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.
For more information and access to our European Spectrum benchmarks, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our European Spectrum service.
more news
24 July 25
Measures to modernise right of way (RoW) frameworks gain traction worldwide
Our latest Global Trends report explores how various jurisdictions around the world have been reforming their RoW frameworks to support their respective 5G and optical fibre network deployments.
22 July 25
EU Accessibility Act: overview of enforcement authorities for electronic communications
Our new benchmark looks at the authorities designated at national level to enforce the provisions of the European Accessibility Act, and the level of potential fines, for products and services related to electronic communications.
22 July 25
Update on national data retention laws in Europe
New research by Cullen International examines national data retention rules across 18 EU countries.