Global 5G Frenzy: Surging Upgrades, Sky-High Signals & the 3G Farewell Tour

Key Facts Roundup

5G Expansion & 6G on Horizon: Regulators worldwide accelerated next-gen wireless rollouts. In the U.S., the FCC moved to fast-track 5G (and even pave the way for 6G) by overriding local red tape on tower builds ^[1]. Major 5G spectrum auctions are underway globally – India is prepping a mega-auction across nearly 10 bands (including debuting the upper 6 GHz range) ^[2], Sri Lanka just issued its first 5G auction notice (aiming to allocate frequencies within two months) ^[3], and Turkey scheduled a long-awaited 5G tender on October 16 ahead of a April 2026 service launch ^[4]. European regulators are freeing up ultra-fast mmWave airwaves (the UK is auctioning 26 GHz and 40 GHz high-band licenses in cities this month) and even studying terahertz spectrum for future 6G networks ^[5].
Carrier Power Plays: Telecom operators announced bold moves to outpace rivals. In the UK, BT (EE) set an ambitious goal of 99% population coverage with standalone 5G by 2030 – a full four years ahead of competitors – leveraging new Ericsson radios that quadruple uplink capacity ^[6]. In the U.S., Verizon teamed with GE’s Vernova unit to connect smart energy grids via private LTE/5G networks for utility companies ^[7] ^[8]. Vodafone is expanding in Eastern Europe, agreeing to acquire Telekom Romania Mobile’s post-paid customer base (while partner Digi takes the prepaid business) as part of a €70 million deal ^[9]. And industry leaders like Telefónica are urging regulators to allow more mergers – noting Europe has 41 separate telecom operators with >500k subscribers each (versus just five in the U.S.) – to improve scale and efficiency ^[10]. “All it needs is to lift the brake a little and allow the market to consolidate,” argued Telefónica CEO Marc Murtra, highlighting Europe’s fragmented sector ^[11].
3G Goodbye, 5G Hello: The global phase-out of legacy 2G and 3G networks is accelerating to free up spectrum for broadband. Europe’s 3G networks have largely been dismantled, and most EU countries plan to retire 2G by 2030 ^[12]. In the U.S., major carriers already shut down 3G in 2022 and are on track to sunset remaining 2G service around 2025 ^[13]. Even developing markets are racing to catch up: for example, Israel set an end-of-2025 deadline to switch off all 2G and 3G signals (requiring all users to upgrade to 4G/5G VoLTE phones by 2026) ^[14]. And in Gambia, the government approved a $95 million investment to revive state carrier Gamcel – currently stuck on old 2G/3G technology – by upgrading every site to 4G and 5G. “We are the only operator currently on 2G and 3G. Every other operator in this market has 4G or 5G,” lamented Gamcel’s GM Fatou Fatty, underscoring the urgent need to modernize ^[15]. Under the new plan, all Gamcel towers will be upgraded to 4G/5G and legacy networks phased out, finally bringing the company up to par with its competitors ^[16].
5G Innovations Unlock New Feats: Next-gen mobile networks are enabling breakthroughs once thought sci-fi. In a world-first this month, Kuwait’s Zain facilitated a 12,000 km remote surgery – a doctor in Kuwait successfully operated on a patient in Brazil – by using an 80 Mb/s ultra-low-latency 5G link ^[17]. Zain’s CEO hailed the milestone as a “serious step toward a thriving digital future,” with the reliable, real-time connection enabling precise robotic control across the globe. Meanwhile, carriers are finally delivering on 5G’s advanced capabilities: features like network slicing (dedicated virtual networks for enterprise use) have moved from testing to commercial launch (T-Mobile’s new T‑Priority service and Verizon’s Frontline network are early examples) ^[18]. And a new breed of IoT-focused 5G devices is emerging – so-called Reduced-Capability (RedCap) 5G. Industry analysts predict 2025 will be the breakout year for these low-cost 5G gadgets, noting it’s the first time device makers and networks are fully aligned on RedCap adoption ^[19]. Even Apple’s newest smartwatch now supports 5G RedCap, signaling broad industry support for this technology. RedCap fills an important gap: it offers far better speed and latency than 4G-based IoT standards (like LTE-M or NB-IoT) but with cheaper, simpler modems than full 5G – ideal for wearables, sensors, and smart industrial devices ^[20].
IoT, Broadband and Beyond: Global mobile internet usage continues to grow – but not evenly. 5G networks now cover an estimated 54% of the world’s population (about 4.4 billion people) ^[21], yet around 3.1 billion people remain offline despite living within network coverage ^[22]. This “usage gap” – largely due to affordability and digital skills barriers – is ten times larger than the coverage gap. “Getting online has enormous and undeniable socioeconomic benefits… Removing the remaining barriers is essential,” says GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath, urging efforts to close this digital divide ^[23]. On the other end of the spectrum, demand for connectivity is pushing networks skyward. Carriers are turning to satellites to extend coverage where towers can’t reach. In the U.S., T-Mobile expanded its SpaceX Starlink-powered satellite-to-cell service beyond just text messaging – now enabling widely used apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps and even X (Twitter) in remote “dead zone” areas ^[24]. Phones will automatically connect to a satellite when terrestrial signal fails, providing basic data for critical apps. “People are excited that the phone in their pocket can connect to outer space – basically a satellite phone without having to buy extra equipment,” said T-Mobile VP Jeff Giard as the service rolls out to users ^[25]. And in Canada, Bell and partner AST SpaceMobile just completed the country’s first direct-to-mobile satellite voice calls and data session, proving that standard smartphones can link to low-earth-orbit satellites for broadband – a preview of a planned commercial service covering 5.7 million km² of remote terrain by 2026 ^[26].
Security & Industry Outlook: The telecom industry faces new security challenges even as it innovates. In late September, U.S. agents thwarted an unprecedented threat by seizing over 300 illicit SIM-server devices and 100,000+ SIM cards that had been clustered near New York City – a rogue setup capable of flooding cellular networks with traffic or even knocking out 911 emergency communications ^[27]. Officials warned the potential disruption from this “SIM farm” scheme “cannot be overstated,” especially as it was uncovered during the UN General Assembly meetings ^[28]. Carriers are also on alert for high-tech espionage: a China-linked hacking campaign identified this year infiltrated multiple U.S. telecom networks by exploiting router and firewall vulnerabilities ^[29]. In response, operators are hardening their systems and collaborating with governments to bolster defenses. Despite these headwinds, the overall industry outlook is cautiously optimistic. European telecom stocks have ticked upward on hopes of market consolidation and new revenue streams, and operators like BT tout the massive economic benefits of next-gen connectivity (potentially hundreds of billions of dollars in GDP impact) ^[30]. The bottom line: GSM-based technologies – from 4G and 5G to the coming 6G – continue to connect more people and things in transformative ways. With robust investment, smart policy, and vigilance against threats, the mobile industry is poised to unlock unprecedented value in the coming years while finally bridging remaining digital divides ^[31].

