European spectrum regulators offer spectrum for local 5G networks primarily in the 26 GHz, 3.4–3.8 GHz and 3.8–4.2 GHz bands.

Local 5G networks are replacing Wi-Fi for example in business parks, ports, airports or factories.

Mix of local and national licensing schemes in the 26 GHz and 3.4–3.8 GHz bands

Our latest benchmark shows that out of 21 European countries observed, seven countries offer local 5G licences in the 26 GHz band and another two countries plan such licensing scheme.

The 26 GHz band provides large spectrum blocks, typically multiples of 200 MHz. Several countries offered a part of the band as nationwide licences and reserved another part for local licences.

Six countries have set aside up to 100 MHz of the 3.4–3.8 GHz band for local 5G networks, whereas most other countries offered licences for the entire band to nationwide mobile network operators. In seven countries, one or more nationwide licensees must share spectrum with local networks on request or must cover industry facilities on request.

Local licensing in the 3.8–4.2 GHz band

Five countries offer spectrum for local licences in the 3.8–4.2 GHz band. Due to its vicinity to the band used by aircraft radio altimeters (4.2–4.4 GHz), this band can currently only be used for low and medium power applications. European and national institutions are working on harmonised rules to ensure safe coexistence of mobile networks and radio altimeters in this range.

Licensing areas

Licence areas are generally small local areas, ranging from individual land plots to the size of a municipality.

Some licensing schemes are based on real-estate licensing, which means that the licence area corresponds to one or more land plots of the land register and the applicant must either have a right to use the land plot (ownership, lease, rent) or must act with the consent of the landowner.

For more information and access to the full benchmark, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our European Spectrum service.