Global GSM Revolution: 5G Breakthroughs, 3G Farewells & Telecom Power Plays (Oct 4

Key Facts Roundup

5G Expansion & 6G on Horizon: U.S. regulators moved to fast-track 5G (and even pave the way for 6G) by overriding local delays on tower builds ^[1]. Major 5G spectrum auctions are underway worldwide – India plans a mega-auction across 10 bands (including the 6 GHz range) ^[2], Sri Lanka kicked off its first 5G auction process ^[3], and Turkey confirmed a 5G tender on Oct 16 ahead of 2026 service launch ^[4]. European regulators are freeing up mmWave frequencies (26/40 GHz in UK cities) ^[5] and even studying terahertz bands for future 6G ^[6].
Carrier Power Plays: Telecom operators announced bold moves. In the UK, BT (EE) set a goal of 99% population coverage with standalone 5G by 2030 – four years ahead of rivals ^[7] – using new Ericsson radios that quadruple uplink capacity. Verizon teamed with GE Vernova to connect smart energy grids via private LTE/5G networks ^[8] ^[9]. Vodafone is expanding in Eastern Europe, acquiring Telekom Romania Mobile’s post-paid business (with Digi taking prepaid users) as part of a €70 million deal ^[10] ^[11]. Industry leaders like Telefónica are urging regulators to allow more mergers, noting Europe has 41 telecom operators with >500k users (vs just 5 in the U.S.) ^[12]. “All it needs is to lift the brake pedal a little bit and allow the market to consolidate,” argued Telefónica CEO Marc Murtra on Europe’s fragmented sector ^[13].
3G Goodbye, 5G Hello: The global phase-out of legacy networks is accelerating. Many countries are shutting 3G and even 2G to repurpose spectrum for 4G/5G. In Europe, 3G is largely dismantled and most nations will retire 2G by 2030 ^[14]. Israel set a final 2G/3G shutdown at 2025’s end (requiring all devices use 4G/5G VoLTE by 2026) ^[15] ^[16]. Developing markets are racing to catch up: in Gambia, the government approved a $95 million local investment to resuscitate state carrier Gamcel – currently stuck on 2G/3G – by upgrading all sites 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 ^[17]. Major U.S. carriers already ended 3G in 2022 and plan to sunset 2G by ~2025 ^[18].
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 – using an 80 Mb/s low-latency 5G link ^[19]. Zain’s CEO hailed the milestone as a “serious step toward a thriving digital future,” with the ultra-reliable connection enabling precise, real-time robotic control ^[20]. Meanwhile, operators are finally delivering on 5G’s advanced capabilities: network slicing (dedicated virtual networks for enterprises) is rolling out commercially – e.g. U.S. carriers offering slices for industry use cases. Reduced-Capability (RedCap) 5G for IoT is also arriving: Omdia analysts predict 2025 is the breakout year for these low-cost 5G devices, noting it’s the first time hardware makers and networks are aligned on RedCap adoption ^[21] ^[22]. Even Apple’s newest smartwatch now supports 5G RedCap, signaling broad industry support. This tech fills an important gap – offering far better performance than 4G IoT standards (LTE-M/NB-IoT) but with cheaper, simpler modems than full 5G – ideal for wearables, sensors and industrial IoT.
IoT, Broadband and Beyond: Global mobile internet use continues to grow, but not evenly. 5G now reaches 54% of the world’s population (4.4 billion people) ^[23], yet 3.1 billion people remain offline despite living under coverage ^[24]. This “usage gap” – largely due to affordability and digital skills – is ten times bigger than the coverage gap. “Getting online has enormous and undeniable socioeconomic benefits… Removing the remaining barriers… is essential,” stresses GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath, urging efforts to close the divide ^[25]. On the other end, demand for mobile broadband is pushing networks skyward: carriers are turning to satellites to extend coverage. T-Mobile US expanded its SpaceX Starlink-powered satellite-to-cell service beyond SMS, now enabling popular apps like WhatsApp, Maps, and X (Twitter) in remote dead zones ^[26] ^[27]. Phones automatically connect to satellite when ground signal drops, providing basic connectivity 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 more users ^[28]. In Canada, Bell and partner AST SpaceMobile just completed the country’s first direct-to-cell satellite 4G calls and data test, proving that standard phones can link to low-earth-orbit satellites for voice and broadband ^[29] ^[30]. Bell plans to cover 5.7 million km² of rugged terrain with this satellite-cellular network by 2026 ^[31].
Security & Industry Outlook: The telecom industry faces persistent 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 clustered near New York – a rogue network capable of flooding or disabling cellular systems (it could text the entire U.S. population in minutes or knock out 911 communications) ^[32] ^[33]. Officials warned the potential disruption “cannot be overstated” ^[34], especially as world leaders met at the UN. Carriers are also on alert from cyber espionage: a China-linked hack campaign identified this year had infiltrated multiple U.S. telecom networks via router and firewall vulnerabilities ^[35] ^[36]. In response, providers are hardening their systems and working with governments on defense. Despite headwinds, the overall outlook is cautiously optimistic. European telecom stocks are perking up on hopes of consolidation and new revenue streams, and operators like BT cite huge economic benefits (hundreds of billions of dollars) from next-gen connectivity ^[37]. The bottom line: GSM-based technologies – from 4G and 5G to upcoming 6G – continue to connect more people and things in transformative ways. With robust investment, wise policy, and vigilance against threats, the mobile industry is poised to unlock unprecedented value in the coming years while bridging the remaining digital divides.

