5G networks unwrapped: keeping an open mind
This report is available to those subscribed to the Mobile Operators and Networks module.
Wireless networks on open standards and architectures have been gathering steam for several years. This includes high-profile efforts to rethink how to build the radio access network (RAN), separating out radio and digital components, and (hopefully) introducing competition, innovation and supply-chain diversity in the process. More broadly, we see a focus on openness in core activities, including how networks are operated and how edge-computing capabilities are built. While the cancellation of MWC removed a major industry showcase for the latest and greatest mobile networks innovations, products that would have been launched were still released and promoted. Amid the flurry of activity, one message was clear: open infrastructure and architectures are gaining ground as we move deeper into the 5G era.
Related research
2026 Research Themes: topics shaping the industry and driving our focus
Throughout 2025, GSMA Intelligence has analysed developments and innovation spanning all areas of the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem. As the industry continues to evolve in 2026, how will the Research Themes change?
Global Mobile Forecasts, Q3 2025 Review: capturing the changes, discussing the drivers
GSMA Intelligence constantly monitors mobile markets across the world to capture the most recent trends and share the latest available data. This analysis looks at the key revisions made to the mobile connection forecasts over the previous quarter and the drivers underpinning the changes.
5G in Context, Q3 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
2026 Research Themes: topics shaping the industry and driving our focus
Throughout 2025, GSMA Intelligence has analysed developments and innovation spanning all areas of the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem. As the industry continues to evolve in 2026, how will the Research Themes change?
Global Mobile Forecasts, Q3 2025 Review: capturing the changes, discussing the drivers
GSMA Intelligence constantly monitors mobile markets across the world to capture the most recent trends and share the latest available data. This analysis looks at the key revisions made to the mobile connection forecasts over the previous quarter and the drivers underpinning the changes.
5G in Context, Q3 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics