In addition, migration to 3G technology and, to an even greater extent LTE, results in much more efficient spectrum use, enabling greater capacity to be provided using the same spectrum resource.
Relaxation of spectrum usage restrictions does not mean there will be random patterns of spectrum use across countries. Substantial international harmonisation of mobile spectrum bands will remain, to take advantage of scale economies that reduce equipment costs and roaming. And while 3G and LTE technologies bring many benefits, the huge base of 2G devices means that 2G services will continue to be important for many years to come.