EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The global 5G market is entering a more selective and strategic phase of development.

The first years of 5G were defined by launch momentum. Operators raced to switch on services, extend coverage and establish a visible 5G presence in their markets. That expansion continues, with 392 operators now having launched 5G networks and 643 operators investing in the technology overall. But the pace and character of growth are changing. The relatively modest annual increase in total 5G investment suggests that the market is moving beyond its initial land-grab phase and into a period shaped less by headline launches and more by network quality, architectural maturity and service differentiation.

As the global data in this latest report shows, that shift is most clearly visible in 5G Standalone. While non-standalone still accounts for the majority of launched services, standalone is steadily gaining share and now underpins much of the industry’s next wave of innovation. As operators build out standalone cores, they are putting in place the foundations for 5G RedCap, network slicing, more advanced enterprise offers and the broader transition towards programmable, cloud-native mobile networks. In parallel, the emergence of 5G-Advanced, which itself requires a 5G SA core, shows that the leading edge of the market is already beginning to move beyond basic 5G deployment and towards enhanced performance, efficiency and automation.

The ecosystem around 5G is also deepening. Device numbers continue to rise, but the more telling trend is diversification: alongside smartphones, the market now includes a growing base of industrial routers, modules, FWA CPEs and other specialised devices that support enterprise and sector-specific use cases. Private mobile networks are expanding steadily, with 5G taking a rising share, while satellite-to-cellphone partnerships are moving from concept to commercial launch. Fixed wireless access remains one of the most widely deployed and commercially proven 5G use cases, particularly in markets seeking to extend broadband reach quickly.

Taken together, these trends point to a market that is no longer defined simply by how many 5G networks exist, but by what those networks are becoming. 5G in 2026 will be shaped by standalone adoption, ecosystem readiness and the ability of operators to translate technical capability into commercial value.

In this report you will find the latest headline data behind all these trends and developments. All of the detail behind the data is available exclusively to GSA Members and Associates in GAMBoD, GSA’s suite of databases, covering devices, public networks, private networks, chipsets, spectrum assignments, spectrum pricing and a global database of mobile operator technology and spectrum profiles. All employees of GSA Member or GSA Associate organisation will be able to benefit from unlimited access to the full suite of seven databases.

Key Highlights

• 392 operators have launched 5G networks, up 14% from March 2025, reflecting 44% of total LTE and 5G networks.

• In the last year, 11 5G auctions have been completed across the world, for an average price of $663.4 million.

• As of now, there are 4,256 announced 5G devices, up 24% from last year. In comparison, total LTE devices totalled 29,024.

• 95 operators have launched a 5G Standalone service, highlighting a growth of 42% since 1Q25.

• In total, 35 operators are investing in 5G-Advanced, an increase of 71% since last year. Of these, 11 operators have launched a service.

• The manufacturing vertical is a strong adopter of mobile private networks, with 374 identified customer deployments, followed by the education and academic research sector with 169 customers deploying it.

• 97 operators are investing in satellite-to cellphone connectivity and 8 available chipsets are compatible with the technology.

• There are 394 operators who have launched a 5G fixed wireless service, with another 29 investing in the technology, an increase of 59% since June 2025.

The global 5G market is entering a more selective and strategic phase of development.

The data in this report is correct as of the end of March 2026.

State of the Market April 2026

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The Q1 2026 Mobile Industry statistics pulled from the GSA GAMBoD industry databases.

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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.

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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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The proportion of mobile subscriptions that are 5G increased from one-quarter at the end of 2024 to one-third in 2025. 5G mid-band is ideal for providing both capacity and coverage, and therefore enhancing user experience, with population coverage expected to reach 45 percent globally outside mainland China during 2025.Mobile network data traffic grew 20 percent between Q3 2024 and Q3 2025, slightly more than expected. Looking to the next generation, the 6G standardisation process has already begun. We expect the first commercial launches to be driven by leading service providers in front-runner markets. AI-native 6G networks, together with new capabilities such as integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), will enable entirely new use cases and classes of devices. These advances will unlock new business opportunities for service providers.

5G to account for one-third of mobile subscriptions in 2025.

