Technology Neutrality and Legacy Network Sunsets

The Evolution of Connectivity in Africa

Technology-neutral spectrum licensing (also referred to as technology neutrality) is crucial to allow mobile operators to refarm spectrum used for legacy networks (2G and 3G) for 4G and 5G services at a pace driven by market demand.

This report takes a closer look at the benefits of technology-neutral licences. They allow spectrum to be used more efficiently. For users, this means better mobile broadband coverage, higher data speeds and lower mobile data prices than would otherwise be the case.

The report also puts technology-neutral spectrum in a broader policy context, including how it is related to legacy network sunsets. The two are closely linked as without technology neutrality, freed-up spectrum cannot be used efficiently, and potential socioeconomic benefits are lost.