The March 2026 edition of GSA’s Region Spotlight: Northern America highlights a mature and advanced telecom market. The region has started its transition away from legacy networks, with widespread 2G and 3G shutdowns enabling operators to focus on LTE and 5G network modernisation. LTE remains a core technology in use, but deployment has plateaued as operators focus on expanding their 5G services and coverage.

Northern America continues to demonstrate strong momentum in 5G, with 34 launched networks across the United States, Canada, Bermuda, Greenland and Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The region is accelerating toward 5G standalone, with 12 operators having launched at least one commercial 5G standalone network and operators in both the United States and Canada investing in 5G‑Advanced. These developments position the region to enable next‑generation capabilities including network slicing and ultralow-latency services.

Private mobile networks represent another area of regional leadership as Northern America accounts for 32% of the global total with strong uptake across manufacturing, education, research and defence. The United States is leading in this market with 506 private mobile deployments.

These developments coupled with growing activity in satellite‑to‑device partnerships and fixed wireless access reflect Northern America’s continued leadership in next-generation connectivity.

• The report provides a comprehensive overview of 4G and 5G deployments in Northern America, using the latest GSA data. It covers:
• The state of LTE and its ongoing role in mobile broadband.
• Progress of 5G, including 5G standalone and 5G-Advanced.
• Evolution of private networks and enterprise 5G adoption.
• Status of 2G and 3G switch-offs, which North America leads globally.
• Expansion of satellite networks and other emerging technologies.
• Adoption of fixed wireless access and deployment of services.

© GSA 2026

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Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

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Regional Spotlight – Northern America March 2026

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Excel file annex to accompany the Northern America Regional Spotlight report.

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The global transition away from 2G and 3G networks is gathering pace as operators seek to modernize infrastructure and reallocate spectrum for faster 4G and 5G technologies. By December 2025, GSA identified 303 completed, planned or in progress 2G and 3G switch-offs in 88 countries and territories, underlining the continuing interest and investment in this strategy.

Europe leads globally in switch-off activity, accounting for 44% of all cases, followed by Asia (27%) and North America (7%).

This update also highlights that although some shutdowns are operator-led, others are mandated by corporate groups. For example, Orange Group aims for full 2G and 3G phase-outs across Europe by 2030.

Other key points:

•                     136 operators in 68 markets have completed or planned 2G shutdowns, with 46 of these already executed.
•                    167 operators in 67 markets are progressing on 3G switch-offs, 80 of which have already completed the transition.
•                    Many operators stated that they would complete the process in 2025; however, given that 2025 is drawing to a close, some are likely to complete in 2026.
•                    A majority (55%) of operators retiring older networks are upgrading to both 4G and 5G.

© GSA 2025

2G-3G Switch-Off December 2025

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Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

The post 2G-3G Switch-Off December 2025 appeared first on GSA.

The global transition away from 2G and 3G networks is gathering pace as operators seek to modernize infrastructure and reallocate spectrum for faster 4G and 5G technologies. By December 2025, GSA identified 303 completed, planned or in progress 2G and 3G switch-offs in 88 countries and territories, underlining the continuing interest and investment in this strategy.

Europe leads globally in switch-off activity, accounting for 44% of all cases, followed by Asia (27%) and North America (7%).

This update also highlights that although some shutdowns are operator-led, others are mandated by corporate groups. For example, Orange Group aims for full 2G and 3G phase-outs across Europe by 2030.

Other key points:

•                     136 operators in 68 markets have completed or planned 2G shutdowns, with 46 of these already executed.
•                    167 operators in 67 markets are progressing on 3G switch-offs, 80 of which have already completed the transition.
•                    Many operators stated that they would complete the process in 2025; however, given that 2025 is drawing to a close, some are likely to complete in 2026.
•                    A majority (55%) of operators retiring older networks are upgrading to both 4G and 5G.

© GSA 2025

2G-3G Switch-Off Annex

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The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

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This report and annex is available for GSA Members and Associate subscribers.

In recent years, Latin America has undergone a notable transformation in its telecommunications landscape, with mobile networks playing a central role in expanding digital access and enabling economic growth. The region reflects a mix of advanced and emerging markets, where strong demand for connectivity has driven operators to invest heavily in LTE and, increasingly, 5G. LTE has become the backbone of mobile broadband in most countries, delivering vital connectivity in both urban centres and rural areas where fixed infrastructure remains limited.

Now, as 5G begins to gain traction, Latin America stands at the start of a new phase of development.

Although adoption has been slower than in Northern America, Europe and Asia–Pacific, the foundations for growth are being laid through spectrum auctions, early 5G deployments and rising demand for advanced digital services. Alongside this, private mobile networks and satellite partnerships are beginning to reshape how connectivity supports industries and extends coverage to underserved areas.

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the status of LTE and 5G deployment in Latin America, drawing on the latest GSA data. It examines the evolution of LTE and LTE-Advanced, the roll-out of 5G and 5G standalone networks, the growth of private mobile networks, the progress of 2G and 3G switch-offs and the increasing role of spectrum policy and satellite services in shaping the region’s digital future.

Additional information on the LATAM and other regional markets can be found in the GSA GAMBoD industry databases.

