High spectrum costs limit Africa's mobile internet growth despite wider coverage

GSMA's new report shows African mobile operators pay 24% more for spectrum per MHz than global peers while holding 24% less spectrum below 7 GHz. This cost burden limits their ability to expand or upgrade networks, even as mobile broadband coverage rose from 59% in 2015 to 92% in 2025 and 4G reached 83% of the population. Yet only 28% of Africans use mobile internet on their own devices, compared with 66% worldwide, and average download speeds remain at 27 Mbps versus 98 Mbps elsewhere.

The high spectrum prices squeeze operator revenues, which fell 49% in real terms over the same period, leaving less capital for network investment. The result is slower connections, lower data consumption (about 3 GB per user monthly versus 14 GB globally) and a large usage gap—64% live within coverage but do not go online. For Nigerians, this means costly data, unreliable service and fewer opportunities to benefit from digital tools.

The GSMA recommends linking lower spectrum fees to measurable network improvements, longer licence terms and realistic pricing that reflects actual revenue potential. If regulators adopt such reforms, operators could invest more, potentially boosting speeds by 30-50% and extending 4G/5G coverage to tens of millions more Africans by 2035. Will cheaper spectrum actually translate into faster, more affordable internet for you, or will operators retain the savings?

SOURCE: https://techcabal.com/2026/10/20/spectrum-costs-african-telecom-investment/