Major spectrum releases continue across markets as regulators seek to accelerate 5G deployment. Ofcom will open applications on 16-17 September for the UK’s largest-ever mobile spectrum release, offering 5.4 GHz of mmWave spectrum in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands. The licences will cover 68 high-density zones, focusing on urban areas and transport hubs where capacity demands are highest.
In New Zealand, Spark has secured exclusive rights to 20 MHz of C-band spectrum from Māori provider Tū Ātea for 18 years, increasing its deployable C-band spectrum to 100 MHz. The telco expects to activate the additional spectrum across all 770 C-band sites by October, potentially increasing speeds by 25% and supporting 20% more traffic.
The US spectrum impasse remains a critical concern, with the FCC lacking authority to conduct new auctions since March 2023. Nearly 80% of US enterprises surveyed by Ericsson cite spectrum delays as a barrier to 5G innovation, highlighting the competitive risks of regulatory uncertainty.
China’s reported exclusion of European vendors marks a significant escalation in telecoms trade tensions. Nokia executives report being informed that European vendors will be excluded from China for national security reasons, with their combined market share already below 3%. Nokia CEO Justin Hotard questioned Europe’s continued openness to Chinese vendors given this asymmetry, with calls for “symmetric” EU responses gaining momentum.
The issue is particularly acute in Germany, where Huawei accounts for approximately 60% of 5G RAN infrastructure. Whilst German authorities have ordered core network replacements by 2026, the partial RAN restrictions until 2029 continue to concern security advocates.
5G Standalone (SA) deployment accelerates as operators recognise its importance for advanced services. EE has become the first operator globally to deploy Ericsson’s Advanced RAN Coordination technology, enabling real-time coordination between basebands 50km apart. The technology, available only on SA networks, delivers 20% average speed improvements.
RedCap technology emerges as a catalyst for industrial IoT adoption, offering a middle ground between high-bandwidth 5G and low-power IoT solutions. Samsung and Hyundai’s successful trial demonstrates how RedCap enables cost-effective connection of thousands of industrial sensors whilst maintaining appropriate performance levels.
Device affordability stagnates despite network expansion, with the GSMA reporting that 3.1 billion people remain offline despite 96% global mobile coverage. Entry-level internet-enabled handsets in low and middle-income countries now cost approximately $54, up $4 year-on-year, remaining at around 16% of average monthly income – just within the 15-20% affordability threshold.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) gains momentum as an alternative broadband solution, with Q2 2025 seeing record spending on FWA equipment. Operators increasingly position FWA as a tool to extend broadband coverage in underserved areas, though regulatory frameworks for spectrum use remain varied across markets.
The military applications of 5G continue to expand, with Nokia and Norway’s Kongsberg agreeing to explore battlefield communications combining 5G private networks with tactical systems. This highlights the dual-use nature of 5G technology and potential regulatory implications for critical infrastructure protection.
Source: Light Reading, 8 September 2025
URL: https://www.lightreading.com/5g/nokia-ceo-asks-why-europe-uses-huawei-as-china-squeezes-him-out
Critical analysis of reciprocity in international telecoms trade, with Nokia executives confirming Chinese exclusion on national security grounds whilst European markets remain partially open to Chinese vendors.
Source: RCR Wireless News, 12 September 2025
URL: https://www.rcrwireless.com/20250912/5g/ofcom-5g-uk
Details of the UK’s largest-ever spectrum release (5.4 GHz of mmWave), offering insights into spectrum allocation strategies for high-density urban areas.
Source: RCR Wireless News, 10 September 2025
URL: https://www.rcrwireless.com/20250910/5g/ericsson-report
Ericsson’s comprehensive report revealing that 93% of US enterprises view 5G as essential for competitiveness, with 80% citing spectrum delays as innovation barriers.
Source: Telecoms.com, 9 September 2025
URL: https://www.telecoms.com/5g-6g/ee-deploys-new-ericsson-tech-to-boost-5g-ran-performance
First global deployment of technology requiring 5G SA, demonstrating practical benefits of standalone architecture migration.
Source: Telecoms.com, 8 September 2025
URL: https://www.telecoms.com/enterprise-telecoms/5g-monetization-unlocking-the-potential-of-private-5g
Samsung’s analysis of how virtualisation and RedCap technology are making private 5G more accessible for enterprises, with implications for spectrum policy.
Source: Telecoms.com, 9 September 2025
URL: https://www.telecoms.com/digital-ecosystem/3-billion-people-offline-as-device-affordability-stagnates
GSMA’s sobering analysis showing device costs rising to $54 in developing markets, threatening universal service objectives.
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