During the third quarter of 2025, 162 million 5G subscriptions were added, bringing the total to almost 2.8 billion.

5G subscription uptake continues apace and the total is expected to reach 2.9 billion at the end of 2025, accounting for one-third of all mobile subscriptions. The highest 5G subscription penetration is expected to be in North America with 79 percent, followed by North East Asia at 61 percent and Western Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, both at 55 percent. Globally, 5G is anticipated to overtake 4G as the dominant mobile access technology by subscription by the end of 2027, nine years after launch.

Around 360 service providers have now launched commercial 5G services, and more than 90 of those have launched or soft-launched 5G standalone (SA).

As subscribers migrate to 5G, the number of 4G subscriptions continues to decline. During the third quarter, 4G subscriptions declined by 65 million, bringing the total below 4.8 billion. 3G subscriptions declined by 22 million during the same period, while 2G subscriptions dropped by 29 million.

2G and 3G network sunsetting continues around the world. The phasing out of 3G networks is anticipated to happen more quickly than that of 2G in the coming years, but the timeline for this transition varies based on country and service provider.

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Ericsson Mobility Report November 2025

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Designing the Next Generation of Fixed Wireless Access Antennas for 4G and 5G Connectivity

Link to full Insight Article here

Sponsored by Poynting Antennas
As 4G and 5G networks extend deeper into urban, suburban and rural regions, advanced Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) antennas are redefining how broadband is delivered. This article explores the research, design, and testing processes that enable robust FWA performance from 617 MHz to 7200 MHz.

A Changing Connectivity Landscape
The demand for reliable broadband has never been greater. From remote work and digital education to IoT-enabled agriculture and industry, the global reliance on high-capacity wireless networks continues to accelerate. Yet, in many regions, fibre and copper infrastructure remain economically unfeasible or physically impractical. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) bridges this gap—delivering broadband via radio links instead of cables. Its success, however, depends heavily on one component often taken for granted: the antenna system. The performance, design, and efficiency of these antennas determine how effectively FWA can serve both dense urban environments and isolated rural communities.

Research: Understanding Market and Spectrum Realities
Before design begins, FWA antenna development must start with research—mapping real-world deployment needs, available spectrum, and cost-to-performance trade-offs. At the lower end of the spectrum (617 MHz–960 MHz), extended coverage and better building penetration are achievable—ideal for rural connectivity where tower spacing is large. Higher frequency bands (up to 7200 MHz) offer higher data capacity and reduced latency for suburban and urban use cases. This balance between coverage and throughput defines the architectural decisions behind every new generation of FWA antennas. Emerging markets demand cost-effective outdoor antennas that enhance existing router performance, reduce cable losses, and maintain consistent throughput in variable weather conditions. Urban regions, meanwhile, prioritize compact, aesthetically neutral designs with precise directional control to avoid interference.

Design: From Concept to Electromagnetic Reality
The design phase converts these needs into practical engineering outcomes. It starts with concept development—selecting antenna types suited for FWA environments, such as omni-directional units for broad coverage and directional or sector antennas for high-throughput links. Modern antenna design leverages advanced electromagnetic simulation tools that predict performance under realistic conditions. These simulations assess parameters such as radiation pattern, impedance matching, and beamwidth. Materials are chosen not only for RF efficiency but also for resilience—UV-stabilized plastics, corrosion-resistant metals, and weatherproof sealing enable long-term outdoor operation.

Wireless Theory: Why Antenna Design Matters
Wireless communication relies on electromagnetic waves carrying data from transmitter to receiver. Modulation schemes like Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) embed information into the carrier wave by varying both amplitude and phase, allowing multiple bits per symbol. Even under perfect conditions, a signal weakens as it travels—a phenomenon known as Free Space Path Loss (FSPL). FSPL increases with both distance and frequency, meaning higher-frequency 5G links require more precise antenna gain and alignment to maintain stable connections. Effective FWA design compensates for FSPL through optimized gain, beam shaping, and careful alignment between transmitting and receiving antennas.

