313 Operators Pursue 2G and 3G Shutdowns in 89 Markets as 4G and 5G Expand
Updated
Updated · ComputerWeekly.com · Aug 14
313 Operators Pursue 2G and 3G Shutdowns in 89 Markets as 4G and 5G Expand
1 articles · Updated · ComputerWeekly.com · Aug 14
Summary
313 operators across 89 markets have completed, planned or begun 2G and 3G switch-offs, underscoring a broad global shift away from legacy mobile networks.
174 operators in 67 markets have started 3G shutdowns and 102 have finished them, while 139 operators in 70 markets have completed or planned 2G closures, including 56 already finalized.
58% of operators retiring older networks are upgrading to both 4G and 5G, using refarmed spectrum to add capacity while cutting energy use on low-traffic legacy systems.
27 operators have already retired both 2G and 3G networks, though GSA said some carriers have missed initial targets and face hurdles in machine-to-machine and IoT services with long device replacement cycles.
Europe accounts for 43% of all switch-off cases, ahead of Asia at 26%, as governments, regulators and operators increasingly set shutdown dates for 2026 and beyond.