The GSMA and Connect Europe, representing the European mobile communications industry, have submitted their comments on the Draft Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) Work Programme for 2026 and beyond. The organisations welcomed the opportunity to contribute and encouraged further engagement throughout the development of the programme, including participation in Peer Review activities to ensure practical insights from those delivering connectivity across Europe are reflected.

The industry representatives stressed that the work programme comes at a critical moment as Europe reassesses its support for digital networks, services, and investments. Key legislative initiatives, such as the Digital Networks Act, provide an opportunity to address fragmented regulation and historical underinvestment. Spectrum, as a core enabler of connectivity, innovation, and digital growth, must be managed through harmonised, investment-friendly, and future-proof policies.

Peer Review and Member State Cooperation
GSMA and Connect Europe highlighted the importance of consistent spectrum licensing frameworks across EU Member States to support high-quality mobile services and continued investment. They recommended that the RSPG Peer Review group compile comparable metrics on national licensing frameworks, including award types, spectrum fees, and pricing mechanisms. They also advocated for clearer EU guidelines on authorisations and licensing renewals, including dedicated workshops to address the more than 500 licences set to expire across the EU in the next decade.

WRC-27 Preparations
The organisations welcomed RSPG’s ongoing preparatory work for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27), emphasizing the importance of coordination with CEPT to secure outcomes supporting Europe’s long-term connectivity needs. Key agenda items include the identification of new IMT bands and enabling Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity to meet future mobile capacity and coverage demands.

6G Spectrum Roadmap
GSMA and Connect Europe expressed support for the development of a 6G Spectrum Roadmap, with the first draft expected in February 2026. They stressed the need for additional spectrum to meet future 6G network demands, highlighting the upper 6 GHz band (6425–7250 MHz) and the sub-700 MHz range as critical for both urban capacity and rural coverage. The organisations underscored that sufficient spectrum allocation is necessary to meet projected traffic demand, accommodate advanced applications, and enable high-quality 6G services across Europe.

Strategic Spectrum Matters
The submission also highlighted the importance of strategic spectrum management in line with Europe’s broader policy objectives, including the Digital Networks Act. GSMA and Connect Europe called for the RSPG’s work to remain closely linked to long-term infrastructure needs, sustained innovation, and investment conditions for the connectivity sector.

Future Use of Sub-700 MHz Band
The organisations recommended preparing for the gradual reallocation of the 470–694 MHz band for mobile use in countries where spectrum is available. This approach, they noted, would improve service quality, reduce densification needs, support inclusivity for 6G, and enhance overall network efficiency. They encouraged leveraging WRC-related regulatory opportunities and cross-border solutions to enable harmonised mobile use.

GSMA and Connect Europe concluded that the RSPG’s expertise and engagement are vital for shaping a harmonised and forward-looking spectrum policy that ensures Europe’s digital connectivity remains robust, resilient, and future-ready.