Technology Neutrality and Legacy Network Sunsets
Please sign in or register for a free public account to access this report.
The Evolution of Connectivity in Africa
Technology-neutral spectrum licensing (also referred to as technology neutrality) is crucial to allow mobile operators to refarm spectrum used for legacy networks (2G and 3G) for 4G and 5G services at a pace driven by market demand.
This report takes a closer look at the benefits of technology-neutral licences. They allow spectrum to be used more efficiently. For users, this means better mobile broadband coverage, higher data speeds and lower mobile data prices than would otherwise be the case.
The report also puts technology-neutral spectrum in a broader policy context, including how it is related to legacy network sunsets. The two are closely linked as without technology neutrality, freed-up spectrum cannot be used efficiently, and potential socioeconomic benefits are lost.
Download the Report
Complete the form below to get instant access to this report. For easier access in the future, you can register for a free account here.
Related research
The Mobile Economy Africa 2025
Mobile connectivity is a cornerstone for building modern, inclusive and sustainable digital economies in Africa. It also enables transformative technologies such as AI to be integrated into the daily activities of individuals and businesses. Additionally, the mobile ecosystem has become a critical driver of economic growth, helping countries navigate structural challenges such as infrastructure gaps, energy constraints, affordability pressures and shifting demographics.
Mobile Data Deck, Q3 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.
The Mobile Economy North America 2025
Across North America, almost 320 million people are connected to the mobile internet. Around 60% connect through 5G networks, underlining the speed at which the region is migrating to next-generation devices and services.
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
The Mobile Economy Africa 2025
Mobile connectivity is a cornerstone for building modern, inclusive and sustainable digital economies in Africa. It also enables transformative technologies such as AI to be integrated into the daily activities of individuals and businesses. Additionally, the mobile ecosystem has become a critical driver of economic growth, helping countries navigate structural challenges such as infrastructure gaps, energy constraints, affordability pressures and shifting demographics.
Mobile Data Deck, Q3 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.
The Mobile Economy North America 2025
Across North America, almost 320 million people are connected to the mobile internet. Around 60% connect through 5G networks, underlining the speed at which the region is migrating to next-generation devices and services.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics