2G / 3G Network Shutdown Status and Challenges
Updated: Nov 22, 2022
Mobile Network operators shutting down 3G and in some cases, 2G has been a long time coming. Operators across the world have either already shut down their 2G and 3G or planning to do so in the near future. Up until now, we had several new technologies co-existing with legacy technologies, but it is becoming more complex for Carriers to manage and manufacturers to support.
By October 2022, 142 operators in 56 countries have either completed, planned, or are in progress with 2G/3G switch offs according to Global Mobile Suppliers Association 2022. Of those 51 operators have been completed already, 97 are planned, and 8 are in progress.
Global Picture for 2G
Source 2022 Global Mobile Suppliers Association
Global Picture for 3G
Source 2022 Global Mobile Suppliers Association
In Europe, 3G is expected to be switched off before 2G. Around 19 operators are planning to switch off their 3G Network by 2025 and around eight operators are planning to switch off their 2G network by 2025. June 2021 brought the shutdown of 3G in two operators in Germany Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom. Telefonica is also expected to shut down 3G by the end of 2021. In other countries Telia will look to close 3G in all their countries between 2022 and 2025 and EE will be the first UK network that has announced the shutdown of 3G.
For Asia, 2G in countries like Japan was phased out a long time ago. The trend will continue with other countries and operators. There are around 29 operators who are looking to shut down 2G by 2025 and 16 shutting down 3G by 2025. Notably, Tawain closed both 2G and 3G almost 3 years ago.
The Americas especially the US is shutting down 2G networks on an accelerated scale. 3G Network will be shut down by all main operators by 2022. Around 15 operators in 7 countries have announced the closure of 2G by the end of 2025.
For Oceania, 2G is almost phased out. In Australia all 3 operators have shut down their 2G by the end of 2018 and 3G is on the way with Telstra the only one announcing a timeline for the end of 2024.
Africa is the only region where no 2G or 3G shutdowns have been announced so far but it will be part of future planning once newer technologies penetrate more.
What 2G/ 3G shutdowns will mean for end-users?
This will force/encourage people to upgrade their phones to 4G. Many Operators seem to suggest that 2G in Europe will be around until 2030 and this is mainly due to implications of the M2M and IoT applications. In particular, the EU mandated eCall, where long term agreements are in place, will need to be supported by the 2G technology before the work towards migration to IMS voice is fully completed.
There are several drivers behind this change.
Reuse of frequencies for new technology deployments like 4G and 5G. Most 2G use 850, 900, 1,800 or 1,900 MHz frequency bands. The sub-1 GHz bands, are very valuable due to their propagation characteristics, especially delivering greater coverage and in-building penetration.
Reduce costs and effort in maintaining legacy radio networks
Lower the energy consumption of the network. Vodafone New Zealand has announced back in 2019 that they are expecting around 10% savings in power consumption from migrating away from 2G and 3G technologies.
Simplify the network operation
This 2G and 3G network closure change are bringing several challenges to device manufacturers, Carriers/Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators.
What will this mean for Smartphone Manufacturers?
IMS (VoLTE & VoWiFi) will need to now be enabled by default on all devices. This will add additional testing requirements to ensure smooth interoperability on all networks to enable end-users to benefit from the latest technology and not rely on legacy technology. Testing on Roaming conditions should also be taken into account to ensure end-users Quality of Experience when using data or voice services.
What will this mean for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)?
MNOs will significantly reduce some of the operational costs by the 2G/3G shutdown, but they will need to ensure they have substantial capacity and coverage for new technology like VoLTE. It will cause a major impact on the Quality of Experience and brand loyalty if end users cannot use VoLTE in areas where there is no longer 3G coverage and have to rely on 2G voice. This will have a very negative impact on the user experience.
To ensure a smooth transition Quality of Service should be maintained during and after the transition. MNOs will need to enhance their IMS voice and ensure the service is available for all their customers under post-paid and prepaid in-home network or roaming conditions.
What will this mean for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)?
MVNOs are expected to be majorly affected by legacy networks shut down. Dish US MVNO highlighted in early March 2021 that the T-Mobile US legacy CDMA network shutdown will cause significant disruption and they will need to accelerate efforts and invest more heavily for an earlier than expected upgrade.
MVNOs across the world will need to ensure upgrades and IMS support (VoLTE/VoWiFi) including on home and roaming conditions. For some, the new SIMS will be required as well as available devices that support IMS functionality.
Countries/Territories with VoLTE Service
Status of European Network 2G/3G ShutdownsC
Country | Network Operator | 2G | 3G |
Albania | Vodafone | By end 2025 | By end 2022 |
Austria | A1 | | By end 2025 |
Austria | T-Mobile | | By end 2024 |
Belgium | Orange | By end 2030 | By end 2025 |
Belgium | Telenet | | By end 2024 |
Bulgaria | | | By end 2025 |
Croatia | T-Mobile | | By end 2022 |
Czech Republic | T-Mobile | By end 2025 | Closed 2021 |
Czech Republic | Vodafone | By end 2025 | Closed 2021 |
Czech Republic | O2 | By end 2025 | Closed 2021 |
Denmark | Telenor | By end 2025 | By end 2022 |
Denmark | Hi3G | No Service | By the end 2025 |
Denmark | Telia | By end 2025 | Started 2021/By end of 2025 |
Denmark | TDC | | By end 2023 |
Estonia | Telia | By end 2025 | By end 2023 |
Estonia | Elisa | | No update yet |
Finland | Elisa | | By end 2023 |
Finland | Telia | By end 2025 | By end 2023 |
Finland | DNA | By end 2025 | By end 2023 |
France | Orange | By end 2025 | By end 2028 |
France | SFR | By end 2023 | |
France | Bougues Telecom | | No update |
Country | Network Operator | 2G | 3G |
Germany | Vodafone | By end 2025 | Closed 2021 |
Germany | Telefonica | | Closed 2021 |
Germany | Deutsche Telekom | | Closed Jun 2021 |
Greece | Wind | By end 2022 | |
Greece | Cosmote | | Closed 2022 |
Greece | Vodafone | By end 2025 | By end 2022 |
Hungary | T-Mobile |
| |
Hungary | Vodafone | By end 2025 | Closed 2022 |
Ireland | Vodafone | By end 2025 | By end 2023 |
Ireland | Three | | By end 2023 |
Italy | TIM | | By end 2022 |
Italy | Vodafone | By end 2025 | Closed 2021 |
Latvia | Latvijas Mobilais Telefons | | By end 2022 |
Latvia | Tele2 | By end 2025 | By end 2022 |
Latvia | Telia | | By end 2022 |
Lithuania | Telia | By end 2025 | By end 2022 |
Lithuania | Bite | By end 2028 | By end 2025 |
Luxembourg | Orange | By end 2030 | By end 2025 |
Luxembourg | Post | | Q3 2022 |
Malta | EPIC | By end 2025 | |
Country | Network Operator | 2G | 3G |
Netherlands | KPN | Closed Mar 2022 | |
Netherlands | Vodafone | By end 2025 | Closed Feb 2020 |
Norway | Telenor | By end 2025 | By end 2021 |
Norway | Telia | By end 2025 | Closed Dec 2021 |
Poland | T-Mobile | By end 2025 | By end 2023 |
Portugal | Vodafone | By end 2025 | By end 2023 |
Romania | Vodafone | By end 2025 | |
Russia | Tele2 | | By end 2025 |
Slovakia | Telekom | | By end 2021 |
Spain | Orange | By end 2030 | By end 2025 |