The GSMA report Spectrum Pricing and Renewals in Europe provides a clear picture of how mobile networks are evolving across the continent. Although 5G coverage now reaches 93% of the population, Europe still lags behind other major regions in deploying high‑quality connectivity – today embodied by 5G Standalone – partly due to lower overall investment levels.
A key barrier is the high cost of spectrum: fees have tripled over the past decade and now represent 8% of mobile operators’ revenues. With around 500 licences up for renewal in the coming years – an event that could impact operators’ finances by an estimated €100 billion – the report stresses the urgency of aligning spectrum pricing with international best practices.
Ensuring predictable, investment‑friendly renewal frameworks is essential to supporting innovation, strengthening financial sustainability and enabling Europe to build the next generation of digital infrastructure. The report offers policy guidelines to support this transition and unlock the resources needed for long‑term competitiveness.
Author: GSMA
Publisher: GSMA
Publication date: Dicembre 2025