Radio frequencies thus remained under the tight control of governments around the world until 1990 when New Zealand became the first country to hold a spectrum auction. The 5G spectrum has become an "electromagnetic cash cow" for governments as telecommunications providers bid to get a piece of the airwaves. In addition to being used in wireless networks, it is also expected that 5G will be deployed on satellites and other platforms such as drones. If networks lose access to the spectrum, they lose customers and business but if they pay too much they cannot afford to roll out a 5G network. The issue has resulted in vast disparities in the price of spectrum, depending on national regulators.
The 5G spectrum has become an "electromagnetic cash cow" for governments as telecommunications providers bid to get a piece of the airwaves. In addition to being used in wireless networks, it is also expected that 5G will be deployed on satellites and other platforms such as drones. If networks lose access to the spectrum, they lose customers and business but if they pay too much they cannot afford to roll out a 5G network. The issue has resulted in vast disparities in the price of spectrum, depending on national regulators.