Extensive coverage for 5G – global regulatory best practice to maximise 5G’s socioeconomic impact

Mobile network operators (MNOs) have been progressively introducing commercial 5G worldwide.

5G is considered equivalent to wireline technologies in access speeds, enabling broadband to all citizens and bridging digital divides.

Extensive coverage with full 5G capability is considered one of the critical success factors to achieve the full benefits of 5G.

Several challenges need to be overcome to accelerate MNOs' 5G deployment, including spectrum availability, uncertainties around the business case and high deployment costs.

Analysys Mason has conducted a study to identify the key ways that national regulatory authorities (NRAs) can incentivise MNOs to accelerate 5G network roll-outs to deliver the extensive coverage needed to fulfil the potential promised by 5G use cases.
Analysys Mason has conducted this study through extensive desk research, combining:

• a review of documents published by NRAs and international associations, i.e. GSMA
• ad-hoc discussions and interviews with industry stakeholders on 5G coverage and relevant policies
• a review of in-house materials.