Spectrum & Regulatory Accelerators

United States – Fast-Tracking 5G (and 6G) Deployments: American regulators are aggressively clearing roadblocks to speed up mobile broadband expansion. On September 30, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted new rules to streamline wireless infrastructure builds nationwide, aiming to prevent state and local authorities from “unlawfully blocking” 5G tower siting ^[32]. This “Build America” initiative empowers the FCC to preempt local permit delays and even institute an accelerated “rocket docket” for resolving tower disputes ^[33]. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr noted these steps – alongside efforts to free up more spectrum – are crucial to meet surging data demand and maintain America’s wireless leadership ^[34]. The FCC also mapped out upcoming spectrum auctions: its FY 2026 plan includes auctioning remaining AWS-3 mid-band frequencies by June 2026, and evaluating new bands (like upper 4 GHz and unused 600 MHz airwaves) for bidding thereafter ^[35]. Meanwhile, the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) is studying fresh spectrum from 1.6 GHz up to 7 GHz as potential 5G/6G candidates ^[36]. In short, U.S. policymakers are pushing hard to preempt red tape and open more airwaves, hoping to supercharge 5G rollouts and even lay groundwork for 6G.

Asia – Major Auctions from India to Sri Lanka: Across Asia, regulators moved swiftly on spectrum for 5G. In India, the telecom authority TRAI unveiled plans for a massive spectrum sale spanning nearly ten bands ^[37]. For the first time, India will auction off coveted upper 6 GHz frequencies (6425–7125 MHz) specifically earmarked for advanced 5G/6G services ^[38]. The upcoming auction (targeted for 2024) also includes a wide swath of low, mid and high bands – from low-band 600 MHz and 700 MHz, multiple mid-bands (800, 900, 1800, 2100, 2300 MHz, etc.), up through 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz mmWave ^[39] ^[40]. After lukewarm participation in recent auctions, TRAI is now consulting on ways to attract more bidders, potentially by lowering reserve prices and even allowing new entrants (like enterprises) to bid for spectrum directly ^[41]. The goal is to enhance competition and ensure valuable frequencies don’t go unsold (billions of dollars’ worth have languished in past sales) ^[42]. Meanwhile in Sri Lanka, regulators finally kicked off the nation’s first 5G auction process after years of delay. On October 3, officials issued a formal Notice of Assignment for 5G spectrum ^[43]. The auction will run for roughly 40 days and is expected to conclude by December, clearing the way for Sri Lankan operators to launch commercial 5G services by early 2026 ^[44]. Government leaders said the move will strengthen digital infrastructure and drive growth across industries – from smart agriculture to tele-health – once 5G goes live ^[45] ^[46].

Middle East – New 5G Era in Turkey and Gulf: Several countries in the Middle East are also freeing up airwaves for next-gen service. Notably, Turkey – until now a 5G laggard – confirmed it will hold a long-awaited 5G spectrum tender on October 16, 2025 ^[47]. Turkey’s telecom minister announced that all three mobile operators (Turkcell, Türk Telekom, and Vodafone Turkey) are cleared to participate under their existing GSM/4.5G licenses ^[48]. The auction will offer 11 frequency blocks totaling 400 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands, with a minimum combined price set at about $2.1 billion ^[49]. Critically, the licenses will require carriers to start 5G service by April 1, 2026 ^[50] – finally bringing 5G to Turkish consumers after years of anticipation. (For context, Turkey’s current mobile licenses don’t expire until 2029; after that, a new authorization regime with revenue-sharing will take effect to govern the post-4G era ^[51].) Elsewhere in the region, Gulf countries that were early 5G adopters are now pushing to shut down legacy networks entirely – for example, Israel plans to completely switch off 2G and 3G by end-2025 to refarm those frequencies for 4G/5G use ^[52], an aggressive timeline echoing moves in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These spectrum and policy moves across Asia and the Middle East underscore a global race to accelerate next-generation mobile internet access.

Europe – High-Band Auctions and 6G Planning: European regulators, too, advanced their spectrum agendas. In Britain, Ofcom kicked off the UK’s first auction of high-band millimeter wave 5G spectrum this month ^[53]. Dozens of licenses in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands are on the block – an enormous 6.25 GHz of total bandwidth – aimed at deploying ultra-fast 5G in major cities ^[54]. Ofcom spent the past year clearing incumbents (like fixed wireless links) out of those bands and vetting bidders; now the bidding stage is beginning in October ^[55]. mmWave frequencies can deliver multi-gigabit speeds and low latency over short ranges. Regulators say this could enable new consumer and business applications – from AR/VR and cloud gaming to smart factories and stadium-wide connectivity ^[56]. Elsewhere in Europe, authorities progressed mid-band plans: France is allocating dedicated 3.8 GHz spectrum for industrial 5G networks, Spain is preparing a 26 GHz auction, and Poland just rebooted its stalled C-band auction, among others. And looking further ahead, Europe has one eye on 6G. The European Commission and CEPT have begun preliminary studies on candidate terahertz frequency bands that might underpin 6G in the 2030s ^[57] ^[58]. By investigating spectrum above 100 GHz now, EU planners hope to lay groundwork for future 6G standardization. In summary, across Europe we see a dual track: push 5G into higher frequencies for new capacity, while starting the long-range research on tomorrow’s networks.