Simulation and Iteration: The Digital Testing Ground
Sophisticated 3D electromagnetic solvers now make it possible to simulate antenna behavior long before fabrication. By testing multiple prototypes virtually, engineers can iteratively refine parameters such as impedance bandwidth, isolation between ports, and overall radiation efficiency. The result is an antenna optimized not only for maximum gain but also for stability across frequency bands and operating environments. This virtual testing phase shortens development cycles and reduces costly physical re-spins.

Designing Next Generation FWA Antennas

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The November 2025 edition of GSA’s Region Spotlight: Africa highlights a telecom sector in transition. In recent years, Africa has seen moderate advancement in telecommunications technology. The proliferation of 4G LTE networks in Africa has transformed the digital landscape, enabling faster data speeds, enhanced connectivity and the widespread adoption of mobile broadband services.

Africa has not seen the levels of mobile network development as in other regions, but there will be significant growth levels as high-investment projects take effect. Moreover, the advent of 5G technology promises to usher in a new era of connectivity for the region, characterised by ultrafast speeds, low latency and greater security.

LTE adoption is widespread, with 173 operators in 57 countries having launched services. Meanwhile, LTE-Advanced deployment remains uneven, with only 53 operators in 31 countries. The 5G landscape in Africa is evolving, with 91 operators in 46 countries investing in the technology and 49 operators in 29 countries having launched 5G networks. Although 5G standalone adoption is limited, there is potential for growth as device ecosystems mature and operators consider 5G standalone for initial launches.

Fixed wireless access is also gaining traction, with services available in 47 countries and adoption exceeding 78%, driven by limited fibre infrastructure. However, spectrum auctions and switch-offs of 2G and 3G remain slow, reflecting economic constraints and widespread use of older devices.

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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.
Regional Spotlight – Africa November 2025

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Detail behind the Regional Spotlight Report – November 2025.  – Excel Annex for GSA Members and Associates.

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A Changing Connectivity Landscape

The demand for reliable broadband has never been greater. From remote work and digital education to IoT-enabled agriculture and industry, the global reliance on high-capacity wireless networks continues to accelerate. Yet, in many regions, fibre and copper infrastructure remain economically unfeasible or physically impractical. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) bridges this gap—delivering broadband via radio links instead of cables. Its success, however, depends heavily on one component often taken for granted: the antenna system. The performance, design, and efficiency of these antennas determine how effectively FWA can serve both dense urban environments and isolated rural communities.

Research: Understanding Market and Spectrum Realities

Before design begins, FWA antenna development must start with research—mapping real-world deployment needs, available spectrum, and cost-to-performance trade-offs. At the lower end of the spectrum (617 MHz–960 MHz), extended coverage and better building penetration are achievable—ideal for rural connectivity where tower spacing is large. Higher frequency bands (up to 7200 MHz) offer higher data capacity and reduced latency for suburban and urban use cases. This balance between coverage and throughput defines the architectural decisions behind every new generation of FWA antennas. Emerging markets demand cost-effective outdoor antennas that enhance existing router performance, reduce cable losses, and maintain consistent throughput in variable weather conditions. Urban regions, meanwhile, prioritize compact, aesthetically neutral designs with precise directional control to avoid interference.

Design: From Concept to Electromagnetic Reality

The design phase converts these needs into practical engineering outcomes. It starts with concept development—selecting antenna types suited for FWA environments, such as omni-directional units for broad coverage and directional or sector antennas for high-throughput links. Modern antenna design leverages advanced electromagnetic simulation tools that predict performance under realistic conditions. These simulations assess parameters such as radiation pattern, impedance matching, and beamwidth. Materials are chosen not only for RF efficiency but also for resilience—UV-stabilized plastics, corrosion-resistant metals, and weatherproof sealing enable long-term outdoor operation.

Wireless Theory: Why Antenna Design Matters

Wireless communication relies on electromagnetic waves carrying data from transmitter to receiver. Modulation schemes like Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) embed information into the carrier wave by varying both amplitude and phase, allowing multiple bits per symbol. Even under perfect conditions, a signal weakens as it travels—a phenomenon known as Free Space Path Loss (FSPL). FSPL increases with both distance and frequency, meaning higher-frequency 5G links require more precise antenna gain and alignment to maintain stable connections. Effective FWA design compensates for FSPL through optimized gain, beam shaping, and careful alignment between transmitting and receiving antennas.

