In order to preserve competition, most regulators impose caps on the total amount of spectrum any single operator can hold.

Spectrum caps are often set when a regulator prepares a multiband auction, with the detailed rules closely connected with the auction design.

Most European countries defined spectrum cap rules at least once in the last five years for an auction or beauty contest. A notable exception is Germany, where the regulator did not define any spectrum cap in its 2019 multiband auction.

Only a few European countries defined long-term spectrum cap rules, which apply not only during an award procedure but also to subsequent spectrum trading. Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain have such long-term rules that set caps for the main mobile bands. Another three European countries defined long-term rules for selected bands.

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