LTE to 5G Evolution

LTE is a global success with over 6.6 billion subscriptions, connecting nearly two-thirds of mobile users worldwide. LTE is specified by 3GPP as a single global standard for paired and unpaired spectrum users. The vast majority of the standard is the same for frequency-division duplex and time-division duplex.

LTE has evolved through various 3GPP technology releases, covering the introduction of LTE-Advanced and then LTE-Advanced Pro, which significantly improved the capabilities of LTE networks. From 3GPP Release 15, the community has been defining 5G networks, starting with non-standalone 5G systems that integrate with existing LTE networks and moving onto standalone 5G systems with substantially different network configurations.

This report provides an independent, in-depth status update and analysis of the global 4G/LTE, LTE-Advanced and 5G markets. Information is obtained, analysed and verified by GSA.

Key messages

• The rate of uptake and investment from operators has decreased significantly, particularly since 2022. Between 2022 and May 2025, GSA tracked only 18 LTE launches.
• In comparison, there were 93 launches between 2018 and 2021. The peak was 2015, with 122 launches.
• 375 operators are investing in Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) services in 156 countries and territories, including 320 operators that have launched or are currently deploying VoLTE in 138 countries and territories.
• Overall, 375 operators are investing in LTE-Advanced — in the form of tests, trials, deployments or commercial service provision — in 156 countries and territories.
• GSA has identified 633 operators in 188 countries and territories that have launched, are deploying, have acquired spectrum licences to enable deployment, have demonstrated, are testing or trialling, or have been licensed to conduct field trials of 5G networks.
• Fixed wireless access broadband based on LTE is available to most countries worldwide: 440 operators in 172 countries and territories are selling services.