{"id":11269,"date":"2023-02-14T11:21:08","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T11:21:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/?p=11269"},"modified":"2024-05-29T19:22:09","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T18:22:09","slug":"network-rationalisation-making-way-for-4g-and-5g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/news\/network-rationalisation-making-way-for-4g-and-5g\/","title":{"rendered":"Network rationalisation: making way for 4G and 5G"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With the smartphone revolution and the rapid growth in wireless data services, operators worldwide are exploring opportunities to reduce costs or to re-use 2G\/3G spectrum for the more cost-efficient 4G and 5G technologies, by shutting down networks using the older legacy technologies. The commercial and regulatory push for enhanced 5G connectivity means operators worldwide are increasingly motivated to sunset legacy networks.<\/p>\n<p>On 9 February, the GSMA convened key EU policy and industry decision-makers for its #GSMAConnected series <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/gsma_events\/gsmaconnected-network-rationalisation\/\">event<\/a> &#8220;Network rationalisation: making way for 4G and 5G&#8221; to discuss what are the most suitable market, regulatory and commercial conditions for switching off 2G and 3G networks.<\/p>\n<p><strong> Joe Lynch<\/strong>, Co-Chair of BEREC Wireless Network Evolution Working Group, and International Unit Analyst at ComReg, Ireland, and <strong>Tassos Lyratzis<\/strong>, Chair of Mobile Technology Evolution of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group, EETT, Greece, presented opening remarks. <strong>Emanuel Kolta<\/strong>, Lead Analyst at GSMA Intelligence, presented global trends. <strong>Michaela Angonius<\/strong>, Head of Legal Affairs CPS &amp; Head of Group Regulatory Affairs at Telia Company, and <strong>Pascal Rogard<\/strong>, Head of Brussels Office at Orange, spoke about opportunities and challenges from the MNO&#8217;s perspective.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery gallery_thumbnails galleryid-11269 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-large'><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-0'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0110-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A woman with shoulder-length brown hair speaks at a conference table surrounded by people. She gestures with her hand while engaging with a man next to her. The table has nameplates, glassware, orange juice, water bottles, and breakfast items.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0110-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0110-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0110-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0110-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0110-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-1'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0030-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A man in a gray blazer speaks and gestures with his hands during a meeting at a conference table. Several people sit beside him, listening and taking notes. Bottles, papers, and pens are visible on the table in a bright office setting.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0030-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0030-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0030-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0030-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0030-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-2'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0038-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A group of people sit around a long conference table set with breakfast foods, drinks, and name cards. They face a screen showing two people joining the meeting via video call. The meeting is in a modern, bright room with glass walls.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0038-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0038-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0038-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0038-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0038-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery gallery_thumbnails galleryid-11269 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-large'><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-2-0'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0049-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A group of professionals sits at a conference table in a meeting room. The focus is on a man in a plaid jacket who is smiling slightly, while others nearby listen attentively. Papers and cups are visible on the table in the foreground.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0049-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0049-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0049-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0049-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0049-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-2-1'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0063-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A woman with long blonde hair appears concerned during a video call, displayed on a large screen. Below her, a smaller window shows a man with glasses. Their emails and names are visible. A hallway with ceiling lights is reflected on the screen.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0063-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0063-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0063-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0063-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0063-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-2-2'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0079-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A bald man in a suit gestures while speaking at a meeting table. Another man in a suit listens beside him, and a woman sits to their left. Papers, bottles of water, and pitchers are on the table. The background shows glass walls and a modern office.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0079-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0079-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0079-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0079-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0079-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<h5>Key highlights<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>New 5G era: <\/strong>Regulators, telecoms companies, and end-users agree that 5G is more than a new generation of technologies; it represents a new era in connectivity. 5G can provide high speeds, low latency and massive capacity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Europe\u2019s plans:\u00a0 <\/strong>To meet EU connectivity goals, we need the right conditions for private infrastructure investment and network modernisation. With the arrival of 5G, there is commercial pressure to retire old networks. In Europe, many mobile network operators have completed or plan to switch off their legacy 2G or 3G networks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>IoT issue:<\/strong> 2G and 3G technologies have already gone through extensive updates to increase their lifespans and get every last bit of use from their infrastructure. While 2G has been the prevalent technology in many markets in terms of coverage \u2013 time has come to move on. There are technical options for migrating the various IoT applications relying on old networks (better, new technologies) so the decision for 2G and 3G technologies remains an economic one.<\/li>\n<li><strong>eCall: <\/strong>eCall is a system used in vehicles across the\u00a0EU\u00a0which automatically makes a free 112 emergency call if a vehicle is involved in a serious road accident. The problem? EU regulation is not technology neutral and prescribes a system based on Circuit Switched (2G). These networks will be switched off in the coming years. EU regulation must be neutral and, cater for the future: new networks are relying on different technologies (packet-switched for 4G\/5G vs Circuit Switched for 2G\/3G).