Navigating the Spectrum Sunsetting Roadmap 2024-2040: Strategies for Cellular Technology Generations Shutdown

The Spectrum Sunsetting Roadmap for 2024-2040 outlines strategies for phasing out older generations of cellular technology. The mobile industry is facing challenges with network sunsetting, as many legacy applications still rely on 3G and 2G. Issues with shutting down 2G networks have highlighted the importance of avoiding similar complications when it comes time to sunset 4G networks in the next decade.

Following the introduction of 4G in 2009, certain countries quickly decided to discontinue 2G and 3G services, particularly if there were not many legacy applications or users still relying on them. Without any pressure from stakeholders or regulators to keep the older generations, telecom operators were able to reduce support and maintenance expenses by phasing them out, allowing for more spectrum to be used for 4G and eventually 5G technologies.

While the first generation of mobile networks quickly transitioned to digital voice and SMS texting, the second generation has continued to exist in certain markets for over 40 years since its launch in Finland in 1991. This extended lifespan is due to the unique circumstances of each market, which are not always influenced by economic factors or revenue generated per user.

Certainly, 2G and 3G networks are often linked with lower profits, leading many companies to struggle with the decision of whether to keep these outdated technologies running or to shut them down. While operators may not be legally required to keep providing these services, they are hesitant to lose a large number of customers by discontinuing them.

This has resulted in the creation of solutions that allow older generation technologies to work alongside 4G and 5G in a more affordable way by sharing infrastructure or frequencies, sometimes utilizing Open RAN technology. More details on some of these solutions will be discussed later in the report.

Our research demonstrates a significant variation in sunset times for 2G and 3G networks, which is expected to continue with 4G in the 2030s, although to a lesser degree. This is because steps are being taken to phase out older generations once full coverage is achieved with the newest RAN technology.

In some markets, the slow process of phasing out 2G and 3G technology has caused frustration among operators who are used to a 10-year cycle of upgrading cellular services.

Certain operators are suggesting a shift in approach with the upcoming 6G technology, aiming for a more seamless and gradual evolution to avoid the disruptions seen with the end of 2G networks.

In order to predict when different generations of mobile networks will be phased out, a forecast chart has been created covering a 30-year period from 2011 to 2040. Most mobile operators had already introduced 2G and 3G services by 2011, with 4G beginning to be implemented around the same time. The introduction of 5G is expected to occur at different times starting from 2019, as indicated by the start of the red segment on the chart.

This is the most recent prediction in the RAN Research Archive, which currently consists of:

Rethink Technology Research is a company that has become well-known for its expertise in 5G technology, wireless communication, entertainment industry, streaming media, Internet of Things, and now energy market. Their wireless research team, RAN Research, creates market predictions and technology reports.

Get the complete summary of the report by downloading it in full.

Other articles on the website include a review of Seed4.Me, a VPN service for accessing restricted websites and protecting personal data. Singtel and Hitachi Digital have formed a partnership to advance industrial AI solutions. NeoCortec showcased a complete sensor-to-cloud solution at Embedded World 2024. VIAVI has selected ETS-Lindgren to provide an anechoic chamber for its VALOR Lab. The Indian Army is exploring next-generation wireless technologies. u-blox has introduced new LTE Cat 1bis cellular modules for global connectivity. An interview with STMicroelectronics highlights their microcontroller innovations and low power MCUs. STMicroelectronics is dedicated to fostering innovation and empowering edge AI development. They are also making advancements in power electronics for aircraft electrification. STM32 MCUs from STMicroelectronics now support wireless connectivity. Learn how to futureproof your industrial network security. EMITE and Rohde & Schwarz have partnered to support OTA measurements. congatec has unveiled new SMARC modules based on NXP technology.