New Mobile Spectrum Assignments in the Americas More Than Doubled in the Last Decade, New Research from Cullen International Reveals

Since 2010, some 4,000 MHz of spectrum has been awarded to mobile operators in the Americas, more than doubling the amount assigned in the previous 20-year period, according to new research by Cullen International.

The increasing volume of assignments demonstrates that authorities in the Americas have recognized the importance of making more spectrum available to allow greater connectivity and the development of high-speed mobile internet services, such as 5G.

"We expect the growth in volume of assigned spectrum to increase exponentially in the coming years. 5G technology requires wide contiguous spectrum holdings, particularly in the mid and high frequency bands,” Carolina Limbatto, Head of Americas at Cullen International said.

Following the lead of the USA, Canada and Uruguay, other countries in the Americas aim to license 5G spectrum in the next two years. Brazil, Mexico and Peru have announced the award of 3.5 GHz spectrum, while several countries are analyzing the availability of millimeter wave spectrum above 24 GHz.

While only 1,284 MHz of spectrum was assigned to mobile operators in the 1990s, nearly 60% more was assigned in the 2000s, and more than 100% more in the 2010s. However, even more spectrum will need to be assigned in the future to meet the market's growing demands and the needs of 5G.

Cullen International aims to keep its finger on the pulse of the sector with its new Americas Spectrum service. This expands Cullen International's existing spectrum coverage for Europe, providing subscribers with a comprehensive resource of news reports and in-depth research on spectrum assignments, license conditions, auction designs and spectrum regulation in an additional twenty-two countries.

"With our new Americas Spectrum intelligence service and database, we closely follow all national developments, allowing stakeholders not only to stay up to date but to get ahead of emerging trends," says Limbatto.

At the heart of the Spectrum service is a structured database on spectrum licences and award procedures in the bands most relevant for mobile operators in 44 countries. The database can be accessed either by country or by spectrum band. It is complemented by a selection of benchmarks and country profiles, helping users to keep on top of national developments and allowing the efficient comparison of spectrum policy and regulation across the Americas.

In addition, the Spectrum service will provide neutral and independent coverage of spectrum policy developments, including national 5G action plans, spectrum regulation for satellite services, Internet of Things (IoT) and new emerging technologies, coverage obligations, issues around electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure, and measures to enhance spectrum efficiency.

(For more information visit http://www.cullen-international.com/)