Global Operators Reallocated Legacy Spectrum to 5G
Mobile carriers are transitioning 2G and 3G frequency bands to 5G New Radio to address rising data demand.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Telecommunications
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Mobile operators worldwide have accelerated the retirement of legacy 2G and 3G networks to repurpose spectrum for 5G capacity, with 313 total switch-offs identified by June 2026. This industry-wide shift allows carriers to accommodate an annual increase in mobile data traffic of approximately 30 percent.
Why it matters
Refarming legacy bandwidth allows operators to scale network capacity and meet rising performance demands without waiting for costly new spectrum auctions. This strategy has become a critical mechanism for maintaining service quality as data usage continues to climb.
Operators are transitioning frequency bands like 2100 MHz from legacy protocols to 5G New Radio, achieving significant throughput gains such as a speed increase from 500 Mbps to 750 Mbps in Uberlândia. Beyond speed, these upgrades include radio-network modernization expected to reduce energy consumption by up to 35 percent.
The players
GSA
A telecommunications industry organization that monitors market trends and spectrum usage data.
Deutsche Telekom
A major German telecommunications provider focused on national 5G coverage and network efficiency.
Algar Telecom
A Brazilian telecommunications company that manages local 5G infrastructure in multiple regions.
Far EasTone
A Taiwanese telecommunications operator utilizing infrastructure upgrades to improve energy efficiency.
EE
A United Kingdom mobile network operator prioritizing the transition of mid-band frequencies to 5G+.
The details
Refarming involves reducing the bandwidth allocated to legacy cellular standards to free up frequencies for 5G New Radio (NR) — the global standard for the 5G wireless air interface. Operators combine spectrum optimization with updated radio equipment and software to improve transmission efficiency. By consolidating infrastructure, such as the integration of 1800 MHz spectrum across 15,000 legacy sites by Vodafone and Three, carriers increase throughput without needing additional radio channels.
Timeline
May 2025: Vodafone 5G population coverage reached 59 percent.
March 2026: Far EasTone and Ericsson announced a network modernization program.
April 2026: EE reallocated 2100 MHz spectrum across 4,000 sites.
May 2026: The GSA released its MidBand Spectrum report.
June 2026: The GSA identified 313 total 2G and 3G network switch-offs.
The Tech Race
This wave of spectrum refarming marks a departure from the reliance on new frequency auctions in favor of optimizing existing assets. It follows a pattern set by the GSA MidBand Spectrum report, which highlights how incumbent operators are leveraging legacy infrastructure to compete with greenfield 5G deployments.
Users will see increased download speeds and improved network reliability as capacity is expanded in high-traffic areas. The availability of these enhancements depends on local carrier deployment schedules and hardware compatibility with 5G New Radio bands.
The takeaway
Operators are aggressively moving toward a 5G-only architecture to maintain service levels as data traffic continues its upward trajectory. Watch for future network modernization announcements from regional carriers that aim to lower energy costs while boosting throughput for end users.
Further reading
For broader trends in infrastructure, explore the latest developments in Telecommunications.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TelecomLead.
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