Spectrum & Regulatory Accelerators

Fast-Tracking 5G (and 6G) Deployments – U.S.: American regulators took aggressive action to clear roadblocks to wireless broadband. On September 30, the FCC adopted new rules to streamline infrastructure builds nationwide. The Commission signaled it will preempt unreasonable state and local permit delays, ensuring that authorities “cannot unlawfully block 5G or future 6G deployments” ^[38]. This “Build America” initiative aims to supercharge network rollouts by cutting red tape – even considering an accelerated “rocket docket” for resolving tower siting disputes ^[39]. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr noted the steps will free up spectrum and remove barriers to meet surging mobile data demand ^[40]. Alongside, regulators mapped out upcoming spectrum auctions: the FCC’s FY 2026 plan includes auctioning remaining AWS-3 mid-band airwaves by June 2026, and evaluating other bands (like upper 4 GHz and unused 600 MHz licenses) for bidding thereafter ^[41]. The U.S. National Telecom & Info Administration is also studying fresh frequencies from 1.6 GHz up to 7 GHz to open for 5G/6G in coming years ^[42]. All these efforts underscore a policy push to maintain America’s wireless lead into the 5G era and beyond.

Global 5G Spectrum Auctions – Asia to Europe: Across Asia, regulators are moving swiftly to allocate critical spectrum for 5G. India’s telecom authority (TRAI) outlined plans for a massive auction spanning nearly 10 bands ^[43]. For the first time, India will auction off upper 6 GHz frequencies (6425–7125 MHz) specifically earmarked for advanced 5G/6G services ^[44]. The sale will also cover a wide swath of low, mid, and high bands – from 600 MHz and 900 MHz up through 3.5 GHz mid-band and up to 26 GHz mmWave ^[45]. After lukewarm interest in prior auctions, TRAI is consulting on pricing and even considering letting enterprises bid directly for spectrum to spur competition and full utilization ^[46]. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka finally launched its first 5G auction process after years of preparation. On Oct 3, officials issued a formal Notice for 5G spectrum assignment ^[47]. Over the next ~40 days, the regulator will accept bids and allocate frequencies, expecting to conclude the auction within two months. This should clear the path for Sri Lankan operators to offer 5G to the public by early 2026, a milestone leaders say will boost the digital economy with applications from smart agriculture to tele-health ^[48]. In the Middle East, several countries are also freeing up airwaves for 5G. Turkey – a notable late adopter – confirmed it will hold a long-awaited 5G spectrum tender on October 16, 2025, and require carriers to launch 5G service by April 1, 2026 ^[49] ^[50]. The auction will offer 11 frequency blocks (totaling 400 MHz across the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands) and is set at a minimum combined price of $2.1 billion ^[51] ^[52]. All three Turkish mobile operators – Turkcell, Türk Telekom, and Vodafone Turkey – are eligible to bid under their existing licenses ^[53]. This 5G launch comes after years of delay; notably, Turkey’s current 2G/3G/4.5G licenses run until 2029, after which a new regime (with revenue-sharing obligations) will take effect ^[54]. Also in the region, Israel announced plans to completely shut down 2G and 3G networks by end-2025 (to refarm spectrum for 4G/5G) ^[55] ^[56] – a fast-track timeline that mirrors Gulf countries pushing to retire legacy networks and focus on modern broadband. These spectrum moves across Asia and the Mideast underscore a global race to accelerate next-gen mobile internet access.

Europe – mmWave Auctions and 6G Planning: European regulators, too, advanced their spectrum agendas. In the UK, Ofcom is kicking off the country’s first auction of high-band millimeter wave 5G spectrum this month ^[57]. The auction will award licenses in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands – an enormous 6.25 GHz of total bandwidth – focused on deploying ultra-fast 5G in major cities ^[58]. Ofcom had cleared incumbent users (like fixed wireless links) from these bands and vetted bidders in September, and now the principal bidding stage is beginning ^[59]. mmWave frequencies can deliver multi-gigabit speeds and low latency over short ranges, which regulators say could enable new 5G applications for consumers and businesses (such as AR/VR, smart factories, and stadium connectivity) ^[60]. Elsewhere in Europe, authorities progressed mid-band allocations: France moved forward on awarding dedicated 3.8 GHz spectrum to industry for private 5G networks, Spain prepared a 26 GHz auction, Poland restarted its stalled C-band auction, and more. 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 ^[61]. By investigating spectrum above 100 GHz now, EU policymakers aim to ensure Europe stays competitive in the next wireless era and isn’t caught flat-footed when 6G standardization begins later this decade.

Pro-Competition Policies & Big Tech Contributions: Another regulatory trend is the push to reshape telecom markets and funding models. European officials, after years of blocking telecom mergers, are rethinking their stance amid arguments that consolidation could strengthen carriers and improve investment. In 2024, Europe had 41 mobile operators serving >500k customers each – versus just 5 in the U.S. and 3–4 in China or Japan ^[62] – a disparity many see as unsustainable. Telefónica’s chief Marc Murtra has been vocal that Europe’s telecom market is too fragmented to compete: “If Europe wants strategic autonomy in technology, we’re going to have to have large or titanic European operators,” he told Reuters, noting that without scale, Europe could “lose out” in areas like AI, cloud, and satellite ^[63] ^[64]. Murtra has urged regulators to ease up: “This does not require a titanic shift. All it needs is to lift the brake pedal a little bit and allow the market to… consolidate.” ^[65] EU authorities appear to be listening – the European Commission signaled it may soften its anti-merger stance for telecoms and even seek contributions from Big Tech toward network costs ^[66] ^[67]. A Commission paper earlier this year acknowledged Europe’s ~50 mobile operators is overly fragmented and pondered whether cross-border mergers could help carriers reach “sufficient scale… without compromising competition” ^[68]. It also floated broadening telecom regulations to cover internet platforms, reflecting telcos’ push for tech giants (whose streaming and cloud services drive huge data traffic) to share in 5G network investment ^[69] ^[70]. While any policy shifts will be debated at length, the fact that Brussels is mulling merger-friendly rules and “fair share” payments marks a significant change in tone, prompted by the strategic importance of robust 5G infrastructure.

