en.Wedoany.com Reported - According to GlobalData's analysis of network shutdowns in the first quarter of 2026, operators in the Asia-Pacific region are accelerating the closure of 2G and 3G networks, reallocating freed-up spectrum and capital to 4G and 5G service upgrades. Data shows that in 2025, the penetration rates of 2G and 3G services in the region have dropped to approximately 6% and 2%, respectively, and are expected to further decline to 3% and 0.3% by 2030. Meanwhile, 4G and 5G service penetration rates reached about 56% and 63% in 2025, with next-generation technologies becoming the regional standard.
Regarding 3G network shutdowns, operators in various countries have clear timelines. Indian operators Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, after shutting down 3G, are redirecting spectrum and funds toward 4G/5G upgrades; Australia's Telstra, Optus, and TPG completed their 3G shutdowns in June 2024 to accelerate 5G coverage; Singapore's Singtel, M1, and StarHub have completed 3G shutdowns; Japan's NTT Docomo plans to shut down its third-generation services by the end of 2026.
Operators are increasingly directing investments toward 5G network enhancements. In March 2026, Singtel partnered with Ericsson to accelerate the development of 5G Advanced on an AI-based programmable digital platform. Thailand's AIS launched an AI-based 5G Advanced network in May 2026. Bharti Airtel added over 2,900 new 5G sites across 77 districts in northern India in June 2026. New Zealand operators 2degrees, One NZ, and Spark are on track to complete 2G/3G network shutdowns by 2026, redirecting freed-up spectrum to next-generation networks.
GlobalData telecom analyst Kantipudi Pradeepthi noted that after operators complete the transition from legacy networks, the strategic value extends beyond spectrum efficiency and network modernization, enabling support for high data-intensive applications, expanding enterprise service portfolios, and unlocking new revenue streams in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and smart cities. Ultimately, this evolution will play a key role in enhancing Asia-Pacific's digital competitiveness and driving long-term sustainable economic growth.
In terms of 5G development, China continues to dominate. A report titled "China's Mobile Economy 2026" released by GSMA ahead of MWC Shanghai 2026 shows that 5G will account for 61% of China's connections by the end of 2026 and 88% by 2030. China already holds over 40% of global 5G connections and surpassed 1 billion 5G connections in 2024. The report notes that 5G-Advanced has been commercially deployed in over 330 cities in mainland China, with more than 10 million users. China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom have all conducted related technology trials and deployments, focusing on applications such as autonomous vehicles, drones, and extended reality. The report emphasizes that national policy support helps sustain the technology's momentum, with the Chinese government designating 5G as a national priority as part of broader goals for digital transformation and enhancing international economic competitiveness.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
