The Global Network Transformation: Bidding Farewell to 2G and 3G

In a world of continuous technological evolution, the telecommunications industry stands on the brink of a monumental shift – the global phasing out of 2G and 3G networks. This strategic move aims to free up valuable radio spectrum for more modern and efficient 4G and 5G technologies, leading to increased network capacity, lower operating costs, and sustainable development of network infrastructure. This process, a truly global trend, is being carefully planned by operators worldwide.

Why Is It Time to Say Goodbye to Older Technologies?

The decision to decommission 2G and 3G networks is driven by several key factors:

• Optimizing Radio Spectrum: Allocating radio bands to 4G and 5G technologies enables faster data transfer, lower latency, and better call quality, which are fundamental for future digital innovations.

• Reducing Maintenance Costs: Maintaining outdated networks generates significant operating costs that can be redirected towards the development and modernization of next-generation infrastructure.

• Global Convergence: Thousands of operators worldwide have announced plans to end support for 2G/3G before 2030, indicating a global push towards standardization and technological progress.

The 2G and 3G Shutdown Calendar: A Country-by-Country and Operator Overview

Below is a detailed network shutdown schedule for 2G and 3G in selected regions, with links to official sources where available:

United Kingdom

• Virgin Media O2:

  • October 1, 2025: Plans to withdraw inbound roaming access to its UK 2G network. The 2G network for domestic customers will remain active to support IoT and emergency calls. More information, ISPreview UK.

  • December 31, 2025: Complete 3G network shutdown in the UK. Details Virgin Media O2 Business, Virgin Media O2 Press Release.

• Three Ireland:

  • July 14, 2025 (Monday): Three Ireland will cease supporting roaming on VMO2's 2G and 3G services. Three Ireland Support.

  • By end of 2024: Three UK plans to complete its own 3G network shutdown. Three UK Plans.

France

• Orange:

  • By end of 2025: Decommissioning of the Orange France 2G network. Orange Wholesale France.

  • By end of 2028: Decommissioning of the 3G network. Orange Wholesale France.

• SFR:

  • By end of 2026: Decommissioning of the SFR 2G network. Objenious.

  • By end of 2028: Decommissioning of the 3G network. Objenious.

• Bouygues Telecom:

  • By end of 2026: Decommissioning of the Bouygues Telecom 2G network. Objenious.

  • By end of 2029: Decommissioning of the 3G network. Objenious.

Poland

• Play Poland:

  • From April 2025 to end of 2025: 3G network shutdown process. TELKO.in, Tabletowo.

  • Era and Play: 2G shutdown planned by the end of 2030 (user-provided information, no official search results).

• T-Mobile Poland:

  • The 3G network has already been shut down in Poland. Telepolis.pl.

  • The T-Mobile Poland 2G network will be maintained longer, especially for IoT devices and in selected regions.

Czech Republic

• T-Mobile and Vodafone: Planned 2G shutdown by end of 2025. 1oT, Onomondo.

• O2: No public plan for Czech Republic 2G shutdown until 2028 (according to user information).

Scandinavia

• Sweden:

  • By end of 2025: Complete phasing out of Sweden 2G and 3G networks (for Tele2 and Telenor 2G by December 31, 2025). TechSverige, Tele2 IoT.

• Norway:

  • Telia: Norway 2G shutdown in August 2025. The 3G network was shut down in 2021. Soolo AS, lift-journal.com.

  • Telenor: 2G shutdown by December 31, 2027. The 3G network was shut down in 2021. lift-journal.com, Telenor IoT.

Vietnam

• September 16, 2024: Termination of Vietnam 2G mobile services. Nhan Dan Online.

How to Prepare for the Changes: Key Actions for Users and Businesses

The upcoming 2G and 3G network shutdown requires a proactive approach, from both individual users and businesses:

• Equipment Modernization: Ensure your devices (phones, modems, IoT devices) support 4G/5G technologies with VoLTE (Voice over LTE) functionality to avoid communication disruptions.

• Migration Schedule Monitoring: Business customers, especially those using roaming, should follow operator communications and migration systems (e.g., VMO2) to check shutdown dates.

• Critical IoT Device Updates: Alarm systems, meters, and other critical IoT devices relying on 2G/3G will require upgrades to 4G, 5G, or dedicated LPWAN solutions.

• Regulatory Compliance: In many countries, such as the UK and France, regulatory bodies monitor and guide the network shutdown process to ensure safety and minimize negative impacts.

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Summary and Future Outlook

The end of 2G and 3G is not just the conclusion of an era in telecommunications, but primarily the opening of new possibilities. The transition to 4G and 5G technologies promises faster and more reliable connectivity, essential for the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and other innovative solutions. The key to a smooth transition is awareness of the upcoming changes and proper infrastructure preparation. Stay updated with official communications from mobile operators and regulators to ensure the continuity of your services and devices.