Mobile Operator Initiatives & Market Moves

BT’s 5G Ambition in the UK: British telecom group BT (EE) unveiled a bold network roadmap aimed at leapfrogging competitors. The company announced plans to blanket 99% of the UK population with Standalone 5G coverage by 2030, committing to hit this milestone four years ahead of rival operators’ publicly stated timelines ^[71]. To achieve it, BT is already deploying cutting-edge equipment. Its mobile arm EE became the first European operator to activate Ericsson’s new AIR 3284 radios – advanced massive-MIMO 5G units with built-in antennas that maximize performance ^[72]. Only two sites (in Leeds) have gone live with these so far, but hundreds more are slated by 2030. The AIR 3284 can provide up to 4× more uplink capacity and 100× the capacity of 4G at a cell site ^[73], significantly boosting network throughput in busy city centers and at major events. BT also ramped up its small cell rollout to improve urban 5G: over 1,500 low-power small cells are now live, including 500 added in the past year in cities like Belfast, Bristol, and Oxford ^[74]. To coordinate this dense network, EE deployed an innovative Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC) system (a world-first in a commercial network) that lets nearby cell sites share capacity dynamically ^[75]. BT argues these upgrades could unlock huge economic benefits – citing research that enhanced mobile connectivity might add £230 billion in value to the UK economy by 2030 ^[76]. However, BT also appealed for policy support, calling on the government to reform planning laws, improve spectrum access, and reconsider pricey spectrum fees that could impede rapid 5G expansion ^[77]. BT’s aggressive 5G push comes as rivals are also stepping up: competitor VMO2 (Virgin Media O2) claimed last month it had already rolled out Standalone 5G to 500 towns/cities (covering 70% of the population) – currently the UK’s largest SA 5G footprint ^[78]. The race is on, and BT’s head of networks cautioned that even 99% coverage won’t solve every coverage gap (like rural rail lines), urging continued targeted builds for truly ubiquitous service ^[79].

Verizon Targets Smart Grids: In the U.S., Verizon announced a partnership to extend its wireless tech into critical infrastructure. Verizon Business is integrating GE Vernova’s industrial wireless platform into its offerings for electric utility companies ^[80]. The platform, GE’s MDS Orbit, supports a mix of industrial LTE, licensed/unlicensed radio links, and Wi-Fi for utility communications ^[81]. By adding it to Verizon’s lineup, the carrier aims to provide utilities with reliable, secure, and flexible connectivity options to modernize the energy grid ^[82] ^[83]. The system is designed as a backbone for utilities’ operations: it can handle SCADA (control systems), grid automation, workforce mobile apps, and more ^[84]. Verizon’s enterprise VP Jim Kilmer noted utilities need “reliable and flexible communications” to manage the massive transformation underway in energy (like distributed solar, EV charging, smart meters) ^[85]. The Orbit platform comes hardened with strong cybersecurity and even electromagnetic pulse shielding, given the critical nature of power infrastructure ^[86]. Verizon will help utility clients deploy the system over its nationwide LTE/5G network, leveraging its wireless expertise combined with GE’s industrial know-how ^[87]. This move builds on a broader trend of telcos expanding into vertical industries (energy, manufacturing, etc.) by offering private networks and IoT solutions. For Verizon, it’s also a strategic play as growth in consumer mobile slows – enterprise IoT and private 5G represent new revenue streams.

Mergers & Acquisitions Reshape Markets: The past week saw notable telecom M&A activity, continuing 2025’s trend of market consolidation in various regions:

Vodafone’s Expansion in Romania: Vodafone is bolstering its presence in Eastern Europe through a two-part deal for Telekom Romania Mobile (TKRM). Parent company OTE (Greece) agreed to sell Vodafone a 100% stake in TKRM’s core operations (post-paid mobile business, minus a few shares and some assets) while competitor Digi will acquire TKRM’s prepaid user base, a chunk of spectrum, and some tower sites ^[88] ^[89]. The combined enterprise value of the deal is €70 million ^[90]. Romania’s competition authority approved the plan in July, and the transaction officially closed at the start of October 2025 ^[91]. Vodafone is paying about €30 million for the postpaid business, instantly adding roughly 3 million customers. Digi, a fast-growing Romanian operator, takes over the ~2 million prepaid subscribers. Both Vodafone and Digi also agreed to invest in network development as part of the arrangement ^[92]. OTE’s CEO said the sale aligns with their strategy to optimize portfolios and that transferring TKRM to “strong owners” (Vodafone/Digi) will improve Romanian telecom services ^[93]. For Vodafone, which has been restructuring and refocusing under new leadership, this is a relatively small but strategic acquisition to fill out its footprint in a EU market of ~19 million people. It also exemplifies the ongoing “right-sizing” of European telecom – shifting assets to operators who can best invest in them.
European Telcos Seek Scale: Beyond individual deals, top executives are publicly calling for more consolidation. Telefónica’s new CEO Marc Murtra has been on a media campaign arguing that Europe needs fewer, stronger telecom companies to drive innovation and compete globally ^[94] ^[95]. He points out Europe still lacks an equivalent to America’s AT&T/Verizon or China’s massive state carriers. The EU has signaled a possible softening toward mergers; in fact, Brussels recently (for the first time in a decade) allowed a 4-to-3 mobile merger without onerous conditions, in a smaller market, suggesting a policy shift. Telecom industry groups (GSMA, ETNO) have also intensified lobbying for merger-friendly rules ^[96]. They argue that allowing cross-border mergers or letting big players buy smaller ones could enable efficiencies and higher capital spending on 5G/6G, ultimately benefiting consumers with better networks. However, regulators remain cautious – wary that reduced competition might lead to higher prices. The coming months will reveal whether Europe’s “champions” narrative (creating bigger telcos that can invest in fiber, 5G, cloud, etc.) will outweigh antitrust concerns. If merger rules do relax, we could see a wave of deals (e.g. Orange/Bouygues/Iliad carving up SFR in France, or Vodafone potentially merging units in Spain or the UK) ^[97] ^[98]. This would mark a seismic change in a sector that has been fragmented for years.
Emerging Markets and Privatization: In Africa and Asia, governments are rethinking state-run mobile providers. As noted, The Gambia is injecting funds via a local investor to revamp Gamcel, rather than letting the aging 2G network die. The deal is structured as a public-private partnership (the investor taking equity shares) so that Gamcel can be rescued without full privatization ^[99] ^[100]. Gambia’s tech minister emphasized they rejected foreign offers in favor of keeping the money local – a strategy of “economic retention” to ensure profits remain in-country ^[101]. Gamcel will replace its “very obsolete” equipment entirely, bringing 4G/5G nationwide and implementing a modern billing system ^[102]. Similarly, its parent Gamtel (the fixed-line incumbent) is getting a $50 million government-funded upgrade, but officials insist “Gamtel is not for sale” despite rumors ^[103] ^[104]. These moves reflect a balancing act in developing markets: attract private capital and expertise to modernize networks, while maintaining some state control over critical telecom assets. We’re seeing analogous efforts in other countries, like Angola and Ethiopia, where state telcos are opening up to partnerships or partial stakes to accelerate 4G/5G rollout.

