Technology Neutrality and Legacy Network Sunsets

Technology Neutrality and Legacy Network Sunsets
This insight is locked

This insight is open to all subscribers and registered users, or available by completing the form.

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.

Report details

Technology Neutrality and Legacy Network Sunsets
Pages
30
Released
DECEMBER 2023

Download the report

Complete the form 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.

Opt-in for Marketing Communications:
To ensure you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the mobile industry, GSMA Intelligence would like to send you information about events, products, services, and initiatives, as well as industry news. Please subscribe by ticking this box; once subscribed, you can tailor what you receive from us at any time, or unsubscribe, should you wish.

Related research

The Mobile Economy Eurasia 2026

Topic
Mobile networks and connectivity

Operators across Eurasia are navigating a structurally challenging environment, yet the mobile ecosystem plays a crucial role supporting resilience across the region. Mobile technologies and services generated $270 billion for the Eurasian economy in 2025, equivalent to 8.1% of GDP. The industry’s economic contribution will reach $300 billion by 2030.

This insight is locked

The Mobile Economy Latin America 2026

Topic
Mobile networks and connectivity

The role of the mobile industry as an engine of economic development is particularly important as Latin America experiences moderate growth and persistent productivity challenges. With traditional growth drivers under pressure, digital technologies are becoming essential tools to boost competitiveness and support economic diversification. In 2025, mobile technologies and services in Latin America generated $600 billion in economic value, supported nearly 3 million jobs and contributed $50 billion in public revenues.

This insight is locked

Network Sunsets, Q1 2026

Spectrum
Topic
Spectrum

This quarterly series leverages GSMA Intelligence data on network sunsets to identify the key trends and understand the future. The report outlines the latest developments in network sunsets. The data provided here covers network sunsets by year, technology and region. The report also spotlights the momentum in 2G/3G network sunsets in the context of total active 2G/3G networks globally.

This insight is locked

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 subscription

Contact our research team

Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.

Contact our research team

Media

To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.

Learn more
Full access
Get full access to our research now, get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis
  • 200 reports a year
  • 50 million data points
  • Over 350 metrics

How can we support you?

Get in touch

Contact the GSMA Intelligence support team for help with your account, subscriptions, or access to reports and insights.

Newsletter

Subscribe to the GSMA Intelligence newsletter for the latest industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.