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. 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 originally planned to gradually switch off 2G in Germany by the end of 2030. However, in September 2025, the company announced that it would switch off its 2G network earlier. From September 2028, the 2G service for traditional voice calls will be discontinued, and phone calls will then only be possible via 4G (VoLTE) or 5G. Older devices without LTE or 5G support will therefore be particularly affected by the 2G switch-off. However, the 2G network will remain available for critical IoT applications such as networked elevator systems, emergency call technology (e.g. eCall) or alarm systems. Vodafone will keep it running in this area until the end of 2030 to enable a smooth technology transition. The complete dismantling of the 2G infrastructure will begin in January 2031.
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
September 30, 2028 for voice connections,
January 31, 2031 for all services (including IoT)
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In Italy, the 3G switch-off is already well advanced:
- TIM has switched off its 3G network on October 15, 2022, Vodafone already on February 28, 2021.
- The provider WindTre will gradually discontinue its 3G service until December 31, 2025 to give customers enough time to switch over.
- For the 2G network, on the other hand, there are no official, nationally binding switch-off dates yet.
Many operators are keeping GSM active, especially in rural areas where IoT devices are often still based on 2G. Companies with existing devices should keep a close eye on network developments and switch their hardware to 4G, 5G or LPWAN technologies in the medium term to avoid connectivity losses.
Unlike in Germany, French network operators are planning to switch off the 2G network before the 3G network and have already communicated specific timetables for the switch-off of 2G and 3G:
- Orange plans to switch off its 2G network completely by the end of 2026 and is expected to discontinue 3G services by the end of 2028. The services will not be switched off all at once, but in phases and divided into different regions.
- SFR and Bouygues Telecom are also planning to deactivate their GSM networks by 2026, while their UMTS networks are to be switched off by 2028 and 2029 respectively.
- For providers such as Free Mobile, which currently rely on network facilities with Orange, the currently agreed network roaming agreement for 2G/3G will end by the end of 2025 at the latest - an extension until the final switch-off date is being examined.
End of 2026
End of 2026
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In Spain, network operators are planning to switch off the 3G network first, while 2G will remain in place for longer. Numerous sources predict that the 3G service will be phased out before 2026.
- Orange España plans to switch off 3G in 2025, with 2G remaining in place until the end of 2026.
- Movistar (Telefónica) is targeting a complete switch-off period for 2G and 3G between 2026 and 2027.
- Vodafone Spain is already accelerating the 3G phase-out and strengthening VoLTE solutions. However, a fixed switch-off date for 2G has not yet been set.
For IoT solutions in Spain, this means that devices that only use 2G or 3G are at risk in the medium term. A migration to 4G, 5G or LPWAN solutions should be planned in a targeted manner, especially in critical applications and in regions with weak network coverage.
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
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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.
