What's Happening?
The UK government recently concluded a sale of 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum, raising £39 million ($52.4 million). The sale included spectrum in the 26GHz and 40GHz bands, which are considered less
valuable due to their limited range and coverage challenges. Major telecom operators like BT, Virgin Media O2, and VodafoneThree participated in the auction, acquiring spectrum for use in high-density areas such as stadiums and train stations.
Why It's Important?
The modest proceeds from the spectrum sale reflect the declining interest in mmWave bands, which are costly to deploy for widespread coverage. However, these bands can provide high-capacity connectivity in specific crowded locations. The sale highlights the challenges faced by telecom operators in balancing investment costs with potential returns, and the ongoing evolution of 5G technology deployment strategies.
