CTIA Study Shows Spectrum Efficiency Increased 42 Times Since 2010

U.S. wireless providers increased their spectrum efficiency 42 times since 2010, according to a new white paper released by CTIA, the wireless industry association. U.S. wireless networks handled 948 million megabytes for every one megahertz of spectrum in 2010. They now handle 39.9 billion MBs/MHz due to significant industry investment in networks and technology.

Facing a growth curve in mobile data use—which nearly doubled last year alone—and as 5G places more demand on wireless networks, wireless providers are investing billions to increase their spectrum efficiency. "This paper conclusively demonstrates that America's wireless providers are excellent stewards of their spectrum assets, a limited natural resource," said CTIA SVP/CTO Tom Sawanobori.

The wireless industry increased their network spectral efficiency by refarming existing spectrum, quickly deploying new spectrum assets and deploying denser wireless infrastructure. These efforts helped U.S. providers serve over 589,000 subscribers for each megahertz of spectrum. That’s more than twice that of Japan, three and a half times that of Germany, and four times that of the U.K., according to CTIA. Continue Reading