GSMA urges low band spectrum for rural connectivity

GSMA is urging governments and regulators to accelerate efforts to bridge the rural digital divide by prioritising additional low-band spectrum allocation and easing restrictions on voluntary network sharing between mobile operators

In its newly released report, Spectrum and Rural Connectivity, the industry body presents evidence that access to sufficient sub-1 GHz spectrum remains one of the most powerful levers to enhance rural network reach, service quality and affordability. Expanding access to these frequencies can also unlock broader social and economic gains for underserved communities.

While mobile coverage has expanded significantly in recent years, disparities persist. According to the report, people living in rural areas are still 28% less likely to use mobile internet than those in cities. They are also 30% less likely to regularly access online services such as messaging platforms, digital banking and educational tools. Even where coverage exists, service quality continues to hinder usage, particularly in areas that depend heavily on low-band spectrum to maintain reliable connections.

Analysis from GSMA Intelligence highlights the technical advantages of low-band frequencies. Their stronger propagation characteristics allow signals to travel greater distances and penetrate buildings more effectively, making them particularly suited to sparsely populated regions. Rural users already depend significantly on these bands, spending more than twice as much time connected to low frequencies as urban users across both 4G and 5G networks.

The report establishes a measurable relationship between increased low-band spectrum availability and improved rural connectivity outcomes. For every additional 50 MHz of sub-1 GHz spectrum assigned, rural 4G coverage rises by seven percentage points, while 5G coverage increases by eleven percentage points. Greater availability of low-band spectrum is also associated with download speed improvements of up to 8% and reduced congestion at the cell edge, where rural users are most affected by connectivity constraints.

Cost structures also play a critical role. The GSMA finds that reducing the spectrum cost-to-revenue ratio by 10% points correlates with tangible improvements in rural network deployment. Lower spectrum costs enable operators to allocate more capital towards expanding coverage and enhancing network performance. When combined with policies that reduce regulatory burdens, site access barriers and support voluntary network sharing, affordable low-band spectrum can significantly improve the economics of rural rollout.

“Reducing the digital divide between urban and rural communities allows us to give everyone the same digital opportunities, no matter where they live” said Luciana Camargos, head of spectrum at the GSMA.

“Our analysis shows that low-band spectrum is the foundation of rural mobile connectivity and making more available – at affordable prices and with long-term regulatory certainty – can dramatically improve rural coverage, boost speeds and reduce deployment costs. These improvements translate directly into better access to education, healthcare, financial services and new economic opportunities for rural communities. Governments and regulators have a clear chance to accelerate rural development by prioritising low-band spectrum for mobile and lowering the barriers to voluntary network sharing.”

Beyond enhancing connectivity metrics, the report underlines the broader economic implications of stronger rural networks. Improved coverage and service quality can increase digital participation, enhance productivity in sectors such as agriculture and transport, and strengthen local economies through better access to information, services and markets. Narrowing the connectivity gap between rural and urban areas can also amplify the overall societal value of digital networks.

To maximise these benefits, the GSMA recommends that policymakers prioritise the assignment of all low-band spectrum designated for mobile services, align spectrum pricing with economic fundamentals, provide long-term regulatory certainty consistent with network asset lifecycles, and reduce barriers to voluntary infrastructure sharing. The organisation emphasises that spectrum policy should be central to national strategies aimed at closing the digital divide and promoting inclusive economic growth.