Mobile Operator Initiatives & Market Moves

UK – BT’s 5G Ambition: British telecom group BT (EE) unveiled a bold network roadmap aimed at leapfrogging its competitors in the 5G era. The company announced plans to achieve 99% 5G population coverage in the UK by 2030 using standalone 5G (5G SA) technology ^[59]. This target is notably four years ahead of the government’s goal and BT’s rivals’ timelines. To get there, BT will deploy new equipment like Ericsson’s latest 5G radios that boost uplink capacity four-fold, improving network reach and performance, especially in uplink-heavy applications ^[60]. If successful, BT’s 2030 coverage would essentially blanket almost the entire country in 5G signals. BT executives say early investment in wide coverage and advanced 5G features will pay off by enabling nationwide smart services (from IoT sensors to AR/VR applications) and by attracting enterprise customers who demand reliable ubiquity. The aggressive plan raises the pressure on UK rivals (like Vodafone and Three, which are themselves in the process of merging) to accelerate their 5G rollout plans. It also dovetails with BT’s broader network strategy, which includes phasing out 3G by 2023 and even 2G by the end of the decade as 5G takes over.

North America – Verizon Targets Smart Grids: In the United States, Verizon is extending its 5G reach beyond consumers and into critical industries. In early October Verizon Business announced a partnership with GE Vernova (GE’s energy division) to help modernize electric utility grids with private wireless networks ^[61]. Verizon is integrating GE Vernova’s MDS Orbit platform – an industrial wireless solution – into its portfolio for utility companies ^[62]. The goal is to provide electric grid operators with reliable, secure LTE/5G connectivity for controlling substations, smart meters, and field crews. Verizon says these private networks will support the massive transformation happening in energy (like the shift to smart grids and renewables) by enabling real-time monitoring and automation. The GE Vernova system can carry SCADA data, voice and low-latency control traffic on licensed or unlicensed bands and even Wi-Fi, acting as a flexible communications backbone for utilities ^[63]. Verizon’s move builds on its existing public 5G network by offering bespoke “network slices” or dedicated infrastructure to industries with specialized needs (utilities, manufacturing, etc.). It also reflects a broader trend of telecom operators seeking new revenue in enterprise and IoT markets – beyond saturating consumer smartphone sales – by leveraging 5G’s capabilities to digitize other sectors.

Europe – Cross-Border Consolidation and Deals: European telecom operators are pursuing strategic deals to scale up and streamline in a highly fragmented market. A headline development was Vodafone’s deal in Romania: in late September Vodafone Group and Romania’s Digi agreed to carve up Telekom Romania Mobile, the country’s #3 carrier. Vodafone will acquire Telekom Romania’s postpaid mobile customers and business operations for roughly €30 million, while Digi takes over the prepaid user base for about €40 million ^[64] ^[65]. The total €70 million transaction, now approved by Romanian regulators, effectively splits the assets of Telekom Romania Mobile (formerly owned by OTE/Deutsche Telekom) between the two buyers. Vodafone’s CEO Margherita Della Valle said the move “strengthens our position in Romania” by adding scale and spectrum, allowing more investment in network quality ^[66]. Indeed, the deal will give Vodafone Romania a larger share of subscribers to better compete with Orange, the market leader. More broadly in Europe, mergers and acquisitions are a hot topic as operators argue the continent has too many players. Telefónica’s new CEO Marc Murtra has been vocal that Europe’s ~40 mobile operators are unsustainable, especially compared to the U.S. or China with only 3–5 big carriers ^[67]. He and other CEOs are urging EU regulators to relax antitrust barriers to allow cross-border mergers or domestic tie-ups that could create stronger, more efficient pan-European telcos ^[68] ^[69]. This year has already seen some movement: Orange and MasMovil got approval to merge in Spain (creating a new #2 operator), and Telenor is seeking to merge its operations in markets like Denmark and Asia. Even in Pakistan, a developing market, consolidation is underway – the country’s regulator just gave a green light for Telenor Pakistan to be acquired by local carrier PTCL (Ufone) ^[70]. The European telecom lobby (ETNO and GSMA) argue that larger operators would have more capital to invest in 5G, fiber, and innovation, benefiting consumers long-term. While regulators remain cautious about higher prices, there’s a growing sense that some consolidation is inevitable to ensure 5G networks are economically viable in Europe.

Asia – State-Owned Revival and Homegrown Tech: In South Asia, one notable operator initiative comes from India’s BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited), the state-run carrier. After years of lagging behind private rivals, BSNL is now embarking on a rapid modernization – planning to upgrade all its 4G towers to 5G within 6–8 months ^[71]. This was announced by India’s Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia at an economic forum, marking a milestone in India’s quest for telecom self-reliance. BSNL has roughly 92,000 towers across the country, and it only began rolling out 4G recently (using an indigenous technology stack). Now those 4G sites will get 5G upgrades by mid-2024, effectively giving BSNL a nationwide 5G footprint almost overnight once completed ^[72]. The minister noted this approach – using BSNL’s homegrown 4G/5G stack developed by local firms (C-DoT, Tejas Networks, and TCS) – puts India among only a handful of nations with an end-to-end domestic telecom solution ^[73]. By “dogfooding” its own tech, India aims to build a more self-reliant digital infrastructure. Scindia even boasted that India now “leads the world in 5G rollout speed,” claiming coverage spans 99.8% of India’s districts after just one year of private 5G deployments ^[74]. (Private operators Jio and Airtel have indeed deployed 5G at a furious pace since late 2022.) With BSNL coming on board, 5G will extend to rural and remote areas that the private telcos haven’t covered, as BSNL has a mandate for universal service. The infusion of government support has also improved BSNL’s health – the company turned operating-profitable this year after a long stretch of losses, and its subscriber base ticked up from 87 million to 91 million recently ^[75]. All these moves – consolidation in some places, aggressive investment in others – show operators globally positioning themselves for the 5G era, whether through mergers, partnerships, or fast-tracked upgrades.

Network Upgrades & 2G/3G Shutdowns

As 5G and fiber deployments accelerate, operators worldwide are steadily retiring the older 2G and 3G networks that were once the workhorses of mobile communication. Re-farming these legacy networks’ spectrum is crucial to improving 4G and 5G capacity. In Europe, 3G has all but been phased out already – most EU operators turned off 3G over the past 2–3 years as smartphone users migrated to 4G/5G. Attention now is turning to the final GSM legacy: many European countries have set 2G GSM shutoff timelines around 2025–2030 (since some IoT devices and voice roaming still use 2G). The majority of EU nations plan to sunset 2G by 2030 at the latest ^[76]. For example, Dutch and Irish providers will end 2G in 2025, and others like Germany and France by end of decade, coordinating to ensure alternative technologies (like VoLTE roaming and Low-Power IoT networks) are in place first. In the United States, all the big carriers have already shut down 3G service – a process completed in 2022 ^[77]. 2G is next on the chopping block: AT&T and T-Mobile retired 2G a few years ago, and Verizon plans to by the end of 2025, meaning essentially all legacy GSM/CDMA networks in the U.S. will be gone. This clears valuable low-band frequencies for LTE and 5G. East Asia is on a similar path – Japan and South Korea have no 2G/3G networks left active, and in China, 3G is largely decommissioned as millions of new 5G base stations light up (though 2G lingers for now to support older devices). Even some developing countries are taking bold steps: Israel recently announced it will completely switch off all 2G and 3G networks by December 31, 2025 ^[78]. Come 2026, Israelis will need 4G or 5G VoLTE-capable phones to get service, as the old networks will go dark. This aggressive move will make Israel one of the first to scrap 2G entirely, following in the footsteps of advanced Gulf countries (e.g. the UAE has turned off 2G, and Saudi Arabia plans to in 2025).

While advanced markets race ahead, some emerging markets are still working on the 4G transition and facing challenges upgrading antiquated networks. A stark example is Gamcel in The Gambia, one of West Africa’s small state-run operators. Until now, Gamcel was literally decades behind – providing only 2G GSM and some 3G, with no 4G at all – while competitors launched 4G and even 5G. “We are the only operator currently on 2G and 3G. Every other operator in this market has 4G or 5G,” admitted Gamcel’s General Manager Fatou Fatty in frustration ^[79]. This technological gap has hurt Gamcel’s market share and financial viability. But change is coming: the Gambian government just approved a rescue plan with a local investor pumping $95 million (about 6.7 billion dalasi) into Gamcel’s network overhaul ^[80] ^[81]. Under the deal (awaiting final Cabinet sign-off), all of Gamcel’s cell sites will be upgraded to 4G LTE and 5G technology, and its “very obsolete” 2G/3G gear will be phased out ^[82]. They’ll also install a modern billing system to support new services. Essentially, Gamcel aims to leapfrog straight from 3G to 4G/5G in one go, finally delivering mobile broadband to its customers. The investor is a Gambian firm – a deliberate choice by the government to keep revenue in-country and maintain national control of critical telecom assets ^[83]. Officials hope this public-private partnership will turn Gamcel around and improve connectivity in the Gambia, but it comes with painful downsizing (hundreds of staff are being offered voluntary retirement with severance) ^[84]. Still, if executed, by 2026 Gambia could go from largely 2G to having multiple 4G/5G networks, illustrating how fast the technology gap can close.

Elsewhere in South Asia and Africa, similar stories are playing out: many operators are using 4G expansion as a stepping stone to 5G, while shutting 3G to focus resources. In Kenya, for instance, Safaricom turned off 2G in some areas as it expands 4G. And in South Africa, Vodacom and MTN are refarming 2G spectrum for LTE while keeping 2G only for low-end devices until 2025. Governments are also nudging the process. Nigeria and Brazil both issued policies to operators to migrate customers off 3G within a few years and improve 4G coverage nationwide. A major hurdle in poorer regions is the cost of new devices – many people still use basic 2G handsets. Organizations like the GSMA are advocating ultra-affordable 4G smartphones (sub-$20) to prevent anyone from being left in the dark as 2G/3G shut down. The need for affordable devices was highlighted in the latest GSMA report, which found a $30 phone could make internet access viable for up to 1.6 billion people currently priced out ^[85] ^[86]. Bridging this gap is essential as networks modernize.

On the flip side, some operators that delayed upgrading are now doing so at record pace. Notably, BSNL in India – which missed the 4G wave for years – is now leapfrogging from 3G straight to 4G and 5G within months. After launching 4G in a few areas in 2022, BSNL is leveraging its new indigenous 4G/5G system to simultaneously light up 4G and 5G nationwide by mid-2024 ^[87]. The communications minister stated all BSNL’s 4G sites will get 5G radios via software upgrades or add-ons, and every BSNL tower (over 92,000 of them) will offer 5G coverage by next year ^[88]. This rapid deployment is backed by hefty government packages to BSNL (over $10 billion in funding) and by the requirement that BSNL’s network use made-in-India technology. The in-house development has been challenging, but it succeeded – the core software and radios were developed by India’s C-DOT and Tata group in just 22 months ^[89]. BSNL’s advancement is strategic for India: it ensures competition with private carriers, extends 5G to rural areas they might neglect, and showcases Indian tech on the world stage. The company’s finances have also turned a corner after government support, with operating profits doubling and subscriber count inching up ^[90]. Leaders say the next phase is leveraging 5G for truly Indian use-cases – from AI-based translation services (for India’s many languages) to smart farming. In short, BSNL’s crash-course upgrade exemplifies how a lagging operator can revive itself by embracing new technology at scale.

