W-CDMA systems are widely criticized for their large spectrum usage, which delayed deployment in countries that acted relatively slowly in allocating new frequencies specifically for 3G services (such as the United States).
W-CDMA on saanud kriitikat oma laia sagedusriba vajaduse tõttu, mis on viivitanud kasutuselevõttu riikides (nagu USA), kus uute sagedusalade määramine käis suhteliselt aeglaseselt, eriti 3G-teenustele.