In this blog, we provide an overview of the planned sunset (*) phase-out of the 2G and 3G network in several European countries.
* By "sunset" we mean the deliberate discontinuation or termination of a service or technology. This may involve turning off a service or withdrawing its support. This causes the service to decline in quality and eventually become obsolete. It represents the final stage or final shutdown.
Why does 3G stop?
Why is 2G stopping?
The 2G network was introduced in the 1990s, and in recent years it has become increasingly challenging to provide this network in a safe and (energy) efficient way. With newer technology such as 4G, LTE-M, and 5G, it can be done and all the applications for which 2G is used are also possible.
Overview of planned 2G phaseout
The phase-out of the 2G and 3G network in Europe varies by country. When exactly this happens depends largely on the decisions of individual mobile network operators. Below we provide a current overview of the phase-out in various European countries. Here we emphasize the importance of a timely switch to 4G to avoid connection problems.
Belgium
Orange will start phasing out its 3G network in Belgium from 2025. This will be followed by the 2G network. They will permanently switch off both technologies between 2028 and 2030. On the other hand, Proximus reports that they are phasing out the 3G network by the end of 2024, and the 2G network from 2027.
France
Orange, a major operator in France, has reported that they plan to eliminate their 2G network by the end of 2025. The 3G network shutdown will follow by the end of 2028 (Fierce Network).
Luxembourg
Luxembourg operators have announced that they will eliminate he t3G network by 2025, while completing the 2G phase-out by 2030 (Fierce Network, Mobile World Live).
Germany
Although specific details for Germany are not explicitly stated, it is likely that similar timelines will be adopted here as in the other countries mentioned.
Netherlands
KPN has already phased out its 3G network in February 2020 and plans to stop the 2G network by December 2025. Vodafone has already stopped support for 3G and plans to phase out its 2G network by the end of 2024 (Capestone).
Scandinavia
Details specific to Scandinavia are less concrete in available sources, but countries such as Sweden and Finland are leading the way in adopting new technologies, suggesting that phasing out older networks may be more advanced there.
United Kingdom
The phase-out of 2G and 3G is planned gradually, with a full phase-out expected by 2033. In addition, several network operators such as EE and Vodafone have announced plans: they will switch off their 3G networks much earlier, some as early as 2024 (House of Commons Library, Cullen Intl, ISPreview UK).
The importance of transitioning to 4G
These strategic decisions are part of a broader movement toward more modern network technologies such as 4G and 5G. These technologies offer better coverage and services. Operators such as Orange emphasize that the transition to these new technologies will be as smooth as possible. In doing so, they are paying close attention to minimizing the impact on customers.
Avoid connection problems by switching to 4G now. AllConnects provides the support you need and ensures a worry-free migration. Don't wait until it's too late. Contact AllConnects for a comprehensive analysis and guidance on the transition to 4G. Avoid connection problems and ensure your business is ready for the future.
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