5G Standalone, IoT & Next-Gen Innovations

With global 5G adoption now well past the early phase, attention is shifting to the next wave of mobile innovation – namely, fully independent 5G networks, the Internet of Things, and the path to 6G. A key trend is the deployment of 5G Standalone (SA) networks. Unlike earlier “Non-Standalone” 5G (which piggybacked on 4G cores), Standalone 5G uses a new 5G core and can deliver the true promise of 5G: ultra-low latency, higher reliability, and the ability to slice the network for different uses. After some delays in 2023–24, global 5G SA rollouts are finally accelerating. Industry analysis by Omdia indicates 2025 will be a breakout year for 5G SA deployments, as a critical mass of carriers launch these advanced networks ^[91]. Many of the big carriers in China, the US, and Europe have already deployed 5G SA for certain users, and dozens more are slated to come online in 2024. This momentum means the industry can begin to realize 5G’s full potential in areas like massive IoT connectivity and real-time control. “With 5G SA deployments picking up pace, the industry is finally realizing the true potential of 5G,” said Alexander Thompson, a senior Omdia analyst ^[92]. Standalone 5G also lays the foundation for 6G development down the road, since many 6G concepts (like AI-native networking and sub-millisecond latency) assume a cloud-native 5G core in place.

One exciting development enabled by 5G SA is the emergence of RedCap devices. RedCap (Reduced Capability 5G) is a new class of lightweight 5G device standards tailored for the Internet of Things and wearables. These devices have lower complexity (and cost) than full 5G smartphones but offer better performance than older 4G-based IoT options. According to Omdia’s latest report, 2025 will mark the first time the device ecosystem and network support for 5G RedCap align at scale, allowing RedCap devices to take off ^[93]. In fact, late 2024 already saw one of the first commercial RedCap gadgets – a 5G hotspot dongle launched by T-Mobile US – and more are on the way ^[94]. Even Apple gave RedCap a stamp of approval: its newest Apple Watch (Series X) includes a 5G modem operating in RedCap mode ^[95]. This means the watch can connect to 5G networks directly for data, but with lower battery drain and cost than a full 5G phone. RedCap is essentially 5G for IoT – it strips out some high-bandwidth capabilities that IoT sensors don’t need, resulting in cheaper chipsets and longer battery life, while still offering far superior performance to 4G LTE-M or NB-IoT. Analysts note that RedCap fills an important middle ground: it can deliver several tens of Mbps of throughput (versus just hundreds of kilobits on NB-IoT) and latency suitable for real-time applications, yet modules could be nearly as power-efficient as 4G IoT ones. This makes it ideal for things like AR/VR headsets, industrial sensors, drones, and of course smartwatches ^[96]. The industry widely supports RedCap now – Qualcomm, Ericsson and others ran test demos in 2023, and with network upgrades, 2025 will likely see RedCap modules and devices proliferate.

At the same time, 5G’s advanced features are moving from theory to real-world use. One is network slicing – the ability to carve out virtual “slices” of the network with dedicated resources and QoS for specific customers or applications. In 2023 slicing was largely in trials, but now operators are launching it commercially on 5G SA. For instance, T-Mobile US introduced T‑Priority, a sliced network service for enterprise and public safety users, and Verizon has its Frontline slice for first responders ^[97]. In Asia, NTT DoCoMo and others are offering slices for smart factories. Regulators too are adapting – Germany and Japan have set aside spectrum for private 5G networks that effectively act as industrial slices. Another area gaining traction is private 5G networks for enterprises. Companies in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and energy are adopting on-site 5G (sometimes with their own small spectrum licenses or in partnership with operators) to replace Wi-Fi or wired connections. Security and reliability are big drivers for this trend. An Omdia enterprise survey found 33% of organizations cite security as their top IoT connectivity priority, which is fueling demand for private 5G solutions that give the company full control over data flow ^[98]. Private 5G can be customized for facilities – e.g., providing ultra-low latency links for robotics on a factory floor or wide coverage on a remote mining site. It also allows critical systems to stay running even if public networks go down.

Another piece of the puzzle is the evolving 5G developer ecosystem. 2024 will see broader deployment of standard network APIs – basically interfaces that let software developers tap into capabilities of 5G networks (like location, QoS, or slicing on demand). Industry groups like the GSMA launched an Open Gateway initiative where carriers expose common APIs. This could spur new applications that integrate tightly with network features, potentially unlocking new revenue streams for operators by charging for API calls. Early examples include APIs for edge computing, device location, or identity verification via the mobile network.

Perhaps the most attention-grabbing 5G demonstration so far happened in the medical field. As noted in Key Facts, Zain Kuwait made history by enabling a complex remote surgery over its 5G network ^[99]. In this trial, a surgeon in Kuwait controlled a robotic surgical arm operating on a patient 12,000 km away in Brazil. The 5G link provided around 80 Mb/s of bandwidth with ultra-low latency, so the surgeon’s inputs were transmitted instantly and video feedback was real-time ^[100]. This kind of tele-surgery was impractical on 4G due to latency and reliability issues, but 5G makes it feasible. Zain’s CEO Bader Al-Kharafi called it a “serious step toward a thriving digital future” for healthcare and beyond ^[101]. Medical experts noted that while regulatory and training hurdles remain, the ability to perform surgery remotely could be transformative in emergencies or in regions lacking specialists. More broadly, it showcased 5G’s ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) capability – one of the core promises of 5G SA networks. URLLC can enable other mission-critical tasks like autonomous vehicle control, real-time industrial automation, or even drone piloting from thousands of kilometers away. We’re seeing the first real use cases of this come to life. In the coming year, expect to hear more about 5G powering things like remote driving (teleoperated vehicles), VR/AR with haptic feedback, and massive IoT deployments (smart cities with millions of sensors). Each of these pushes the boundaries of what previous networks could do.

