Technology Neutrality and Legacy Network Sunsets
This insight is open to all subscribers and registered users, or available by completing the form below.
Report details
Technology Neutrality and Legacy Network Sunsets
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 content. For easier access in the future, you can register for a free account here.
By submitting this form, you agree that your email address and related activity on the platform will be processed for the purpose of generating and providing the requested report. Your data will be shared with GSMA Intelligence for this purpose. For more information, please see the GSMA Intelligence Privacy Policy.
Report details
Technology Neutrality and Legacy Network Sunsets
Related research
The State of 5G 2026
This report analyses the state of 5G, seven years after its commercial launch, using GSMA Intelligence’s 5G Connectivity Index to benchmark 46 markets across 5G infrastructure and services. It shows broad convergence across the foundation components (coverage, affordability, adoption), but reveals a widening gap on advanced capabilities, including 5G standalone (SA), 5G‑Advanced, uplink performance, fixed wireless access (FWA), IoT and RedCap.
Taking the pulse: operator views and plans on quantum technologies
Over the last two years the rise of quantum technologies has flown slightly below the radar, crowded out by the hype of AI. But this should not diminish the implications of quantum technologies for a range of businesses, including telecoms operators. Quantum technologies can provide powerful benefits, including enhanced network security and efficiency. In this report we focus on the strategic implications of quantum technology deployments and the risks of not taking action.
Mobile Data Deck, Q4 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
The State of 5G 2026
This report analyses the state of 5G, seven years after its commercial launch, using GSMA Intelligence’s 5G Connectivity Index to benchmark 46 markets across 5G infrastructure and services. It shows broad convergence across the foundation components (coverage, affordability, adoption), but reveals a widening gap on advanced capabilities, including 5G standalone (SA), 5G‑Advanced, uplink performance, fixed wireless access (FWA), IoT and RedCap.
Taking the pulse: operator views and plans on quantum technologies
Over the last two years the rise of quantum technologies has flown slightly below the radar, crowded out by the hype of AI. But this should not diminish the implications of quantum technologies for a range of businesses, including telecoms operators. Quantum technologies can provide powerful benefits, including enhanced network security and efficiency. In this report we focus on the strategic implications of quantum technology deployments and the risks of not taking action.
Mobile Data Deck, Q4 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