In Europe, the 1.4 GHz band (i.e. 1452-1492 MHz) is being harmonized for a mobile supplemental downlink (SDL). It is possible that we will see harmonized use of the 1.4 GHz band for a SDL across European countries partially from 2013 and fully from 2015.  The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region could also benefit from these developments by assigning the 1.4 GHz band for a SDL.

A study undertaken by Plum, unveiled today, shows the MENA region could benefit in economic terms by $26bn over the next 10 years as a result of an enhancement of user experience (faster download speeds, larger capacity and richer new content) and low cost rollout of rural services.

The full press release can be found here. The full study is available here.