In summary, the 5G ecosystem is maturing: the foundational networks (like 5G SA cores) are falling into place, new device types (RedCap, etc.) are expanding what can connect, and innovative applications from surgery to smart grids are validating the technology’s potential. There is even talk of early 6G research in forums and academia – though 6G standards are not expected until 2028–30, the ideas of integrating AI, terahertz frequencies, and even non-terrestrial networks (like satellites) more tightly are being explored. But for now, the focus is on fully utilizing 5G. Industry analysts predict 2024–25 will be the period we transition from “5G coverage build-out” to true “5G innovation rollout,” where the technology’s more advanced features begin delivering value.

Satellite Connectivity Extends Mobile Reach

Once separate realms, satellite communications and cellular networks are increasingly converging – a trend underscored by several announcements in recent days. The vision is to ensure that even in the most remote or disaster-struck areas, a standard mobile phone can stay connected by linking to a satellite overhead. This month saw major steps toward that reality in North America and beyond.

T-Mobile US & SpaceX – Consumer Phones to the Stars: In the United States, T-Mobile has been a pioneer in satellite-cellular integration thanks to its partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink. Back in 2022 they teased the idea of T-Mobile phones using Starlink satellites for texting; now it’s becoming a reality. T-Mobile’s satellite service (branded “Coverage Above and Beyond,” now often called T-Satellite) officially launched in July for SMS texting on select plans ^[102]. And as of this week, T-Mobile announced the service is expanding to support data for some of the most popular messaging and mapping apps. Specifically, customers can now use WhatsApp, Google Maps, Facebook Messenger, and X (Twitter) for basic connectivity via satellite when they have no cell signal ^[103]. The service leverages SpaceX’s new Direct-to-Cell satellites – essentially modified Starlink satellites with cellular antennas – of which over 650 are already in orbit ^[104]. When a T-Mobile user is off the grid (hiking in wilderness, sailing offshore, etc.), their phone will automatically switch to satellite mode if it’s capable. The bandwidth is very limited compared to terrestrial 5G, so T-Mobile is only enabling text-centric or lightweight apps for now – you can send messages, get simple map data, maybe small pictures, but not engage in heavy video streaming. Still, it’s a game-changer for safety and convenience: you could WhatsApp your family from a mountain or send your GPS location from a desert. The satellite connectivity is included at no extra charge on T-Mobile’s top Magenta plans (now aptly renamed “Go5G Next”), and can be added for about $5–10/month on other plans ^[105]. Even users on other carriers can opt in for $5 monthly. The phone doesn’t need any hardware upgrade – recent iPhones and Androids have the capability already. Jeff Giard, T-Mobile’s VP of network innovation, said they worked with Apple and Google to implement a special “satellite mode” in the phone OS that apps can adopt ^[106]. “People are excited that the phone in their pocket can connect to outer space… basically a satellite phone without extra equipment,” Giard noted ^[107]. This initiative uses mid-band spectrum (approximately 1.9 GHz PCS band) that T-Mobile owns, beamed from SpaceX satellites down to phones – effectively turning satellites into giant cell towers in the sky. The latency (ping) is high (several hundred ms), but for messaging that’s fine. T-Mobile’s ultimate goal (with SpaceX and even rivals like AT&T partnering with satellite firms) is that no mobile customer ever loses basic connectivity, even far outside terrestrial coverage.

Canada – Bell & AST SpaceMobile’s Direct-to-Cell Breakthrough: Up north, Bell Canada has achieved a major milestone with Texas-based partner AST SpaceMobile: they completed Canada’s first space-based cellular calls and data session ^[108]. In a test conducted in late September in New Brunswick, Bell’s team was able to make a standard voice call using VoLTE (voice over LTE) from an unmodified smartphone connecting directly to AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 satellite in low Earth orbit ^[109] ^[110]. They also sent text messages, received an emergency alert, and even did some light video streaming – all via satellite connectivity to a regular phone ^[111] ^[112]. This demonstration lays the groundwork for Bell’s plan to offer a commercial direct-to-cell satellite service in 2026 across Canada. Bell has been an early investor in AST SpaceMobile since 2021, and it contributed its licensed cellular spectrum for these tests ^[113]. Notably, Bell owns and operates the ground gateways in Canada that link the satellite to terrestrial networks ^[114]. When the service launches (likely using a constellation of AST’s BlueBird satellites), Bell says it will provide coverage “north of the 59th parallel, into coastal maritime zones, and across 5.7 million square kilometers” – an area which Bell notes will be the widest coverage footprint of any network in Canada ^[115]. Essentially, vast remote regions of northern Canada (from the far Arctic to offshore Atlantic) that have never had cell service could get basic voice and data coverage. Bell’s CTO called it a “breakthrough moment for connectivity in Canada”, highlighting that Bell’s dual strategy – investing in satellites while deploying low-band 5G spectrum – puts it in a unique position to offer “highly reliable space-based cellular service that Canadians can depend on” with security and coverage in mind ^[116]. Importantly, Bell stressed that this isn’t just for consumers; it can power critical communications for enterprises in mining, forestry, energy and for public safety in far-flung areas ^[117] ^[118]. The successful test also included video streaming, which AST SpaceMobile touted as the first time a space-based cellular broadband connection handled video in Canada ^[119]. With these results, Bell plans to start offering satellite connectivity to its customers next year (2026). We can expect Bell (and likely Telus via some partnership, given Telus and Bell often share networks) to bundle satellite coverage for rural or enterprise plans, similar to T-Mobile’s approach.

