647 operators across 191 countries and territories are investing in 5G network by the end of October 2025. These investments span across trials, spectrum acquisition, planning, network rollout, and service launches, marking another milestone in the global adoption of next-generation connectivity, The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) said.
5G Deployments and Service Launches
Out of the 647 operators identified, 384 operators in 143 countries and territories have launched or soft-launched at least one 3GPP-compliant 5G service. Among these, 358 operators in 140 markets have rolled out 5G mobile services, demonstrating significant momentum in mobile broadband expansion.
In addition, 175 operators in 78 countries have launched or soft-launched 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) services, accounting for more than 45 percent of those with active 5G deployments. The FWA segment continues to grow as operators use 5G to bridge broadband gaps and improve connectivity in underserved regions.
Growth in 5G Standalone Networks
192 operators are actively investing in public 5G standalone (SA) networks. This includes operators that are evaluating, testing, piloting, or deploying 5G SA technology. Of these, 95 operators have launched or soft-launched commercial standalone networks. The move toward 5G SA represents the next phase of network evolution, enabling advanced capabilities such as network slicing, ultra-low latency, and enhanced enterprise applications.
Key Spectrum Bands for 5G
The most commonly used spectrum bands for deploying or operating 5G networks are C-band, 26/28 GHz, 700 MHz, 2.5 GHz, and 2.1 GHz. These frequencies provide a mix of coverage and capacity, supporting both urban and rural 5G rollouts.
In terms of device support, the C-band, 2.5 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 1800 MHz, and 700 MHz (n28) bands are the most widely adopted across announced 5G devices, reflecting strong ecosystem alignment between network operators and device manufacturers.
Expanding 5G Device Ecosystem
The 5G device market has continued to grow significantly. By October 2025, the GSA catalogued 3,777 announced 5G devices, marking a 25 percent increase from 3,030 a year earlier. Of these, 2,034 are 5G smartphones, up 27 percent from 1,604 in October 2024.
Commercial availability has also surged, with 3,377 devices now available globally, an increase of 28 percent from 2,636 in the previous year. The steady rise in available 5G devices reflects growing consumer and enterprise demand for high-speed connectivity and new digital experiences.
Outlook
The latest GSA data underscores the global acceleration of 5G network investment and adoption. With more operators moving toward standalone 5G and an expanding ecosystem of compatible devices, 5G is firmly positioned as the foundation for the next wave of digital transformation across industries, smart cities, and connected ecosystems.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
