Systematic Literature Review on Telecom Monetisation Strategies for 5G and Future Spectrum: Insights From Business Market Trends and Practices

This systematic review examines telecom monetisation strategies and spectrum management practices in the context of fifth-generation (5G) and future wireless networks, with particular emphasis on evolving business models, regulatory frameworks and enabling technologies shaping global telecom ecosystems. A comprehensive review of seventy-five peer-reviewed journal articles, industry reports and policy documents published between 2006 and 2025 was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to ensure methodological rigor, transparency and reproducibility. The analysis reveals a pronounced transition from traditional connectivity-based revenue models toward diversified, valueoriented monetisation approaches supported by technologies such as network slicing, software-defined networking, network function virtualisation, artificial intelligence, cloud-native architectures and dynamic spectrum access mechanisms. Evidence from the reviewed literature highlights the increasing importance of flexible spectrum licensing, spectrum sharing and collaborative infrastructure models in improving spectrum utilisation efficiency, reducing deployment costs and enhancing long-term revenue sustainability. Regulatory adaptability is identified as a critical factor influencing successful monetisation outcomes, with innovation-friendly governance frameworks enabling alignment between technological capabilities and commercial viability. Regional differences in market maturity, policy priorities and infrastructure readiness are shown to significantly shape monetisation strategies across developed and developing economies. The findings provide integrated insights for telecom operators, policymakers and ecosystem stakeholders seeking to align investment strategies, regulatory reforms and technological innovation with the operational demands of 5G deployment and the anticipated transition toward sixth-generation (6G) networks, while supporting inclusive digital growth and resilient telecommunications infrastructure. Keywords: 5G Monetisation Strategies, Spectrum Management, Telecom Business Models, Network Slicing, Regulatory Frameworks.