Mobile Operators Reallocated Legacy Spectrum for 5G
Telecom providers shifted frequencies from 2G and 3G networks to boost 5G capacity across global sites.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Telecommunications
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As of June 2026, mobile network operators worldwide have moved to modernize infrastructure by repurposing legacy 2G and 3G spectrum bands. This transition helps providers accommodate annual mobile data traffic increases of approximately 30 percent without needing additional spectrum auctions.
Why it matters
Refarming older frequency bands allows carriers to significantly expand 5G network capacity and efficiency using existing radio equipment. This strategy enables operators to meet surging consumer data demands while simultaneously reducing the energy consumption associated with maintaining outdated, legacy technologies.
Operators repurposed frequencies including the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands to support 5G New Radio. In Brazil, Algar Telecom reorganized 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum, which increased 5G download speeds from 500 Mbps to 750 Mbps in Uberlândia.
The players
GSA
The Global mobile Suppliers Association provides industry research and data on mobile technology developments.
Deutsche Telekom
Deutsche Telekom is a major German telecommunications provider operating extensive mobile networks across Europe.
EE
EE is a leading United Kingdom mobile network operator owned by BT Group.
Algar Telecom
Algar Telecom is a Brazilian telecommunications company focusing on mobile and fiber connectivity solutions.
Far EasTone
Far EasTone is a major Taiwanese telecommunications operator known for its recent network energy-reduction initiatives.
The details
Companies like EE upgraded over 4,000 sites by reallocating the 2100 MHz band to 5G+, while Vodafone and Three integrated 1800 MHz spectrum across 15,000 legacy sites. Deutsche Telekom also transitioned its 2100 MHz band to dedicated 5G to support a goal of providing 1 Gbps download capacity at 90 percent of its mobile sites.
Timeline
In May 2025, Vodafone reported 5G population coverage reached 59 percent.
In March 2026, Far EasTone and Ericsson launched a network modernization program.
In April 2026, EE completed the reallocation of 2100 MHz spectrum across 4,000 sites.
In May 2026, GSA published its MidBand Spectrum report.
By June 2026, GSA confirmed 313 global 2G and 3G network switch-offs.
The Tech Race
The transition from legacy 2G and 3G to 5G represents a major shift toward high-efficiency radio architectures that consolidate network infrastructure. This modernization effectively replaces older, energy-intensive hardware with software-defined radio solutions to keep pace with global traffic growth.
Users can expect faster download speeds and more reliable connections as operators optimize their networks for 5G signals. This modernization also helps stabilize service costs by allowing providers to manage growing data traffic on existing infrastructure without immediate hardware price hikes.
The takeaway
The move to refarm legacy spectrum is a critical survival strategy for global carriers facing a 30 percent annual increase in data traffic. Consumers benefit from this shift through enhanced network stability and faster connection speeds on their mobile devices.
Further reading
For more information on the current landscape of mobile infrastructure, visit our section on Telecommunications.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TelecomLead.
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