Region Spotlight – Asia-Pacific July 2026
This report provides a comprehensive overview of 4G and 5G deployments in Asia–Pacific, using the latest GSA data. It covers the status of LTE and LTE-Advanced, roll-out of 5G, including 5G standalone infrastructure, evolution of private networks, progress with 2G and 3G switch-offs and the development of satellite and fixed wireless access networks.
Asia–Pacific has significant disparities in economic status, generating an interesting dynamic and differing stages of development. The region has experienced rapid growth in the number of LTE networks. This has helped to transform the digital landscape by allowing faster data speeds, enhanced connectivity and the widespread adoption of mobile broadband services. The introduction of 5G brought even faster speeds, lower latency and greater security.
Globally, the number of LTE launches is steadily decreasing as operators shift focus to emerging technologies like 5G. The same is true in Asia–Pacific, where GSA has identified eight operators in different countries that are currently deploying 5G. A further 11 operators in eight countries are planning to deploy a 5G service in the near-term. As of July 2026, GSA had tracked 366 operators in 150 countries globally that have launched or soft-launched 5G networks (see report for Figure 1). According to the latest GSA data, Asia–Pacific has seen 145 operators in 43 countries or just over 23% of the global total investing in 5G services.
5G uptake is strong throughout the region, with 93 operators in 36 countries having launched a 5G service (see report for Figure 2). Six operators in different countries are in the process of deploying a 5G network, 25 operators are still in the testing phase and a further 12 have licences for a 5G network. 11 operators in eight countries are planning a 5G service.
© GSA 2026
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Region Spotlight – Asia-Pacific July 2026