Global Satellite Broadband Race – Starlink vs. Kuiper: Beyond direct phone connectivity, the broader satellite broadband market is heating up globally. SpaceX’s Starlink service has already amassed over 5,000 low-earth-orbit satellites and serves more than 60 countries with fixed receiver dishes. It’s especially popular in remote and rural communities for home internet. Now, Amazon’s Project Kuiper is poised to become Starlink’s biggest competitor. Amazon began launching its Kuiper satellites this year – the first prototypes went up in early 2023, and full-scale deployment started with 27 Kuiper satellites launched in April 2025 on an Atlas V rocket ^[120]. Another batch is scheduled for late 2025 on a Falcon 9. Amazon aims to have a few hundred satellites up by 2026 to start regional service, and eventually over 3,200 satellites in orbit. Notably, Amazon is also making deals on the ground: it recently signaled interest in deploying Kuiper services in Vietnam. In August, Amazon representatives met with Vietnam’s tech ministry and outlined a plan to invest $570 million by 2030 to build out Kuiper infrastructure in Vietnam ^[121]. This includes up to six ground stations and a local factory for user terminals, likely in partnership with Vietnamese firms ^[122]. Amazon even established a new subsidiary, “Amazon Kuiper Vietnam Ltd,” and applied for a license to operate satellite broadband for a five-year pilot period ^[123]. The Vietnamese government appears keen – they also granted Starlink permission to operate a similar satellite internet scheme in parallel ^[124]. Vietnam has many remote villages and islands where laying fiber is hard, so satellite coverage could be a boon. It’s interesting that Vietnam is welcoming both Starlink and Kuiper; competition could drive down prices for consumers there. Likewise, across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, countries are looking at LEO satellites as a way to close the digital divide. Liberia, for example, saw Starlink launch service in 2025 and is now considering Amazon Kuiper as well, to ensure redundancy and price competition ^[125] ^[126]. In the Middle East, a Qatar-based company (es’hailSat) teamed up with OneWeb to offer satellite broadband in desert regions. And Europe is even planning its own EU-backed LEO constellation (IRIS²) later this decade to ensure sovereignty in satellite internet.

Meanwhile, partnerships between mobile operators and satellite providers are proliferating. Besides T-Mobile/SpaceX and Bell/AST SpaceMobile, we have AT&T working with AST SpaceMobile too (they jointly achieved a satellite call in 2023). Vodafone is an investor in AST as well, eyeing service in Africa and Europe. In Australia, Telstra is partnering with Viasat to expand coverage. And in a twist, some satellite companies are partnering with each other: Iridium (a legacy satellite phone company) joined forces with Qualcomm to enable emergency satellite texting on Android phones, following Apple’s lead with its Emergency SOS via satellite (using Globalstar satellites) introduced on iPhones in 2022. Apple’s service has already saved people in remote accidents by relaying messages via satellite when no cell signal was available. Google announced that the next version of Android will natively support satellite messaging too.

All told, satellite connectivity is fast becoming a standard complement to terrestrial mobile networks. Within a couple of years, many consumers might not even realize when their phone seamlessly switches from cell tower to satellite in the backcountry – they’ll just stay connected. For operators, satellite integration offers a way to finally reach the last 5% of geographic coverage that towers can’t economically cover (mountains, oceans, skies), and to provide backup in case of disasters that knock out ground infrastructure. We are witnessing the early days of a space-based extension of the GSM network, fulfilling the old dream of “coverage anywhere on Earth.”

Security & Connectivity Challenges

Amid the excitement over new technology, the global telecom sector also grappled with security scares and persistent connectivity gaps in early October. These events serve as a reminder that networks must be resilient against both human threats and the forces of nature or geopolitics.

SIM Swap Superweapon Foiled in U.S.: A dramatic tale unfolded in New York, where U.S. federal agents dismantled a massive illegal telecom network that had been surreptitiously assembled near the United Nations General Assembly venue ^[127]. The Secret Service found over 300 rogue SIM server devices and 100,000+ SIM cards spread across multiple locations in the NYC area ^[128]. This clandestine network of SIM cards could have been used as a “weapon” to spam or disrupt mobile services on an unprecedented scale. Investigators believe the perpetrators intended to exploit these SIM servers to send millions of spoofed messages or calls simultaneously – potentially flooding carrier networks, disabling phone traffic, or even knocking out critical services like 911 emergency calling ^[129]. The timing was alarming: the discovery came as world leaders were in town for the U.N. Assembly in late September, raising suspicions that the motive might have been to cause chaos or confusion during the high-profile event. Officials said the potential impact “cannot be overstated” – an attack of this nature could disrupt communications for millions of people ^[130]. Fortunately, the bust prevented any such outage. It highlights a new type of security threat: not a traditional cyberattack, but an abuse of telecom signaling infrastructure at scale. Carriers are now studying this incident to harden their networks against similar SIM farming or signaling storms. It also underscores the importance of securing supply chains (how did someone acquire 100k active SIMs? Likely by exploiting IoT/M2M SIM offerings or lax registration in certain countries). The episode made headlines in security circles and has become a case study in telecom network resiliency planning.

Espionage and Hacks – Eyes on the Network Core: Meanwhile, cyber espionage continues to target telecom operators, given they carry vast amounts of sensitive data. A report this year uncovered a China-linked hacking campaign that had infiltrated multiple telecom operators in the U.S. and abroad ^[131]. The hackers, believed to be associated with Chinese state interests, used sophisticated techniques to breach routers and firewalls that route carrier traffic ^[132]. By exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in core network equipment, they were able to secretly monitor or siphon data over an extended period. This kind of intrusion is extremely concerning – hostile actors could potentially spy on phone calls, intercept texts, or map users’ locations if they fully compromise a carrier’s core. In some cases, investigators found evidence the attackers had access to operators’ internal systems for years before detection. The U.S. has responded by tightening rules on telecom gear (banning Chinese-made Huawei and ZTE equipment, for example, and funding carriers to rip & replace it). Telecom companies are also bolstering their defenses: implementing more network segmentation, continuously monitoring signaling for anomalies, and sharing threat intelligence through industry groups. Governments have stepped up warnings, with agencies like CISA in the U.S. issuing guidelines for telcos to patch critical router software and watch for indicators of compromise linked to this campaign ^[133]. All these actions show that securing the “network of networks” is now a national security priority, as our phones and internet connectivity can be targets in geopolitical conflict or espionage.

