Beyond mobile: the fixed side of network sunsets

The term ‘Network Sunsets’ is not new to the telecom industry. Led by the shutdowns of 2G and 3G networks in many geographies globally, a similar transition is underway in fixed broadband, the gradual switch-off of copper networks.  

While 2G and 3G sunsets were about mobile evolution, the copper switch-off is about fixed connectivity. In mobile, sunsets were driven by the urge to efficiently use limited spectrum resources, maintain opex and capex spending, and the fading vendor and devices support for legacy networks. In fixed, the drive is to contain opex, upgrade energy hungry networks, and build more reliable networks. 

Mapping the transition 

Analysis of our latest copper switch-off tracker reveals a diverse landscape. Over 50 operators worldwide are actively engaged in decommissioning copper, with a range of completion targets extending through the late 2030s and beyond. 

A few observations stand out: 

• Incremental progress: Most operators are phasing out copper area by area (often city by city), aligning switch-off with fiber rollout milestones. This phased approach closely mirrors how mobile network sunsets were managed, with operators gradually decommissioning legacy infrastructure as new technology rolled out. 

• Technology mix: Fiber is the primary replacement, but FWA is increasingly being used to reach areas where fiber deployment is less practical. 

Fiber and FWA: the new foundations 

The replacement of copper isn’t a one-size-fits-all story. Fiber is the preferred solution in areas with high population or building density, where it’s cost effective to connect many premises. It offers higher, more stable speeds, lower latency, and room for future upgrades. In contrast, fixed wireless access (FWA) is often used where fiber is less practical, such as in rural or hard to reach locations, or when operators need to retire copper quickly. FWA can serve as a bridge until fiber arrives, but in some places, due to geographic, economic, or logistical reasons, FWA may remain the long-term solution. 

Sustainability: more than just a technical upgrade 

Sustainability is becoming a central driver for the copper switch-off. Copper networks are energy intensive. By transitioning to fiber and FWA, operators can reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. This shift is especially important as many telecom operators set ambitious net zero targets covering both mobile and fixed operations. Moving away from copper not only helps operators cut costs and improve efficiency, but also directly supports their progress towards emission reduction.   

Operational discipline: managing the transition 

Lowering maintenance costs and improving energy efficiency are the main reasons operators are moving away from copper. By retiring legacy copper networks, operators can significantly lower operational expenses and cut energy use, delivering both financial and environmental benefits. Achieving these outcomes, however, requires strong operational discipline including careful planning, phased execution, and proactive customer communication. To ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruption for end users. This approach is like what we have seen with mobile network sunsets, where disciplined execution was essential to unlock the full value of new technologies. 

Want the full picture? 

To explore detailed operator timelines, regional progress, and technology migration strategies, see the copper switch-off tracker and the latest FBB and FWA report from GSMA Intelligence at Fixed Broadband and FWA Markets, Q2 2025: developments and outlook | GSMA Intelligence