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery gallery_thumbnails galleryid-11269 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-large'><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-3-0'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0074-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A group of people sit around a long conference table set with papers, drinks, and snacks. Most attendees are focused on a video call projected at the end of the room, where a woman appears on a large screen, leading the discussion.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0074-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0074-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0074-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0074-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0074-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-3-1'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0129-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A group of people sit around a conference table in a bright, modern room, engaged in discussion. Papers, drinks, and snacks are on the table. A video call is visible on a wall screen in the background, showing a woman speaking remotely.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0129-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0129-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0129-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0129-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0129-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-3-2'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0090-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A group of people sit around a long conference table set for a meeting, with orange juice, pastries, and name cards visible. Some participants are engaged in conversation, while others listen. Large windows and a TV screen are in the background.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0090-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0090-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0090-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0090-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0090-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery gallery_thumbnails galleryid-11269 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-large'><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-4-0'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0098-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A group of people in business attire sit at a long conference table with nameplates, drinks, and breakfast items in front of large windows. They are engaged in conversation in a modern, well-lit meeting room.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0098-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0098-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0098-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0098-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0098-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-4-1'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0076-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A group of people in business attire sits around a conference table with documents, nameplates, drinks, and snacks. They are engaged in discussion in a modern glass-walled office with natural light.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0076-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0076-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0076-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0076-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0076-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-4-2'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0040-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A group of people sit around a conference table in a modern, bright meeting room. Most are facing forward, engaged in discussion. A man in a dark jacket rests his hand on his chin, looking thoughtful. Bottles and papers are on the table.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0040-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0040-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0040-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0040-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023_02_09_GSMA_Breakfast_0040-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<h5>Presentations<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/GSMAi.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GSMA Intelligence | Global Trends &#8211; Network sunsets in Europe<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Orange.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Orange | network sunset: making way for 4G and 5G<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Watch the highlight video<\/h5>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X68_9QGO1-A\" width=\"700\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h5>#GSMAConnected Series: Small scale Big impact<\/h5>\n<p>This event is part of #GSMAConnected Series of Events (formerly Mobile Meetings Series). These are small-scale, invitation-only meetings that provide a setting to explore, from broader stakeholder\u2019s perspective, EU policy issues that are central to the development of the mobile industry.<\/p>\n<h5>For more information please contact<\/h5>\n\n            <div class=\"people \" id=\"people-8a77212e\"  data-slug=\"rita-de-castro\"   data-layout=\"\"><\/div>\n        \n<script>\n    window.enableSaveBreadcrumb = true;\n    window.addEventListener(\"load\", function(){\n      const people_list = new People_List();\n      people_list.init(\"people-8a77212e\");\n      \/\/console.log(list);\n    });\n<\/script>\n    \n<p><a href=\"mailto:rdecastro@gsma.com\">rdecastro@gsma.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the smartphone revolution and the rapid growth in wireless data services, operators worldwide are exploring opportunities to reduce costs or to re-use 2G\/3G spectrum for the more cost-efficient 4G and 5G technologies, by shutting down networks using the older legacy technologies. The commercial and regulatory push for enhanced 5G connectivity means operators worldwide are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":11293,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"algolia_discover_type":[5018],"class_list":["post-11269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","algolia_discover_type-article"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.3 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Network rationalisation: making way for 4G and 5G - GSMA Europe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/news\/network-rationalisation-making-way-for-4g-and-5g\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Network rationalisation: making way for 4G and 5G\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"With the smartphone revolution and the rapid growth in wireless data services, operators worldwide are exploring opportunities to reduce costs or to re-use 2G\/3G spectrum for the more cost-efficient 4G and 5G technologies, by shutting down networks using the older legacy technologies. The commercial and regulatory push for enhanced 5G connectivity means operators worldwide are [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/news\/network-rationalisation-making-way-for-4g-and-5g\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"GSMA Europe\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gsma\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-02-14T11:21:08+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-05-29T18:22:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-79.png?fit=650%2C320&ssl=1\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"650\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"320\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"RutaL\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@GSMA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@GSMA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"RutaL\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Network rationalisation: making way for 4G and 5G - GSMA Europe","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/news\/network-rationalisation-making-way-for-4g-and-5g\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Network rationalisation: making way for 4G and 5G","og_description":"With the smartphone revolution and the rapid growth in wireless data services, operators worldwide are exploring opportunities to reduce costs or to re-use 2G\/3G spectrum for the more cost-efficient 4G and 5G technologies, by shutting down networks using the older legacy technologies. 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