Global 2G and 3G Phase Out / Sunset: What Do We Know So Far?

With increasing 4G proliferation and 5G already being rolled out in some regions, network operators’ focus has been shifting away from GSM and UMTS networks for quite some time now to free up frequencies for the new technologies.

The move away from legacy technologies will undoubtedly be a significant transition for many IoT and M2M companies, because 2G and 3G connectivity is still the most used technologies for deployed devices. 

With this in mind, we take an overview look at how the global 2G and 3G sunset is progressing. With no global roadmap for phasing-out 2G or 3G, our overview will focus on the state of play by region:

• Africa
• Americas
• Asia
• Europe
• Oceania
  
  

Africa

Africa is still behind other regions when it comes to refarming the spectrum to accommodate LTE and there have been no concrete dates for 2G and 3G shutdowns. However, in certain countries and networks, it has been reported that no 2G or 3G service is currently available.

Americas

North America, especially the USA is quickly phasing out 2G networks on a massive scale. In South America, Claro has already announced future shutdown dates of 2G and 3G in many countries.

Asia

East Asia is leading the way regarding switching off 2G networks with some other Asian countries following. In certain countries in the region, such as Japan, Macau, Singapore and South Korea, there is no 2G available at all. In addition, several network operators have already planned for future 3G shutdowns. 

Europe

In some European countries and networks, it could be the case where 2G may even outlive 3G. For example, Norwegian MNO Telenor announced 3G switch-off in 2020 – five years before 2G. Likewise, Vodafone has announced it is to phase out 3G networks across many European countries in 2021 and 2022.

Oceania

Except for Vodafone New Zealand, most large operators have already switched off 2G service in Australia and New Zealand. On the other hand, there has been no plan for a massive 3G switch-off in the region. 

 Please note:

* "No Service" indicates that either the radio service is not available at all or it has been shut down without specific dates recorded.

** All information in this article has been gathered from open sources at best effort. EMnify takes no liability regarding the correctness.