Saying goodbye to legacy networks, but what's next for IoT?
This report is available to those subscribed to the IoT & Enterprise module.
The pace of 2G/3G network shutdowns is increasing as operators look to optimise their network operations and costs, and to refarm spectrum for 4G and 5G. Most recently, Telefónica Deutschland (O2) announced it is accelerating the shutdown of its 3G network in various regions of Germany. Based on announced plans from operators, at least 64 networks will be shut down between 2021 and 2025. In fact, 2021 is set to be the year with the highest number of 2G and 3G network shutdowns so far. While migrating voice users onto 4G and 5G networks can be achieved more easily via marketing and awareness campaigns, M2M/IoT devices are another matter. Oftentimes these devices have a long device lifecycle and are in hard-to-reach locations, making the upgrade process troublesome.
Related research
Operators’ enterprise strategies and plans: survey insights reveal shifting trends in 2025 and beyond
This report summarises the key findings from the latest GSMA Intelligence Operators in Focus: Enterprise Opportunity Survey, conducted in December 2024, which surveyed 100 global operators on their enterprise strategies and plans, as well as emerging opportunities. Key topics include operators’ strategic priorities, partnerships, acquisitions and investment in enterprise services such as cloud, security and connectivity, along with 5G offerings such as private 5G, IoT, edge computing and network slicing.
Operators in Focus: Enterprise Opportunity Survey Dashboard 2025
This dashboard presents the latest findings of the GSMA Intelligence Operators in Focus: Enterprise Opportunity Survey. The survey asked 100 operators globally about their enterprise strategies, including how they are carrying out their plans and how they assess emerging opportunities.
IoT and eSIM for digital industries: navigating enterprise needs, investments and supplier decisions
Digital transformation of vertical sectors is accelerating, with IoT being an important driver and enabler. GSMA Intelligence surveyed nearly 4,200 enterprises across 21 countries and 10 vertical sectors to gain relevant insights into their digital transformation across a range of technologies. This report analyses the key findings and implications for IoT and eSIM.
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
Operators’ enterprise strategies and plans: survey insights reveal shifting trends in 2025 and beyond
This report summarises the key findings from the latest GSMA Intelligence Operators in Focus: Enterprise Opportunity Survey, conducted in December 2024, which surveyed 100 global operators on their enterprise strategies and plans, as well as emerging opportunities. Key topics include operators’ strategic priorities, partnerships, acquisitions and investment in enterprise services such as cloud, security and connectivity, along with 5G offerings such as private 5G, IoT, edge computing and network slicing.
Operators in Focus: Enterprise Opportunity Survey Dashboard 2025
This dashboard presents the latest findings of the GSMA Intelligence Operators in Focus: Enterprise Opportunity Survey. The survey asked 100 operators globally about their enterprise strategies, including how they are carrying out their plans and how they assess emerging opportunities.
IoT and eSIM for digital industries: navigating enterprise needs, investments and supplier decisions
Digital transformation of vertical sectors is accelerating, with IoT being an important driver and enabler. GSMA Intelligence surveyed nearly 4,200 enterprises across 21 countries and 10 vertical sectors to gain relevant insights into their digital transformation across a range of technologies. This report analyses the key findings and implications for IoT and eSIM.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics