Shaping the Future of Spectrum in the Netherlands

The Hague, October 28, 2025 — The Stakeholders Meeting on Frequency Policy took place at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, organized by the Digital Economy team. This biannual event focuses on process transparency, team introduction, and networking, rather than content alone. The meeting is complemented by a biannual newsletter to keep stakeholders informed.

Meeting Objectives

The Stakeholders Meeting on Frequency Policy was designed to provide insight into the Ministry’s ongoing work on frequency policy, spectrum planning, and regulation through 2031, while also introducing the team driving these initiatives and facilitating networking among policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders.

Key Highlights from the Meeting

Strategic Spectrum Roadmap: Ongoing projects include reallocation of mobile bands, evaluation of spectrum use, and preparations for WRC-27 and WRC-31.

UHF Band (Sub-700 MHz): EU-level consultation is underway on the future use of the 470–694 MHz band, with broadcasting and PMSE prioritized until 2030.

3.8–4.2 GHz & 26 GHz Bands: The 3.8–4.2 GHz band will be prioritized for mobile use, with satellite use phased out gradually. The 26 GHz band faces delays due to limited demand.

Upper 6 GHz Band: The EU discussion on whether to prioritize Wi-Fi or mobile (IMT) in the 6425–7125 MHz band remains inconclusive.

Private Networks (PGN): A licensing policy update was published, including a new provision for maritime installation-bound networks and a 7-year transition period for existing users.

EU & International Alignment: Dutch priorities are being shaped in collaboration with the RSPG work programme and CEPT ahead of WRC-27.

Future Trends in Radio Frequency
(PolicyTracker Report, October 2025)

The Ministry of Economic Affairs commissioned PolicyTracker to assess future trends in spectrum use over the next decade. The study identified nine major trends influencing spectrum demand, technology readiness, and policy direction:

Key Trends

Mobile Data Growth Slowing: Demand is rising but at decreasing rates. The Netherlands may not require new mobile spectrum for several years unless growth accelerates.
Decline of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT): As streaming replaces broadcast TV, the 600 MHz band could be reallocated for mobile use, though EU alignment and PMSE use need resolution.
Rise of New Satellite Services: Growth in LEO constellations enables satellite broadband and direct-to-device services, but the impact in the Netherlands is expected to be minimal.
Calls for 6G Spectrum: Industry interest in new ranges (e.g., upper 6 GHz, UHF post-2030) is rising, though 6G adoption is expected to be incremental.
Shift to Asymmetric Data Use: Long-term restructuring of sub-GHz spectrum bands could improve efficiency but requires EU coordination.
Geopolitics Driving Defence Spectrum Demand: NATO and defence needs increasingly compete for mid- and high-band spectrum due to cyber and military developments.
Growth of Unlicensed Use: Wi-Fi and related services dominate local connectivity, raising the need for more shared and unlicensed spectrum solutions.
Advanced Spectrum Sharing Technologies: Database-driven sharing (e.g., AFC) is maturing, offering alternatives to dedicated licensing.
Expanding Private Wireless Networks: Sectors like industry and logistics are driving rapid private 5G deployment, with sufficient spectrum expected for the medium term.

Cumulative Impacts

Spectrum sharing is becoming essential due to slowing mobile demand, defence needs, and unlicensed use. Additional mobile spectrum could emerge from DTT reallocation, 6G bands, or UHF reconfiguration, but these processes will be complex and long-term.

Policy Recommendations

Conduct forward-looking studies on mobile spectrum demand.
Coordinate EU-level DTT phase-out strategies.
Lead discussions on upper 6 GHz spectrum usage.
Prepare defence sharing and civilian fallback solutions for critical situations.
Finalize 3.8–4.2 GHz licensing arrangements for private networks.

Ecosystem Services – organizer of the Netherlands program and pavilion at MWC Barcelona – and associates participate in these meetings to stay aligned with spectrum developments in the Netherlands and understand broader trends across Europe and beyond, using MWC as an international platform. As the (co-)organiser of ecosystem-driven collaborations such as CENS (Connectivity Ecosystem North Sea) and PRIMMA (Private Networking for Major Logistic Hubs Market Acceleration), Ecosystem Services leverages these insights to advance discussions around spectrum policies for private networks and connectivity in the North Sea region.