrum auctions in 2023 and 2024. GSA’s 5G Spectrum Auction Tracker monitors these developments; the database is available for Members and Associates.
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Spectrum Pricing May 2025
