Latest update on February 10, 2021
Many of our customers are worried about the impending shutdown of 2G & 3G networks around the world. Probably you're considering it as well. We have collected all the available information into one article, so you're in the right place.
Shutting down 2G and 3G networks is generally called sunsetting. Telecoms are eager to shut down their 2G or 3G networks because they want to free up resources for impending 5G deployments.
If your intended module is designed to use 2G or 3G, the sunsetting can cause many device deployments problems. So it's wise to prepare for the future without 2G and 3G networks.
2G and 3G are still essential for IoT and M2M devices because of their lower cost than 4G modules. Also, cheaper megabyte pricing and reliable worldwide coverage. Furthermore, the speeds of 4G are not relevant for IoT or M2M devices, which are sending minimal amounts of data. The 2G's slow connection is still fast enough for today's standards.
From our side, we can say that for truly global deployments, it's not reasonable to lock your device into only 2G or 3G. Or even have a module that allows switching between the two. However, if you're only targeting certain countries or regions where they are still a viable option, then we can't stop you.
Following is a list of shutdowns that have been announced or have already taken place.
Telkom
Vodacom
Grameenphone
Unicom
Airtel
NTT DoCoMo
KDDI
SoftBank
All carriers
Hutchison
SmarTone
CTM
Telenor
M1
3G will start shutting down from 2025+1
SingtelStarHub
KT
LG U+
SK Telecom
All carriers due to governmental regulation
All carriers due to governmental regulation
CNT
Vodafone across Europe
Three
TT-Netvaerket
Telenor
Telia
TDC
SFR
Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile)
Vodafone
Telia
Telia
Bite
T-Mobile
KPN
Vodafone
Telenor
T-Mobile
Telefonica Espana (Movistar
Swisscom (Switzerland and Liechtenstein)
Sunrise Communications
BT (EE)
Vodafone UK
Rogers Wireless
SakTel
AT&T
Verizon
T-Mobile
Cricket wireless
Pelephone
STC
UAE
Telstra
Optus
Vodafone
Spark
2degrees
Vodafone
Sunsets don’t have to be the end of the line for your deployment dreams. If properly planned for, you can avoid all the headache by choosing the right hardware for your deployment region from the very beginning. You can read more about the various modems which support 2G, 3G, 4G, and eSIM here.
We will also update this article or make new posts when new announcements are made from telecoms regarding their 2G or 3G shutdowns around the world.
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References:
1. GSMA Legacy mobile network rationalisation, Experiences of 2G and 3G migrations in Asia-Pacific, May 2020