Network Upgrades & 2G/3G Shutdowns

As 5G and fiber deployments accelerate, operators worldwide are steadily retiring the older 2G and 3G networks that served as the workhorses of the mobile age. The October news cycle highlights how this transition is playing out globally – with some regions surging ahead into all-4G/5G, and others still catching up from 2G:

Europe’s Sunset Timelines: Across Europe, 3G networks are winding down quickly, and many countries have now set firm end dates for 2G as well. For example, Germany switched off 3G back in 2021 and plans to shut 2G by 2028 ^[105]. France will keep 2G running until end-2026 but aims to stop 3G by 2029 ^[106]. The UK has targeted 2033 for final 2G/3G shutdown, but all major UK carriers have already turned off 3G or will by 2024, and 2G will follow before 2030. Smaller countries like the Netherlands and Switzerland have either already ended 2G or will do so by 2025. This week we learned Israel will completely terminate its nationwide 2G and 3G services on December 31, 2025 ^[107] – after which only 4G/5G devices with VoLTE will work. The Israeli government launched public campaigns to get any remaining 2G-only users (such as the elderly with old phones, or IoT devices like alarms) to upgrade before the cutoff ^[108] ^[109]. The reward for shutting legacy networks is re-farming spectrum: frequencies at 900 MHz or 2100 MHz can be repurposed to boost 4G and 5G capacity, improving speeds and coverage for modern users ^[110]. Officials also note public safety benefits – legacy networks can’t support authenticated emergency alerts or HD voice, whereas newer networks can.

U.S. and Asia – End of 3G: In the United States, the sunset of 3G is essentially complete. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all deactivated their 3G (UMTS/CDMA) networks by early 2022 ^[111]. Attention now turns to 2G (GSM/CDMA1x). T-Mobile US has kept 2G alive for IoT and roaming but plans to finally shut it by 2025; AT&T and Verizon have either already turned off 2G or will shortly. This will mark the end of an era – 2G launched in the U.S. in the early 1990s. Canada is on a similar path, with 3G largely gone by 2025 and 2G to be decommissioned soon after. In Asia, advanced markets like Japan and South Korea are long done with 3G (shut by 2022) and have few 2G remnants (Japan retired 2G a decade ago). Singapore ended 2G in 2017. But some emerging Asian markets only recently started phase-outs: Thailand turned off 2G in 2021, Malaysia plans to by end-2025, etc. Notably, Turkey, which is only now moving to 5G, announced it will still eliminate 2G and 3G by 2029 ^[112] – meaning Turkey intends to leapfrog fully to 4G/5G within a few years of introducing 5G service. This underscores how quickly legacy tech can be bypassed once the decision is made.

Challenges in the Transition: Shutting old networks isn’t always smooth. Operators must ensure coverage parity (so no area loses service) and help remaining customers migrate devices. A significant issue is legacy M2M/IoT devices – everything from point-of-sale terminals to vehicles’ emergency call systems – many still use 2G/3G modems. For instance, millions of cars in Europe have 2G eCall modules; those need upgrading or they’ll fail when 2G is gone. Some countries (like Germany) have offered subsidies or mandated automotive recalls to address this. In Israel’s case, the government warned that systems like building elevators, industrial sensors, and alarm systems must support 4G/5G or they’ll cease to function after 2025 ^[113]. There’s also consumer education: Israeli authorities even set up a special hotline (#235) to check if your phone is VoLTE-capable ^[114]. Carriers are using incentives – for example, SK Telecom in Korea, after a recent data breach, offered free SIM upgrades to all 23 million customers to improve security as well as nudge remaining 3G users onto 4G SIMs ^[115] ^[116].

Emerging Markets Modernizing: In developing countries, the gap between oldest and newest tech is widest. The Gambia’s story is illustrative. State-owned Gamcel was launched in 2001 and never deployed 4G, let alone 5G, due to financial troubles. By 2025 it found itself the only operator still on 2G/3G in the country ^[117], with competitors offering faster 4G/5G plans. This put Gamcel at a huge disadvantage (customers fleeing for better service) and left a chunk of the population on very slow internet. The government’s new plan, announced Oct 5, injects D6.7 billion (~$95 million) from a local conglomerate to overhaul Gamcel’s entire network ^[118] ^[119]. All existing base stations will be replaced or upgraded to 4G LTE and 5G technology, and a modern core network and billing system will be implemented ^[120]. Essentially, Gamcel will leap from 2G straight to 5G in one go. The deal also ensures the company remains majority government-owned (the investor gets equity but Gambia retains control) ^[121] ^[122]. Officials expressed optimism that with new infrastructure and an investor partner, Gamcel can “reclaim competitiveness in a digital-first landscape.” ^[123] Similar modernization drives are happening in other African markets: for instance, Nigeria and Kenya have been shutting down unprofitable 3G sites to focus on 4G, while planning 5G expansions in cities. The ITU and GSMA are assisting many poorer nations with strategies to re-farm 2G spectrum to 4G, since low-band spectrum (like 900 MHz) is extremely valuable for covering rural areas with LTE. The key is balancing the timeline: shutting 2G too quickly could cut off basic phone/SMS service for some users (especially those who can’t afford a new phone), yet keeping it for many years could divert resources from expanding 4G/5G. Each country is finding its own balance, but the direction is clear – the world is saying goodbye to GSM and 3G in favor of the faster, data-centric networks of today.

