Spectrum Refarming Expected to Free an Average of 300 MHz Per Region by 2016

The research reveals that on average, each region will free up to 300 MHz of refarmed and digital dividend (DD) spectrum by 2016.

Region 1 (EMEA) will add 72 MHz of spectrum from the DD, as well as up to 220 MHz of refarmed 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum. Region 2 (Americas) will add 164 MHz of spectrum from the DD and could refarm up to 190 MHz of the 2.6 GHz band. Meanwhile, Region 3 (Asia) will also free 164 MHz spectrum from the DD, plus refarmed spectrum in the 1800 MHz band for up to 150 MHz.

"Regional focus will continue to be a priority over global coordination in spectrum management. This will require additional efforts from regulators for a successful digital transition and digital dividend utilization," said Lester Garcia, author of the report.

Although the DD is not the final answer to the spectrum shortage, its efficient use and implementation can help lessen the impacts of spectrum scarcity. The report outlines the best and worst cases in terms of the timely release of digital dividend spectrum. In the worst scenario. "The lack of available DD spectrum for mobile broadband could slow down the growth in numbers of mobile broadband users by 6.3% by 2016. This reduction in subscriber uptake would reduce investments in wireless infrastructure by 10.7%," said Caroline Gabriel, Research Director for Maravedis-Rethink.

Other Key Findings:

• Various Latam regulators are considering the application of the APT channelization scheme for the 700 MHz DD band,
• The expected value of future auction processes will be around US$1 per MHz/pop.
• However, only a small number of 700 MHz auction processes are expected in the next 2 years as a result of digitization delays.

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