Over the last six months, the European Commission adopted several decisions to support the rollout of 5G networks, such as new harmonised technical conditions for the 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz and 26 GHz spectrum bands. Small cells with a visible volume of up to 30 litres will not need permits from local authorities.

Work is under way to allow the expansion of Wi-Fi into the 6 GHz band. Europe will open 500 MHz (5925–6425 MHz) for Wi-Fi whereas the United States and Brazil have already decided to open 1200 MHz for unlicensed use (5925–7125 MHz).

Many spectrum auctions were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and only five EU member states met the deadline of 30 June 2020 to make the 700 MHz band available for mobile operators.

However, a large number of auctions is now planned or under way, in particular auctions that will award the 5G pioneer spectrum bands 700 MHz or 3.4–3.8 GHz.

This and more developments are covered by our semi-annual Europe Spectrum Regulatory Report that covers spectrum regulation at EU level and in 21 European countries, now also including Greece.

To access the full Spectrum Regulatory Report, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our European Spectrum  intelligence service.