BARCELONA, SPAIN: The GSMA is making a strong case for additional spectrum for mobile broadband, arguing that it could help the global economy to overcome the credit crunch.

In a high profile stunt, the organisation, together with CEOs of some of the leading mobile companies, called for 100MHz out of the 400MHz digital dividend spectrum, to be set aside for mobile broadband. Importantly too, the GSMA is urging governments to adopt a harmonised approach to the spectrum that would allow the same devices to be used in many different countries and enable vendors to achieve economies of scale.

Emeka Obiodu, senior analyst, Ovum, says: "Although much of what the GSMA had to say is already known to governments and regulators, it is important that the GSMA continues to lobby hard. The benefits of the spectrum for mobile broadband, especially in the low frequency range, can not be overstated."

"If there is any hope of extending broadband services to rural areas cheaply, then governments and regulators must heed the GSMA’s call to set aside the spectrum. As Alexander Izosimov, CEO, VimpelCo and current GSMA chairman said, “Additional spectrum is not a luxury but an absolute necessity for future growth”, Obiodu added.