The 2G and 3G Sunset: What You Need to Know in 2025
*Updated 17 February 2025*
The world of connectivity is undergoing a major transformation. The shutdown of 2G and 3G networks is well underway, yet many businesses and consumers remain unaware of what this means for their devices and day-to-day operations. If your business still relies on these older networks, now is the time to act.
Understanding Why 2G and 3G Are Being Shut Down
For decades, 2G and 3G served as the backbone of mobile connectivity. However, maintaining these aging networks has become costly and inefficient. With the rise of 4G and 5G, mobile operators are repurposing the valuable bandwidth that once supported 2G and 3G to accommodate faster, more efficient technologies. This process, known as spectrum farming, allows for better network performance and the expansion of next-generation IoT solutions, including Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and LTE-M.
But why is 3G being phased out before 2G? The answer lies in efficiency. While 3G once provided a bridge between basic voice services and mobile internet, 4G now seamlessly handles both voice and data, making 3G redundant. On the other hand, 2G remains useful for low-power, long-range IoT applications, such as smart meters, asset tracking, and monitoring systems in remote locations. In fact, the UK’s national smart meter rollout still heavily depends on 2G technology.
The Hidden Impact of the 2G and 3G Shutdown
If you own or operate devices that still rely on these networks, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise when they suddenly stop working. Across industries, the shutdown is already creating disruptions.
In the automotive world, vehicles equipped with older telematics systems, including those from BMW and Nissan, will lose connectivity. Many emergency SOS systems, used in cars to contact first responders in case of an accident, also depend on 3G and will cease functioning.
Retailers and businesses that rely on mobile payment terminals and vending machines may also face issues. Many of these devices were designed with 3G connectivity in mind, meaning they will need urgent upgrades to continue processing transactions.
Healthcare and safety services are another area of concern. Many fall detectors, personal emergency response systems, and medical monitoring devices rely on 3G networks. Fire alarms, smoke detectors, and even certain home security systems could stop working unless they are upgraded.
Fleet management and logistics companies will also need to rethink their connectivity strategies. Many GPS tracking and vehicle telemetry systems were built using 3G, and without an upgrade, fleets risk losing real-time tracking capabilities, impacting efficiency and security.
What’s Happening in the UK?
The UK’s mobile network operators have collectively agreed to retire both 2G and 3G by 2033. However, some carriers are moving much faster. Vodafone and EE have already shut down their 3G networks in 2023, with O2 and Three planning to follow suit by 2025. While 2G is set to stick around longer, some providers may phase it out earlier than expected.
This is part of a broader global trend. Countries like the US, Australia, and Japan have already retired their 3G networks, and many European nations are following suit. Businesses operating internationally need to ensure they are not caught off guard by these changes.
Preparing for the Future
If you’re still relying on 2G or 3G, now is the time to act. The first step is to conduct a thorough audit of your devices. Identify which systems still operate on these networks and prioritise those that are critical to your business or personal needs.
Upgrading to 4G or 5G might seem like the obvious solution, but not all devices require high-speed connectivity. Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) technologies, such as NB-IoT and LTE-M, are ideal alternatives for devices that need long battery life and reliable coverage without the need for high bandwidth.
Migration isn’t just about replacing devices; it’s about future-proofing your connectivity strategy. As technology continues to evolve, ensuring your infrastructure is scalable and adaptable will save you from similar disruptions when the next generation of networks eventually phases out.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The biggest mistake businesses can make is assuming they have plenty of time before the shutdown affects them. Mobile operators are only required to give two to three months’ notice before shutting down services, and with millions of IoT devices still relying on 2G and 3G, last-minute transitions could be costly and chaotic.
Navigating this transition can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Partnering with experts ensures a smooth migration with minimal disruption. Whether you need to upgrade payment terminals, GPS trackers, or security systems, taking action now will prevent headaches later.
If you need guidance on your 2G and 3G migration, speak to the Britannic team today. We’ll walk you through the process, helping you choose the best solutions to keep your business connected and future-ready.
Let’s talk about network migration and ensure you stay ahead of the curve.