Simulation and Iteration: The Digital Testing Ground

Sophisticated 3D electromagnetic solvers now make it possible to simulate antenna behavior long before fabrication. By testing multiple prototypes virtually, engineers can iteratively refine parameters such as impedance bandwidth, isolation between ports, and overall radiation efficiency. The result is an antenna optimized not only for maximum gain but also for stability across frequency bands and operating environments. This virtual testing phase shortens development cycles and reduces costly physical re-spins.

Validation: Laboratory and Field Performance

No simulation is complete without real-world verification. Laboratory testing in anechoic chambers measures return loss, gain, and radiation patterns under controlled conditions. Environmental testing then subjects prototypes to extremes of temperature, humidity, wind, and vibration to validate durability. Field trials follow—deployments in rural and urban sites where engineers measure throughput, latency, and signal integrity under operational load. These trials often reveal practical installation insights such as optimal mounting height, cabling considerations, and router-integration behavior.

Manufacturing for Scalability and Quality

Once performance is validated, antenna production must meet large-scale demand without compromising precision. Efficient manufacturing hinges on component standardization, supply-chain reliability, and stringent quality assurance at every stage. Scalable production ensures that high-performance FWA antennas remain economically viable for both large network operators and small rural ISPs. Global demand for multi-band solutions is accelerating—manufacturers now design platforms flexible enough to support LTE, 4G, 5G, and even Wi-Fi backhaul from a single housing.

Real-World Deployments: Rural and Urban Examples

Rural deployments highlight the transformative power of low-band antennas (617–960 MHz). In these regions, subscribers who previously relied on satellite or unreliable DSL can now access broadband exceeding 50 Mbps using outdoor FWA installations. Urban tests, conversely, demonstrate how higher-band antennas (3.3–7.2 GHz) enable multi-gigabit 5G connectivity in high-density environments. By integrating multiple antenna elements and supporting MIMO operation, these solutions achieve both capacity and stability even amid heavy network contention.

The Road Ahead: MIMO, Efficiency, and Sustainability

Next-generation FWA antennas will increasingly incorporate massive-MIMO architectures, supporting advanced beamforming and dynamic spectrum allocation. Sustainability is also becoming integral to design philosophy. Modern manufacturers are adopting recyclable materials, modular housings, and energy-efficient production methods. As networks expand, environmental responsibility and performance optimization will no longer be competing priorities—they will be inseparable.

Conclusion

Fixed Wireless Access is no longer a stopgap for unconnected regions; it has evolved into a critical component of the 5G ecosystem. Behind every successful deployment lies a meticulously engineered antenna—one that balances gain, coverage, and aesthetics with the realities of mass deployment. As the 4G-to-5G transition continues, antenna innovation remains pivotal in determining the reach, reliability, and sustainability of wireless broadband.

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The September 2025 report on the LTE device ecosystem highlights the extensive growth and diversity of LTE-enabled devices.

As of August 2025, more than 30,436 LTE user devices — including commercial 5G devices also supporting LTE — from over 1,030 manufacturers have been catalogued in GSA’s GAMBoD database, marking an 8.8% increase since the end of August 2024. LTE still dominates mobile telecom services despite the rise of 5G, with 841 operators running LTE networks.

The report explores the dominance of LTE phones, which represent nearly half of all LTE devices, alongside notable growth in fixed wireless access devices, routers and IoT modules. Frequency-division duplex (FDD) remains the most widely supported LTE mode, with 1800 MHz spectrum particularly popular.  Time-division duplex (TDD) device support is growing, with bands 40, 41 and 38 leading adoption.

The report also underscores the increasing prevalence of VoLTE, ViLTE, and enhanced voice services, alongside LTE-Advanced technologies like carrier aggregation. Additionally, LTE-based IoT solutions are expanding, reflecting demand for low-power wide-area devices in industrial and consumer applications.

The GAMBoD database continues to serve as a vital resource for tracking LTE and 5G device ecosystems, offering insights into form factors, features and frequency support. Access is available to GSA members.

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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.

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LTE Ecosystem September 2025

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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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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.

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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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.

LATAM Spotlight Summary September 2025.

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