Almost all EU member states have awarded the 5G pioneer bands 700 MHz and 3.4–3.8 GHz, according to our latest European benchmarks on spectrum bands and licences in Europe. There has been less activity to award licences in the third pioneer band, 26 GHz.

All EU member states except Poland and Malta have awarded the 700 MHz band. Poland plans an award for this year. Bulgaria awarded the 700 MHz and 800 MHz in November 2023 but the military continues using the two bands around four military airports.

All EU member states except the Netherlands have awarded licences suitable for 5G in the 3.4–3.8 GHz band. The Netherlands started an auction procedure. Poland auctioned the band in October 2023.

There has been little demand for the 26 GHz band. Nine EU member states awarded nationwide licences. Some have established licensing frameworks for local licences. An auction of nationwide licences is ongoing in Austria.

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