2G and 3G network shutdowns: Rationale, lessons learned and best practices
The arrival of 5G networks has led operators and regulators to consider shutting down older mobile legacy networks. The coming period up to 2025 is thus expected to be the one with the most 2G and 3G network sunsets ever.
The shutdown of legacy networks allows MNOs to refarm spectrum and shift frequencies towards new and more spectral-efficient networks.
By reducing the number of mobile generations supported and accompanying the migration processes, MNOs will be able to reduce their expenses, including OpEx.
This extensive bottom-up study covers 15 countries and more than 40 MNOs and offers:
The shutdown of legacy networks allows MNOs to refarm spectrum and shift frequencies towards new and more spectral-efficient networks.
By reducing the number of mobile generations supported and accompanying the migration processes, MNOs will be able to reduce their expenses, including OpEx.
This extensive bottom-up study covers 15 countries and more than 40 MNOs and offers:
- A state of the art of mobile network evolution
- Best practices for network shutdown
- Regulatory issues related to the shutdown process
- Opportunities and challenges of the transition
- A detailed overview of MNO strategies in 15 countries
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2. STATE OF THE ART
The evolution of mobile networks
Network decommissioning
Network shutdowns become more numerous
Selection of countries where 2G/3G are no longer supported
Key announced drivers for shutting down old network
3. SHUTDOWN BEST PRACTICES
Best practices for a successful legacy network shutdown process
Best marketing levers for a successful legacy network shutdown
Secure the IoT customer base with specific actions
4. REGULATORY ISSUES
Different degrees of regulatory involvement
Shutdown processes mainly led by MNOs
5. OPPORTUNITIES
4G and 5G much more efficient than 2G or 3G
Less users in older technologies
Spectrum influences how the network is designed
Getting additional spectrum
DSS eases the transition from NSA to 5G SA
Main paths to reduce energy consumption
Replacement of old network equipment (2G/3G/4G)
6. CHALLENGING ISSUES
Manage the transition efficiently and in advance
IoT business
IoT technologies over cellular
7. OVERVIEW OF COUNTRY AND MNO STRATEGIES
7.1. China
7.2. Czech Republic
7.3. France
7.4. Germany
7.5. Italy
7.6. Japan
7.7. Netherlands
7.8. Norway
7.9. Singapore
7.10. South Korea
7.11. Spain
7.12. Switzerland
7.13. Taiwan
7.14. United Kingdom
7.15. United States
2. STATE OF THE ART
The evolution of mobile networks
Network decommissioning
Network shutdowns become more numerous
Selection of countries where 2G/3G are no longer supported
Key announced drivers for shutting down old network
3. SHUTDOWN BEST PRACTICES
Best practices for a successful legacy network shutdown process
Best marketing levers for a successful legacy network shutdown
Secure the IoT customer base with specific actions
4. REGULATORY ISSUES
Different degrees of regulatory involvement
Shutdown processes mainly led by MNOs
5. OPPORTUNITIES
4G and 5G much more efficient than 2G or 3G
Less users in older technologies
Spectrum influences how the network is designed
Getting additional spectrum
DSS eases the transition from NSA to 5G SA
Main paths to reduce energy consumption
Replacement of old network equipment (2G/3G/4G)
6. CHALLENGING ISSUES
Manage the transition efficiently and in advance
IoT business
IoT technologies over cellular
7. OVERVIEW OF COUNTRY AND MNO STRATEGIES
7.1. China
7.2. Czech Republic
7.3. France
7.4. Germany
7.5. Italy
7.6. Japan
7.7. Netherlands
7.8. Norway
7.9. Singapore
7.10. South Korea
7.11. Spain
7.12. Switzerland
7.13. Taiwan
7.14. United Kingdom
7.15. United States