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Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

LATAM Regional Report September 2025

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The full report including the Excel file of LATAM regional data from the GSA GAMBoD industry databases is available to GSA Members and Associate subscribers.

The September 2025 edition of GSA’s Region Spotlight: Latin America highlights a telecom sector in transition. LTE remains the dominant technology and a vital enabler of connectivity, with Brazil and Mexico leading large-scale deployments and others using LTE as a substitute for fixed broadband. LTE-Advanced has also gained ground, preparing the region for the next phase of mobile evolution.

However, 5G adoption trails that of more mature markets: by August 2025, only 37 operators in 18 countries had launched services, although a wave of deployments is underway, with spectrum auctions in countries such as Argentina, Costa Rica and Uruguay. Investment in 5G standalone is still limited, with just five operators in three countries launching services. Fixed wireless access is growing, with LTE dominating but 5G versions starting to emerge.

Since the previous update, private mobile networks have continued to grow, particularly in mining, ports and manufacturing, reflecting the region’s industrial strengths. Satellite partnerships are expanding coverage in rural and underserved areas. Furthermore, 2G and 3G switch-offs have begun in markets such as Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela, and momentum is expected to build in the coming years.

Overall, Latin America is steadily advancing toward a more connected future. The combination of mature LTE, gradual 5G adoption, growing private networks and satellite initiatives provides a strong foundation to bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities in mobile broadband and enterprise services.

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The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

LATAM Spotlight Summary September 2025.

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This ANNEX contains the data behind the LATAM Regional Report September 2025 and is for GSA Members and Associate subscribers.

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This is report closely tracks the status of 4G and 5G network deployment in Africa. It uses the latest GSA data and draws on various GSA reports, including private mobile networks and satellite non-terrestrial networks, to provide a comprehensive overview of the status of 4G and 5G deployment in the region.

In recent years, Africa has witnessed significant advancements in telecommunications technology. The proliferation of 4G LTE networks has transformed the digital landscape, enabling faster data speeds, enhanced connectivity and the widespread adoption of mobile broadband services across the region. Moreover, the advent of 5G technology promises to usher in a new era of connectivity, characterized by ultrafast speeds, low latency and greater security.

This report delves into various aspects of mobile network evolution including the status of LTE, the roll-out of 5G networks, advancements in LTE-Advanced, the emergence of 5G standalone infrastructure, the development of private networks, the switch-off of 2G and 3G technologies and the progress of satellite services.

LTE has played a transformative role in the growth of the African market over the past 10 years. Since launching in some countries in 2012, increased connectivity has facilitated better communication, increased access to educational resources and introduced the ability to use digital platforms for services, including energy and banking.

South Africa, Angola and Namibia were among the first to introduce LTE networks. Over the years, penetration has expanded, helping facilitate socio-economic development in the region. Although these improvements have benefited millions of people, many still lack stable Internet access, creating a digital divide.

As of the end of September 2024, GSA identified 833 operators globally that have launched LTE technology, a net rise of only nine launches since the end of 2023 (see

Since 2015, the peak year for LTE launches, the global number of net launches per year has decreased from 122 to just nine, a drastic decrease.

Looking at Africa more closely, by the end of September 2024, GSA identified 190 operators in 55 countries and regions investing in LTE mobile or fixed wireless access services. Of these, 160 operators in 53 countries have launched LTE technologies, covering the entire region and pointing to the strong uptake and impact of the technology in the continent.

In the coming months and years, the picture for LTE looks to be much weaker. GSA has identified just nine operators deploying or testing the technology in eight countries.

In addition, 11 operators in 10 countries including Angola and Zambia are currently planning deployments.

Regional Spotlight Africa – October 2024

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The latest GSA mobile industry statistics based on data in the GSA GAMBoD databases – updated monthly.

• GSA web site now has over 42k registered users downloading free industry reports, graphics and information
• GSA Members and Associates gain access to Member reports and the GSA Extensive GAMBoD databases
• Registered users from over 200 countries
• Associates include Mobile Operators, Country Regulators, Analyst, Suppliers, Industry bodies etc.
• GSA produces over 200 reports, papers and data releases annually
• GAMBoD databases include 24,800 devices, 1,965+ 5G devices with more than 1,150 devices vendors tracked
• Over 2,490 public and private LTE and 5G operators monitored
• Spectrum auctions, assignments and spectrum auction plans monitored and tracked

GSA Infographic October 2023

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GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

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A joining of multiple telecommunications standards organisations, 3GPP creates global specifications and standards for the five existing generations of mobile wireless technologies. The organisation continuously works on parallel releases, with common timelines for opening and “freezing” them, meeting four times a year to outline and develop new releases.

The journey from 5G to 5G Advanced and 6G: understand how 3GPP standards shape experiences with wireless connectivity with a new report from GSA. Learn more (link).

What new mobile connectivity features will 3GPP’s upcoming releases enable? Our new report delves into the key advances of Release 15 to Release 19, expected in 2025.

New GSA report outlines progress that 3GPP standards will bring to network intelligence, IoT, autonomous driving, AI and the metaverse.

In this report, GSA outlines each release from 15, which introduced 5G to the world of wireless technologies, to our current position of Release 18 and the first studies for Release 19 features and enhancements.

3GPP Roadmap August 2023

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Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

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