2G and 3G Switch-Off – August 2026
The global transition away from 2G and 3G networks is gathering pace as operators seek to modernise infrastructure and reallocate spectrum for faster 4G and 5G technologies. By June 2026, GSA identified 313 completed, planned or in-progress 2G and 3G switch-offs in 89 countries and territories, underlining the continuing interest and investment in this strategy.
Europe leads in switch-off activity globally, accounting for 43% of all cases, followed by Asia (26%) and Latin America and the Caribbean (9%).
Operators continue to outline plans to retire their 2G and 3G networks, although some have not met their initial targets, underlining the challenges accompanying this process.
Some 2G and 3G switch-offs are led by operator group targets. Others are mandated by government and regulators to encourage the shift to newer networks that are more energy efficient and to allow spectrum to be reallocated.
Other key points:
- 139 operators in 70 markets have completed or planned 2G shutdowns, with 56 of these already finalised.
- 174 operators in 67 markets are have started 3G switch-offs, of which 102 have completed the transition.
- Almost half (58%) of operators retiring older networks are upgrading to both 4G and 5G.
- A total of 27 operators have retired both their 2G and 3G networks.
Switching off networks has multiple benefits. It allows the refarming of spectrum to add capacity for LTE and 5G, and it reduces the energy used to operate networks that have relatively little traffic. Modern network technologies have better security and can better protect against cyber-attacks.
Drawing on information collected by GSA about the switch-off of 2G and 3G around the world, this report focuses on the number of operators that have already shut down these networks, those in the process of doing so and those planning such a move. It also identifies the number of operators per country that have switched off each technology.
© GSA 2026
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2G and 3G Switch-Off – August 2026
