Mobile network sunset: trends, regional variations and implications for IoT
This report is available to those subscribed to the IoT & Enterprise, Spectrum or Mobile Operators and Networks modules.
Time is nearly up for networks using earlier cellular standards, predominantly GSM and its variants on 2G and UMTS on 3G. Operators are increasingly looking to optimise their network operations and costs while being conscious of the spectral efficiency multiple to be gained if 4G and 5G were deployed in existing legacy technology bands. They are taking the opportunity presented by licence renewals and re-auctions to refarm spectrum to 4G and 5G. The winners are smartphone users supporting modern air interface technologies on these legacy bands; the more obvious losers are subscribers who have avoided smartphones in favour of older-generation feature phones and IoT devices with legacy 2G modems. As network sunsets peak in 2022, however, additional user groups will be affected by the retirement of 2G and 3G.
Related research
Industry Checkpoint: IoT, Q3 2025
As the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem evolve at an unprecedented rate, regularly assessing major developments and their implications is more important than ever. GSMA Intelligence's new Industry Checkpoint series helps navigate how the market is changing, identify the trends that matter and understand the implications.
5G in Context, Q2 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.
Mobile Data Deck, Q2 2025
The GSMA Intelligence Mobile Data Deck offers a fast track to all the essential data you need to know, with key mobile metrics in one easy-to-use deck of charts. The forecasts to 2030 include connections by region and technology generation, smartphone connections and adoption, and mobile operator revenue.
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
Industry Checkpoint: IoT, Q3 2025
As the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem evolve at an unprecedented rate, regularly assessing major developments and their implications is more important than ever. GSMA Intelligence's new Industry Checkpoint series helps navigate how the market is changing, identify the trends that matter and understand the implications.
5G in Context, Q2 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.
Mobile Data Deck, Q2 2025
The GSMA Intelligence Mobile Data Deck offers a fast track to all the essential data you need to know, with key mobile metrics in one easy-to-use deck of charts. The forecasts to 2030 include connections by region and technology generation, smartphone connections and adoption, and mobile operator revenue.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics