Italy's AGCOM Approves New 5G Spectrum Rules as Operators Expand Networks and Drone Detection Tested
The Italian communications regulator AGCOM opened a public consultation on 29 July 2026 to renew mobile spectrum rights that expire on 31 December 2029. The agency plans to extend usage rights for bands 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1500 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3400‑3600 MHz and the 28 GHz fixed‑wireless band to 31 December 2037, imposing obligations on operators to improve coverage, service quality and access for other providers. The rollout targets the 5G Stand‑Alone architecture, essential for ultra‑reliable low‑latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine‑type communications (mMTC) such as autonomous vehicles, industrial robotics, telemedicine and automation.
AT&T and Ericsson demonstrated that existing 5G infrastructure can detect and track unmanned aerial systems in real time. Using Massive MIMO antennas, artificial‑intelligence algorithms and the radio signals of the network, the test at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, identified multiple drones flying between 300 and 400 feet, showing how 5G can enhance security for large venues and critical infrastructure while offering a cost‑effective, nationwide solution.
Analysts note that the surge in AI‑driven applications is shifting traffic patterns. In 5G networks the uplink‑to‑downlink ratio has moved from the historic 1:20‑1:100 range to roughly 1:9‑1:15, reflecting growing user‑generated content and sensor data. Networks therefore need to treat uplink capacity, latency and coverage as critical as downlink performance, prompting new performance indicators and spectrum strategies below 3 GHz.
Entities: AT&T Inc. · Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (AGCOM) · Ericsson AB · European Commission · Gsma Intelligence
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] AT&T and Ericsson demonstrated that 5G can detect and track drones in real time using Massive MIMO, AI, and existing network infrastructure. (Article e9fe503d-8713-4d02-af81-0a3ca6ca37c5)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] AI‑driven applications increase uplink demand, requiring networks to support bidirectional traffic. (Article 0e68a26d-2e5f-40fa-b2e9-d5e0ee5c1143)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] AGCOM intends to extend the usage rights for bands 800, 900, 1500, 1800, 2100, 2600, 3400‑3600 MHz and the 28 GHz fixed‑wireless band to 31 December 2037, with operator obligations for coverage and Qo (Article 0ac62259-04c0-41a8-8ca5-deecde63da59)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In 5G networks the uplink‑to‑downlink traffic ratio has shifted to between 1:9 and 1:15. (Article 0e68a26d-2e5f-40fa-b2e9-d5e0ee5c1143)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] During the test, drones were detected at altitudes between 300 and 400 feet. (Article e9fe503d-8713-4d02-af81-0a3ca6ca37c5)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] AGCOM council deliberated on 29 July 2026 to start a public consultation for renewal of mobile frequency rights expiring on 31 December 2029. (Article 0ac62259-04c0-41a8-8ca5-deecde63da59)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 5G Stand‑Alone architecture is essential for URLLC and massive Machine‑Type Communications. (Article 0ac62259-04c0-41a8-8ca5-deecde63da59)