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 boom, and glimpses of 6G on the horizon. Developments on October 4–5 showcased how 5G is maturing and enabling new capabilities:

Standalone 5G Goes Mainstream: Most initial 5G deployments (2019–2022) were non-standalone – essentially an overlay on 4G cores. Now operators are rapidly moving to 5G Standalone (SA) mode with 5G cores, which unlocks the full potential of 5G (like ultra-low latency and network slicing). Industry data indicates over 40 operators worldwide have launched 5G SA as of late 2025, with many more in trials. In the U.S., T-Mobile led with SA in 2020, and AT&T/Verizon followed in 2022–23. Europe was slower, but this year saw big deployments: Germany’s Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone rolled out SA, and the UK’s VMO2 claims 70% population coverage with SA already ^[124]. On Oct 2, Vodafone Spain even demonstrated a 5G SA network slicing use-case for broadcasting live TV feeds with guaranteed QoS – something not possible on 4G. Analysts expect 2025 to be a breakout year for 5G SA globally ^[125], as many networks in Asia (e.g. India, which just launched 5G in 2023) plan to go standalone from the start. One driver is that new enterprise services (like private 5G campus networks and low-latency industrial control) require SA architecture. Another factor: device support has caught up – most 5G phones and CPEs in 2025 are now SA-capable, whereas a few years ago many were only NSA-compatible.

Network Slicing Becomes Reality: A long-touted feature of 5G is the ability to carve a physical network into multiple virtual slices – each with its own performance characteristics – to serve different needs on the same infrastructure. After years of demos, slicing is finally coming to commercial life. In the U.S., Verizon and T-Mobile have begun offering slices to enterprise customers ^[126]. For example, an energy company can buy a slice with extra reliability and security for its IoT sensors, while a gaming company might buy a low-latency slice for its AR/VR app. During MWC 2025, Spanish carrier Telefónica announced a live network slicing service for critical communications at a port in Valencia. The Omdia report cited in news this week notes that one-third of enterprises in a recent survey see private 5G networks (which often utilize slicing) as vital for security and customization of connectivity ^[127]. Governments are also interested – slices can be used for public safety communications, ensuring first responders have an always-on network even if public usage spikes during emergencies. Moving into 2026, we can expect slicing to be packaged into more mainstream offerings (possibly even “premium” consumer plans that guarantee, say, low latency for cloud gaming or uninterrupted 4K streaming via a slice).

RedCap IoT Devices Arrive: Perhaps the most significant 5G development for IoT this year is the emergence of RedCap (Reduced Capability) devices. RedCap is a feature in 5G standards (3GPP Release 17) that tailors 5G for devices that don’t need full-blown gigabit speeds – think wearables, sensors, industrial IoT modules – by reducing antenna counts and complexity, which cuts cost and power use. After being a concept on paper, RedCap is now tangible. The news roundup highlighted that Apple’s latest Apple Watch supports RedCap ^[128] – meaning it can connect to 5G in a lightweight mode ideal for a small battery. In late 2024, T-Mobile US launched the first commercial 5G RedCap device in North America, a hotspot aimed at IoT applications ^[129]. And in Asia, chipset makers like Qualcomm and MediaTek have RedCap modems ready, with Chinese manufacturers planning to embed them in smart glasses, factory robots, etc. Omdia researchers said 2025 is the turning point: it’s “the first time hardware and network ecosystems are aligned on RedCap” – networks are rolling out support just as devices are becoming available ^[130]. RedCap fills the gap between narrowband IoT (which is low data rate) and full 5G eMBB devices (which are expensive for simple tasks). For example, an AR headset might only need 50 Mbps and long battery life; RedCap lets it get that via 5G without the cost of a phone-like modem. Telecom executives are optimistic that billions of new IoT gadgets – from health wearables to smart city sensors – will come online via RedCap in the next few years, especially in Asia-Pacific which is projected to lead in IoT connections growth ^[131]. Another trend is operators potentially subsidizing RedCap adoption (e.g. through IoT-specific data plans or bundling devices) to quickly scale up volume, which in turn drives module prices down ^[132].

Real-World 5G Feats – Remote Surgery: The power of advanced 4G/5G networks was dramatically demonstrated by Kuwait’s Zain this month. As mentioned in Key Facts, Zain provided the high-speed link that enabled a Guinness World Record remote robotic surgery between doctors 12,000 km apart ^[133]. Specifically, a surgeon at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital in Kuwait City performed a hernia operation on a patient in São Paulo, Brazil using a robotic rig – with the telecom network carrying near-instant video and control signals. Zain used a dedicated MPLS connection with only 199 ms latency and 80 Mbps throughput ^[134]. The company’s CEO, Nawaf Al-Gharabally, noted that their “advanced network played a decisive role in providing a stable, instant connection that enabled a highly precise and reliable robotic surgery” ^[135]. The success was confirmed by Kuwait’s Ministry of Health and a team of Brazilian doctors on the other end, and it’s now officially the longest-distance telesurgery ever completed. This showcases how far telecom tech has come – sub-200 ms latency over that distance is astonishing (it approaches the theoretical limit of ~133 ms RTT for signals to traverse 12,000 km). Such low latency was achieved through fiber-optic undersea cables and optimized routing across Zain’s network and partners. Looking ahead, this opens the door for broader telemedicine in remote areas. Imagine a top surgeon in New York eventually operating on a patient in a rural African clinic via 5G – saving travel and potentially lives in emergencies. Beyond medicine, the same ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity can enable things like remote-controlled industrial machinery, cross-continent drone flights, or real-time holographic collaboration. 5G Advanced and future 6G are expected to push latencies to just 1–10 ms for certain applications, making such “sci-fi” use cases commonplace.

