The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operatorsworldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, includinghandset and device makers, software companies, equipmentproviders and internet companies, as well as organisations inadjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry- leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile WorldCongress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and theMobile 360 Series of conferences.For more information, please visit the GSMA corporatewebsite at gsma.Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA. GSMA Intelligence is the defnitive source of global mobileoperator data, analysis and forecasts, and publisher ofauthoritative industry reports and research. Our data covers everyoperator group, network and MVNO in every country worldwide– from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. It is the most accurate andcomplete set of industry metrics available, comprising tensof millions of individual data points, updated daily. GSMAIntelligence is relied on by leading operators, vendors, regulators,fnancial institutions and third-party industry players, to supportstrategic decision-making and long-term investment planning.The data is used as an industry reference point and is frequentlycited by the media and by the industry itself. Our team of analystsand experts produce regular thought-leading research reportsacross a range of industry topics. Follow GSMA Intelligence on Twitter: @GSMAi. gsmaintelligence info@gsmaintelligenceAuthors: Chiara Garbellini, Economist Kalvin Bahia, Principal Economist Pau Castells, Director of Economic Analysis Contributors: Robert Wyrzykowski, Mobile Spectrum Analyst Dennisa Nichiforov-Chuang, Lead Spectrum Analyst SPECTRUM PRICING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT BETTER AND MORE AFFORDABLE MOBILE SERVICES 1. Executive Summary 2 2. Key Considerations For Spectrum Policy 4 3. How Rising Spectrum Prices Are Afecting Consumers In Developing Countries8 4. Spectrum Pricing Policy Case Studies 24 5. Conclusions 38 6. Appendix: Methodology40 1 SPECTRUM PRICING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT BETTER AND MORE AFFORDABLE MOBILE SERVICES Contents To deliver afordable, widespread and high-quality mobile broadband services, mobileoperators require afordable and predictable access to sufcient radio spectrum. Well- designed spectrum policy is therefore a critical input for a thriving digital economy.The right spectrum pricing policies can help enhance consumer and social welfarein developing countries. Policies that seek to maximise state revenues, however, canhave a negative infuence on consumer outcomes, including more expensive mobileservices and reduced network investment. 1. Executive Summary2 SPECTRUM PRICING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT BETTER AND MORE AFFORDABLE MOBILE SERVICES This report highlights that high spectrum prices are a signifcantissue in developing countries. On average, between 2010 and2017, fnal spectrum prices in developing markets were more thanthree times those of developed countries once income levels aretaken into account. Governments and regulators play a role inincreasing spectrum prices through policy decisions. This includesdirectly setting high fnal prices, setting high auction reserve prices,constricting the supply of spectrum and using poor award rules.1For example, this study found average reserve prices in developingcountries were more than fve times those of developed countriesover the period considered, once income levels are taken intoaccount. Although high proceeds from spectrum assignments increasepublic funds to help ease short–term public sector fscalpressures, there can be signifcant adverse efects for the mobile1. For example, auction formats that limit price discovery market, with slower deployment of LTE networks and moreexpensive, lower quality mobile broadband services. This cripplesthe development of the mobile market and prevents societiesfrom fully using mobile technology to accelerate social andeconomic development. Mobile technology has grown exponentially in developingcountries, with average mobile internet adoption increasingfrom 13% in 2010 to 37% at the end of 2017. This has driventransformative social and economic impacts in these countries– for example, greater fnancial inclusion from mobile moneyservices, higher economic growth and greater access to qualityhealthcare and education.。。。。。。