Europe typically is available in for criticism for being behind on sure technology-related advances akin to 5G standalone (SA), though it was not too long ago proven that it tops the worldwide rating in 5G mounted wi-fi entry (FWA) deployments. (See Europe leads on 5G FWA as mounted wi-fi stays key worth driver and Closing the hole: Europe takes sluggish however strategic strategy to 5G SA.)
By way of the — maybe not equally necessary however crucial — difficulty of closing down legacy providers to make method for newer options, European operators have at instances struggled to get everybody to maneuver on from previous tech, as evidenced by makes an attempt to shut down the general public switched phone community (PSTN) within the UK. (See Get off the PSTN! – Openreach set to tug plug on historical tech.)
Nonetheless, whereas the UK struggles to totally banish copper, it has already closed down all 4 of its 3G cellular networks. This displays a wider regional pattern, with Europe now main the cost in switching off 2G and 3G know-how.
Certainly, the newest figures from the World cellular Suppliers Affiliation (GSA) point out that Europe now accounts for 43% of all 2G/3G switch-offs globally, adopted by Asia (26%), and Latin America and the Caribbean (9%).
The GSA notes that some 2G and 3G switch-offs are led by operators, whereas others are mandated by authorities and regulators.
Switching off legacy networks definitely provides a number of advantages. As an illustration, it permits the refarming of spectrum so as to add capability for 4G and 5G, and reduces the power used to function older and fewer well-liked networks. On the similar time, 2G and 3G typically nonetheless assist machine-to-machine and Web of Issues (IoT) connections. Lengthy substitute cycles imply that gadgets might not but be suitable with 4G or 5G.
This has been a selected bone of rivalry in France, for instance. Orange was compelled to postpone the sunsetting of 2G and 3G networks due to business considerations over the usage of the older tech in elevators and different IoT methods. Orange is aiming to modify off its 2G and 3G networks by 2028 and 2030.
Constructing momentum
General, 2G and 3G switch-offs are occurring in most areas, with momentum rising from 2024. By the tip of June 2026, GSA recognized 313 accomplished, deliberate or in-progress 2G and 3G switch-offs in 89 international locations and territories. Some 158 operators have already accomplished their community closures, 119 have deliberate them and 36 are in progress.
By way of 2G, it discovered that 139 operators in 70 international locations and territories have both accomplished or deliberate their switch-offs, up from 136 operators in 68 international locations in December 2025. Of these, 56 operators in 29 international locations and territories have closed down 2G networks. Some 68 operators in 44 international locations and territories have deliberate 2G switch-offs, and an extra 14 operators in eight international locations are progressing with 2G sunsets.
As for 3G, 174 operators in 67 international locations and territories have both accomplished, deliberate or are in progress with 3G switch-offs. Of these, 102 operators in 48 international locations and territories have accomplished 3G switch-offs, 50 operators in 28 international locations are within the planning part, and 22 operators in 17 international locations and territories at the moment have 3G switch-offs in progress.
The method has slowed a bit in 2026. Round 37 networks are within the technique of being switched off and an extra 25 sunsets are deliberate within the second half of the 12 months. Nonetheless, the tempo of 2G and 3G switch-off is about to speed up within the coming years, particularly as extra operators launch 5G SA networks.
With regards to 5G, the newest iteration of the Ericsson Mobility Report in June 2026 displays how the newer cellular tech is taking up. The variety of 5G subscriptions has handed the three billion mark, and half of the world’s cellular knowledge site visitors is now carried over 5G. Round 390 service suppliers have now launched industrial 5G providers, and greater than 90 of these have launched 5G SA.