Looking Toward 6G and AI Integration: While 5G is still rolling out, the telecom industry is already formulating 6G visions and leveraging AI in network operations. No formal 6G standards exist yet, but research themes include using frequencies in the sub-THz range (100–300 GHz) for extreme capacity, integrating communication and sensing (so networks can also detect objects like radar), and AI-driven air interfaces that self-optimize. Europe’s early study of terahertz spectrum ^[136], as noted, is part of this groundwork. Japan and South Korea have dedicated 6G testbeds, and the U.S. launched a “Next G Alliance” of companies to coordinate 6G R&D. A timetable often cited is 2030 for first commercial 6G. Until then, 5G-Advanced (3GPP Releases 18+) will incrementally add features – including AI-powered network management. We’ve seen Nokia and Ericsson embed machine learning algorithms to automatically tune radio parameters, predict outages, and improve energy efficiency. Just this week, a Nokia executive at an AI conference said GenAI tools are helping design more efficient network topologies, but cautioned that bad actors can also use AI to find vulnerabilities (the double-edged sword of tech) ^[137] ^[138]. On the consumer side, 5G’s bandwidth is enabling more AI at the edge – e.g. AI translation and augmented reality services on smartphones, which require fast cloud linkages. All told, the trajectory from now to 2030 will see 5G fully realized and the foundation of 6G laid, with a convergence of communication tech, AI, and even satellite integration (6G is expected to natively support non-terrestrial networks).

The pace of innovation is brisk, and if the recent breakthroughs are any indication, the mobile experience in the late 2020s will be markedly different: far smarter, ubiquitous, and enabling applications that today still seem like the stuff of future tech conferences.

Satellite Connectivity Extends Mobile Reach

Once separate realms, satellite communications and cellular networks are increasingly converging – a trend underscored by several announcements this week. The goal is bold: to eliminate “no signal” zones by having ordinary mobile phones connect through satellites when terrestrial coverage is absent. October’s developments show significant progress in this frontier:

T-Mobile & SpaceX Starlink – Expanding the Beta: In the United States, T-Mobile has been a pioneer in satellite-cellular integration via its partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink constellation. In July 2025, T-Mobile launched an initial beta of “T-Satellite” service that allowed text messaging in remote areas using satellites. As of October 1, T-Mobile announced the service is expanding to support popular smartphone apps beyond SMS ^[139]. Specifically, satellite connectivity can now handle basic data for WhatsApp messaging, Google Maps, Apple’s iMessage, Facebook Messenger, X (Twitter), and a dozen other apps ^[140] ^[141]. This is possible because T-Mobile worked with Apple and Google to create a standard “SAT mode” in their operating systems ^[142] ^[143]. Apps that adopt SAT mode can detect when the phone is linked to a satellite and automatically switch to sending lightweight data (text-only chats, low-res map tiles, etc.) suited for narrowband satellite channels ^[144]. For users, the experience is seamless – if you’re hiking in the wilderness and lose cell signal, your phone will pop into satellite mode and things like WhatsApp will still work (albeit a bit slower, and without bandwidth-heavy content). T-Mobile is leveraging over 650 Starlink “direct-to-cell” satellites that SpaceX has launched ^[145]. These are essentially Starlink satellites with big cellular antennas on them, operating in T-Mobile’s cellular bands (not Wi-Fi). Each satellite acts like a very tall cell tower, covering huge areas but with limited capacity. That’s why the service initially supports only select apps and not full internet browsing. As VP Jeff Giard explained, the focus is on “critical services rather than full data-heavy experiences” via satellite ^[146]. T-Mobile includes this satellite feature at no extra cost on its top “Experience Beyond” plan, and sells it as a $10/month add-on for other customers (including those on AT&T or Verizon via roaming) ^[147]. The company reports the beta had 1.8 million users sending over a million messages from places with zero cell coverage – e.g. national parks, offshore waters, remote highways ^[148]. By year’s end, T-Mobile aims to support even more apps and eventually media like emails and imagery as satellite capacity grows. The big picture: satellite-to-phone is no longer sci-fi. As Giard put it, people love that “the phone in their pocket can connect to outer space” – effectively getting a satellite phone without a special device ^[149]. The implications for safety (think: contacting 911 from a mountain) and convenience (staying connected on a cruise or desert road) are huge.

AST SpaceMobile & Bell – 4G Voice/Data from Space: On Oct 3, Texas-based satellite company AST SpaceMobile and Canadian telecom Bell announced a major achievement: the first space-based cellular broadband tests in Canada ^[150]. They successfully completed voice calls, standard SMS messaging, and even basic 4G data and video streaming using AST’s BlueWalker 3 satellite and Bell’s spectrum ^[151] ^[152]. Essentially, Bell customers with normal smartphones in New Brunswick were able to make a phone call and load data directly via the satellite (which relayed to Bell’s ground network). Notably, the calls were VoLTE (voice over LTE) calls, proving that AST’s system can integrate with a carrier’s 4G voice core. This comes after AST’s earlier feats – in April, AST made headlines by placing a standard cellular call from space to a Samsung phone on AT&T’s network in Texas, and by reaching ~10 Mbps in a satellite LTE speed test. For the Canadian demo, Bell used its licensed 4G frequencies and Bell engineers worked closely with AST, meaning the service functioned as an extension of Bell’s network. Bell has invested in AST SpaceMobile since 2021 ^[153], and now they’re deepening that collaboration. Bell’s CTO Mark McDonald cheered it as “a breakthrough moment for connectivity in Canada”, saying their strategic bet on AST and owning the “sovereign gateways” (ground stations that link satellites to terrestrial networks) positions Bell to offer a highly reliable space-based cellular service tailored to Canadians’ needs ^[154]. When deployed commercially (targeted in 2026), Bell’s satellite-cell network will cover vast swaths of Canada’s wilderness – north of the 59th parallel, remote coastal waters, and some 5.7 million km² of area – the widest coverage of any Canadian provider ^[155]. Importantly, this technology will ensure that even in far north communities or offshore oil rigs, ordinary cell phones stay connected. It’s also seen as a boon for emergency response: during wildfires or Arctic expeditions, first responders could rely on satellite connectivity when they move outside regular towers. AST SpaceMobile’s chief commercial officer, Chris Ivory, noted that the successful voice and video tests “highlight [the technology’s] potential to revolutionize connectivity in Canada and beyond” ^[156]. For AST, which aims to build a constellation of 100+ BlueBird satellites to achieve global coverage, each such test validates their approach.