Infrastructure Under Pressure – War & Disasters: Beyond intentional attacks, telecom networks face natural and man-made disruptions. In Afghanistan, for instance, a severe power outage and political turmoil recently led to days-long mobile network blackouts in some provinces (a situation noted by humanitarian groups). And conflict zones like Ukraine have seen repeated telecom outages due to infrastructure damage. Each crisis reiterates the importance of backup systems – whether satellite links (as used in Ukraine) or quick-deploy cell sites on wheels and drones to restore coverage after hurricanes or earthquakes. Just last week, a major undersea fiber-optic cable was severed near the UK’s Shetland Islands, knocking out broadband and phone service there until emergency repairs were done. The cause was likely a fishing vessel accident, but it showed how fragile connectivity can be for remote regions relying on a single cable.

The Persistent Digital Divide: On the connectivity front, the global usage gap remains a pressing challenge. As noted, 3+ billion people have coverage but aren’t online due to barriers like device cost and digital literacy ^[134] ^[135]. This gap disproportionately affects rural areas, women, and lower-income groups. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa, around 60% of the population lives in areas with mobile internet signals, yet only about 28% actually use mobile data – meaning the majority remain offline despite coverage ^[136]. Affordability is a key factor: a basic smartphone can cost more than two months’ income for many, and data plans are pricey relative to earnings. The GSMA’s 2025 Mobile Connectivity report urged a focus on driving costs down – suggesting that a ~$30 smartphone price point could bring an additional 1.6 billion people online ^[137]. Initiatives like subsidized smart feature-phones, digital skills training, and localized content in native languages are being expanded to chip away at these issues. There’s also growing investment in rural coverage solutions: community networks, solar-powered micro towers, and low-earth-orbit satellites (as discussed) all play a role in reaching the unreached. The UN Broadband Commission has set targets for 2030 that include universal connectivity and making internet access less than 2% of monthly income globally. The clock is ticking, but the recent surge in satellite and 5G projects give some hope that the hardest-to-reach populations might get online in coming years, if the cost barriers can be addressed.

Cautious Optimism: Despite security scares and uneven connectivity, the telecom industry’s overall trajectory is forward and upward. Notably, investor sentiment in telecom has improved slightly in Europe on hopes that consolidation and new services (like fixed-wireless access, IoT and fintech offerings) will boost revenues ^[138]. Telecom stocks, which had been laggards, saw a bump in late 2025 as several carriers reported stabilizing profits. Operators like BT are quick to remind stakeholders of the economic benefits brought by next-gen networks: BT released a study claiming that nationwide 5G and fiber in the UK could add on the order of £150 billion to GDP by 2030 through productivity gains, innovation, and new jobs ^[139]. Similar studies in the U.S. and China also project trillions in economic impact from 5G, AI and IoT adoption this decade. These figures underpin a key narrative: investing in telecom isn’t just about faster video downloads, it’s about enabling entire new industries (like autonomous vehicles, smart cities, digital health, Industry 4.0 factories, etc.). Governments are paying attention – many have integrated broadband and 5G into their national development plans and COVID-recovery funds. For example, the EU’s Recovery Fund earmarked billions for 5G corridors and rural fiber; and India’s budget funded fiber to every village and a BSNL 4G/5G revival (as we saw).

Moving forward, a few predictions from industry analysts and consulting firms stand out: 5G adoption will continue to surge – Ericsson forecasts 4.6 billion 5G subscriptions globally by 2027 (over half of all mobile subscriptions). 4G will peak then decline as users migrate to 5G, but 4G will still be important in less developed regions through the late 2020s. Home broadband via 5G (fixed wireless access) will expand, potentially taking 40–50% of new home internet subscriptions in some markets where laying fiber is costly. IoT connections will explode to ~25 billion by 2030, with particularly fast growth in cellular IoT (5G RedCap, LTE-M, etc.), which could reach 5 billion connections by 2030 ^[140]. And looking to 6G, consulting firms like ABI Research predict the first commercial 6G deployments around 2030, emphasizing things like AI-driven networks, sub-THz frequencies for special high-capacity links, and even integrating satellite and terrestrial networks into one seamless system.

For now, the telecom world’s plate is full with making 5G and fiber as pervasive as possible and ensuring security and sustainability. The events of October 5–6, 2025 – from big auctions and shutdowns to satellite leaps and security warnings – capture the industry at an inflection point. The remnants of the old (3G, copper lines) are being swept away, the promise of the new (5G, IoT, satellite broadband) is being realized, and hard work continues to ensure it benefits everyone safely. Each week brings us a step closer to a truly interconnected planet, with October 2025 proving to be an especially eventful chapter in that ongoing story.

Sources: Reuters ^[141] ^[142] ^[143]; Mobile World Live ^[144] ^[145]; TelecomTV ^[146] ^[147]; GSMA ^[148]; BusinessWire (Omdia) ^[149] ^[150]; Bez_Kabli Tech Blog ^[151] ^[152]; Alkamba Times (Gambia) ^[153] ^[154]; Bell Canada News ^[155] ^[156]; Extensia/TechAfrica (Morocco) ^[157] ^[158]; Outlook India/ElectronicsForYou (BSNL) ^[159] ^[160]; Daily FT (Sri Lanka) ^[161]; and others as linked above.

References