The switch-off of 2G and 3G is being driven forward by network operators worldwide. The reason: the frequencies are needed for modern technologies such as 4G (LTE), 5G, LTE-M and NB-IoT. 3G has already been switched off in Germany and 2G will be gradually switched off by network operators from summer 2028. Anyone using IoT devices that only support 2G or 3G must act now to avoid outages and communication problems.
Since the 1990s, the GSM network (2G) has formed the basis of mobile communication, supplemented by UMTS (3G) from 2000. In the meantime, the technology has developed significantly: 4G (LTE) is standard and 5G is on the rise. Older generations such as 2G and 3G have long been considered obsolete and are therefore being gradually phased out by mobile network operators.
The aim is to use the available frequencies more efficiently: Network operators such as Deutsche Telekom are using the freed-up areas - around 900 MHz, for example - specifically for the expansion of 4G and 5G, particularly in rural regions. This creates space for modern applications, higher bandwidths and future-proof network coverage.
Deutsche Telekom has announced that it will completely shut down its 2G network (GSM) by summer 2028. The previously occupied 900 MHz spectrum is to be used for modern technologies such as 4G and 5G.
Vodafone is also planning to gradually switch off 2G - the technology is to be phased out in Germany by the end of 2030 at the latest.
In Germany, all mobile network operators (Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and O2) have already implemented the 3G switch-off in 2021. Since then, access via UMTS is no longer possible. Devices that only support 3G will no longer have a connection without hardware adjustments.
June 30, 2028
by the end of 2030
No date known yet
30.06.2021
30.06.2021
21.12.2021
Unlike in Germany, French network operators are planning to switch off the 2G network before the 3G network. Bouygues has announced that it will switch off 2G in France by the end of 2026. The French network operator plans to switch off 3G by the end of 2029. SFR has announced that it will also switch off 2G by the end of 2026 and 3G by 2028. Orange has announced 2025 for the 2G switch-off in France and plans to switch off the 3G network as early as 2026.
End of 2026
End of 2026
End of 2025
End of 2029
End of 2028
End of 2026
The shutdown of 2G and 3G networks is no longer a purely German issue; network operators around the world are switching to modern technologies. They are doing this in different ways: While in some countries the 3G network was taken offline first, in other regions the focus is on switching off 2G.
In Switzerland, Swisscom and Sunrise have already deactivated their 2G network at the end of 2022, while 3G will be switched off by the end of 2025. In the USA, AT&T's 2G network was already switched off in 2017, followed by T-Mobile at the end of 2021. The order was reversed for the 3G network: T-Mobile ended the service in 2020, AT&T switched off 3G in 2022. In other countries such as Australia and the Netherlands, both technologies have already been completely switched off in some cases. Companies with internationally deployed IoT devices should check their hardware at an early stage and switch to 4G, 5G or LPWAN-capable solutions.
Already switched off
Already switched off
Already switched off
End of 2025
End of 2025
31.12.2022
The shutdown of 2G and 3G has a direct impact on the connectivity of IoT devices: If the corresponding network is no longer available, it can no longer be used. End devices that only support 2G or 3G will lose their connection - permanently. This affects older alarm systems, home emergency call systems or automatic emergency calls (eCall) in vehicles, for example. Without a technical upgrade, these systems will no longer function reliably in an emergency. Only devices that support 4G, 5G or LPWAN standards will remain online and ready for use after the switch-off.
Effects of the 2G switch-off for emergency call services
In Germany, 2G is often used for emergency call applications such as elevator emergency calls or home emergency call systems. Before 2G is switched off, it must be ensured that these services also work reliably via newer technologies such as Voice over LTE (VoLTE). This is required by law and is the main reason why 2G, unlike 3G, has not yet been switched off.
The shutdown does not primarily affect the SIM card, but the end device. Modern M2M SIM cards such as those from WhereverSIM have long supported 4G, 5G and LPWAN standards. The decisive factor is therefore whether the device or hardware used is also capable of using these technologies.
If you use SIM cards in older devices, you should check whether they are also 4G or 5G-capable. If this is not the case, there are retrofit solutions depending on the device, for example in the form of a modem or firmware upgrade. You can usually find out whether your device is compatible and which options are available in the technical documentation or directly from the manufacturer's product support.
If our M2M SIM cards are used in your devices, you don't have to do anything on the SIM side to switch off 2G and 3G: Our SIM cards already support several hundred 4G networks and numerous 5G networks worldwide. As soon as a network is available via roaming and belongs to the booked tariff zone, it is automatically used - without any adjustment on your part.
However, the decisive factor is whether your end devices are also 4G or 5G-capable. Especially with older hardware, there is a risk that only 2G or 3G will be supported. As there is no backwards compatibility between 4G networks and pure 2G/3G devices, they will otherwise lose the connection and remain offline.
Not sure if your devices are affected? Our team of M2M experts will be happy to help you - including recommendations for suitable hardware via our partner network.
With the shutdown of 2G and 3G, the focus is shifting to modern mobile communications standards. Technologies such as 5G, LTE-M and NB-IoT are specifically tailored to the requirements of IoT applications.
5Gfor complex real-time applications
5G offers extremely low latency, high data rates and the ability to network millions of devices simultaneously. Ideal for IoT scenarios with high data volumes or real-time requirements, for example in industry, autonomous vehicles or traffic control.
LTE-Mfor mobile, energy-efficient devices
LTE-M is a low-power, long-range mobile radio solution - perfect for connected meters, trackers and wearables. The technology supports mobility, SIM roaming and is particularly attractive for scalable IoT projects due to its low operating costs.
NB-IoTfor simple sensor technology and difficult environments
NB-IoT scores with extremely low energy consumption and reliable connectivity even in buildings, basements or remote regions. This makes the technology particularly suitable for stationary devices such as water, gas or temperature sensors with low data rates.
The switch-off of 2G and 3G is not a distant future, but already a reality. Those who prepare their IoT devices for modern mobile communications standards such as 4G, 5G, LTE-M or NB-IoT in good time will remain networked and capable of acting in the long term. Our SIM cards support all relevant technologies and our team will be happy to assist you with the transition. So that your devices can still communicate reliably tomorrow.