Apple, Qualcomm & Others – The Race in NTN: The satellite-direct trend is not confined to these players. Apple last year introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite on iPhone 14 – albeit a limited two-way texting for emergencies using Globalstar satellites. In 2025, rumors suggest Apple might expand that capability or partner with Globalstar for basic messaging for all users (not just emergencies). Qualcomm is baking satellite messaging support (via Iridium’s satellites) into its latest smartphone chips, meaning many Android phones launched in 2024–2025 will have satellite texting ability out-of-the-box (accessible by apps). Google too added preliminary support for satellite in Android 14. We’re seeing an ecosystem form around the concept called NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) in 5G standards. 3GPP Release 17 defined the first specs for NTN, allowing satellites (LEO, MEO, even HAPS drones) to be treated as cell sites by phones. By Release 20 (due ~2028), 5G-Advanced will refine NTN with better power controls and satellite handovers. Ultimately, 6G might fully unify terrestrial and satellite networks. This week’s news from T-Mobile and AST suggests we’re well on our way: carriers are keen to integrate satellite to reach new subscribers and fulfill coverage obligations, while satellite firms see a huge market in serving regular handsets (billions of them) instead of specialized satphones (millions).

Regulatory and Competitive Dynamics: Of course, these advancements bring new challenges. Traditional satellite phone services (e.g. Iridium, Inmarsat) face disruption if mainstream telcos offer cheaper or free satellite connectivity as part of normal plans. There are also regulatory hurdles: using satellites for cellular means dealing with cross-border spectrum issues and coordination (SpaceX had to get FCC permission to use T-Mobile’s spectrum from space, which was granted experimentally). Interestingly, some European telcos are fighting back against SpaceX, worried that Starlink’s signals could interfere with terrestrial networks. A leaked story last week said major EU operators even threatened legal action if regulators don’t keep Starlink in check ^[157] ^[158]. They’re also backing an alternative called AST SpaceMobile (Vodafone and Orange have invested in AST) to ensure they have a stake in the satellite game. We may see competition between satellite providers to win partnerships with carriers in each region. In the end, the consumer might not know or care which satellite is overhead – only that their phone has coverage on the mountaintop or in the middle of the ocean. And that, frankly, is a game-changer for the notion of anytime, anywhere connectivity.

Security & Connectivity Challenges

Amid the excitement over new technology, the global telecom sector also grappled with security incidents and persistent connectivity gaps in early October. These stories serve as a reminder that progress comes with challenges – from cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure to the ongoing mission of bringing all of humanity online.

Telecom Networks as Cyber Targets: Modern mobile networks are part of national critical infrastructure, which makes them prime targets for malicious actors ranging from criminal hackers to state-sponsored groups. A striking revelation came via Reuters on Oct 3: a China-linked cyber-espionage campaign had compromised more U.S. telecom companies than initially believed ^[159]. Back in July, U.S. officials disclosed that hackers (dubbed “Salt Typhoon” by Microsoft) infiltrated networks of major carriers AT&T and Verizon. The new report indicates Charter Communications, Windstream, Lumen and others were also breached ^[160] ^[161]. The attackers exploited unpatched Cisco routers and Fortinet devices to deeply burrow into telco systems ^[162]. They potentially gained the ability to monitor or even disrupt telecom traffic. While the U.S. government downplayed immediate danger – carriers have since patched holes and “contained” the threat, with no widespread outages occurring ^[163] ^[164] – the fact that foreign hackers got in at all is alarming. It highlights the need for constant vigilance: telecom operators are now beefing up network monitoring, segmenting networks to limit lateral movement, and working closely with intelligence agencies to detect intrusions early. The White House even convened a special meeting last fall with telco CEOs to emphasize the severity; reportedly, officials warned that Chinese hackers had capabilities to “shut down dozens of U.S. ports, power grids and other infrastructure” via compromised networks if they wanted ^[165]. This worst-case scenario hasn’t occurred, but the message was clear that stronger cybersecurity in telecom is a national security imperative.

DDoS and Fraud Threats: Another menace is DDoS attacks (Distributed Denial of Service) – flooding networks or services with traffic to disrupt them. Telecom operators have seen a surge in DDoS attempts, often leveraging armies of malware-infected IoT devices (everything from smart cameras to routers) as bots. Nokia’s security report (mentioned in an Oct 4 digest) noted some carriers went from experiencing a handful of DDoS incidents per day to over 100 attacks daily in 2024 ^[166]. North America is particularly hard-hit, and these attacks can be used to extort operators or simply cause chaos. For example, a regional U.S. carrier, Cellcom in Wisconsin, suffered a week-long outage in May 2025 that it later confirmed was due to a cyberattack (likely ransomware or DDoS) ^[167]. Customers couldn’t use mobile data or make calls during the blackout, underscoring how even smaller providers are at risk. In early September, the U.S. Secret Service uncovered a very different but equally troubling threat: an apparent attempt to use SIM cards at massive scale for disruption or fraud. Agents raiding locations around New York found over 300 SIM servers and 100,000+ SIM cards operating in clusters within a 35-mile radius ^[168] ^[169]. These could have been used to send millions of spoofed messages or overload mobile networks during the high-profile UN General Assembly meeting. A Secret Service official said the potential to cripple communications “cannot be overstated” ^[170] – had those rogue SIM farms been activated, they might have spammed every phone in the country or jammed cell towers with signaling traffic. Fortunately, they were seized in time, and an investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrators (suspected to be an overseas criminal syndicate). The incident shows that threats to telecom aren’t only in cyberspace but can involve physical rogue equipment too.

