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. The US and China have sold spectrum nearly free or for very low prices in an attempt to expand 5G services at a faster rate but spectrum costs are soaring in other countries. 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.