Bridging the Usage Gap: On the connectivity front, the digital divide remains a significant challenge even as networks expand. The GSMA’s State of Mobile Internet 2025 report, discussed on Sep 9 and still reverberating in October conversations, revealed some paradoxical stats. By end of 2024, 4.4 billion people had mobile internet access – that’s 58% of the world ^[171] ^[172]. Another ~300 million (4% of global population) live in areas with no mobile broadband coverage (the “coverage gap”) ^[173]. But the biggest group – 3.1 billion people, or about 38% of humanity – actually live in areas that have 4G or 5G coverage but are not using mobile internet ^[174] ^[175]. This is the “usage gap,” and while it shrank a bit from 40% to 38% in the last year, it’s still huge, meaning infrastructure alone isn’t enough. As GSMA’s DG Vivek Badrinath emphasized, “In 96% of the world, the infrastructure is in place… Removing the remaining barriers is essential to ensuring these 3.1 billion people can benefit from life-changing connectivity.” ^[176]. The barriers he refers to are chiefly affordability (of smartphones and data plans) and digital literacy. In many low-income countries, even a $30 basic smartphone is out of reach for poor families, and data can cost a sizable chunk of monthly income ^[177]. Additionally, in some communities there’s a lack of awareness of what the internet offers or cultural barriers (e.g. fewer women use mobile internet in certain regions due to social norms). To tackle this, stakeholders are pursuing various strategies: some operators are offering cheaper data bundles or partnering with governments on subsidy programs (like India’s scheme to subsidize smartphones for women in rural areas). There are also digital skills initiatives – for example, in sub-Saharan Africa, carriers run “Internet 101” clinics to teach first-time users how to use apps safely and effectively. Startups are innovating ultra-low-cost smartphones and offline content for areas with patchy connectivity. And on the affordability front, the GSMA report notes that every 10% reduction in device cost or data cost can bring significant numbers of people online. Encouragingly, as 4G phones get older, a secondary market for used smartphones is growing, which can lower the entry price.

Climate & Infrastructure Resilience: Another challenge overlapping with connectivity is climate resilience. While not headline news on Oct 4–5 specifically, telecom execs at recent conferences have raised concerns about extreme weather (fires, floods, hurricanes) knocking out mobile networks. For instance, Canada’s Bell highlighted how their satellite-cell initiative could provide backup in remote areas if terrestrial towers are destroyed by wildfires – a scenario that played out in Canada’s Northwest Territories this summer. Similarly, U.S. carriers have been investing in portable cell sites on drones or balloons to quickly restore coverage after disasters, a concept that ties into 5G NTN as well. The security of telecom is not just about cyber, but also physical robustness: backup power (diesel generators, battery packs, even solar in rural sites) is crucial. The EU is funding projects to harden undersea cables and cross-border fiber routes to prevent sabotage (after the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, the fear is subsea cables could be next).

In summary, even as 5G and beyond promise dazzling capabilities, the foundational work of keeping networks secure and inclusive is ongoing. Cyber defenses must evolve in lockstep with network tech – whether that’s AI systems hunting malware on 5G cores or international treaties to deter state-sponsored hacks on telcos. And bridging the usage gap is as important as rolling out the latest 5G node – because a network is only as valuable as the people who can benefit from it. Policymakers, operators, and civil society will need to collaborate to address these challenges so that the GSM internet revolution truly leaves no one behind.

Sources:

FCC “Build America” wireless infrastructure proposals (September 30, 2025) ^[178] ^[179]; Mintz Telecom Law summary ^[180].
India TRAI multi-band auction plans ^[181] ^[182]; Sri Lanka 5G auction notice ^[183] (Daily Mirror).
Turkey 5G tender announcement – Reuters ^[184] ^[185].
Ofcom mmWave auction details (UK) ^[186] ^[187].
Telefonica CEO calls for consolidation – Reuters interview ^[188] ^[189].
EU considering easing telecom merger rules – Reuters ^[190] ^[191].
BT 5G SA rollout and Ericsson radio deployment – Mobile World Live ^[192] ^[193].
Verizon–GE Vernova utility network partnership – Mobile World Live ^[194] ^[195].
Vodafone acquisition of Telekom Romania Mobile – Deutsche Telekom (OTE) press release ^[196] ^[197].
Gamcel (Gambia) 4G/5G investment and quotes – The Alkamba Times ^[198] ^[199].
2G/3G shutdown timelines in Europe/Turkey – Anadolu Agency overview ^[200]; Israel end-2025 shutdown plan – CSA Group ^[201] ^[202].
GSMA mobile internet usage gap report – TelecomTV ^[203] ^[204]; quote by GSMA’s Badrinath ^[205].
Zain Kuwait remote surgery world record – Mobile World Live ^[206] ^[207].
Omdia 5G RedCap and network slicing analysis – Mobile World Live summary ^[208] ^[209].
T-Mobile US expands satellite “T-Satellite” service – Reuters ^[210] ^[211]; Quote from T-Mobile VP Jeff Giard ^[212].
Bell Canada & AST SpaceMobile satellite call test – Telecoms.com ^[213] ^[214].
European telecom vs Starlink interference concerns – Mobile Ecosystem Forum news ^[215] ^[216].
U.S. Secret Service foils SIM-card network threat – WEF cybersecurity news ^[217] ^[218].
Chinese hackers in U.S. telecom networks – Reuters ^[219] ^[220].
SK Telecom data breach and response – Reuters ^[221] ^[222].

Wireless Basics - GSM, CDMA, and LTE

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References

Global GSM Revolution: 5G Breakthroughs, 3G Farewells & Telecom Power Plays (Oct 4–5, 2025)