Key points in this blog
– Belgium: 2G will be discontinued between 2028 and 2030 (depending on the operator)
– France: 2G will be discontinued by the end of 2025 – relevant for international transport
– Waiting times for installation are increasing as the deadline approaches
– Plan now = maintain flexibility
The shutdown of the 2G network in Europe has been officially confirmed. In Belgium, the 2G network will be discontinued between 2028 and 2030, depending on the operator. Orange Belgium has announced that it will switch off both technologies (2G and 3G) by 2030 at the latest. Proximus will begin phasing out 2G phase-out in 2027. For Belgian carriers operating internationally , this is particularly relevant: France will switch off 2G at the end of 2025.
This article provides an up-to-date overview of the 2G shutdown per country, the consequences for GPS tracking and tachograph downloads, and why early planning is essential.
The shutdown of the 2G network in Europe is not proceeding uniformly
That's exactly what makes it dangerous.
▶️ Belgium plans to phase out later than some of its neighbors.
▶️ France is starting its phased shutdown earlier.
▶️ The Netherlands has set clear end dates for each operator.
For carriers who:
- international driving
- temperature transport
- automatically download tachograph data
- need real-time tracking
That is not a detail, but an operational risk.
Conclusion: your vehicle may work perfectly in Belgium today, but you will encounter connection problems as soon as it crosses the border.
Specific urgency for Belgian transporters in France
France is starting the effective phase-out of 2G earlier than Belgium.
In concrete terms, this means:
Less stable 2G coverage in certain regions
Faster degradation of old networks
Increased risk of data loss
If you drive with 2G units on French territory, you are dependent on a network that is already in transition.
Conclusion: This is not a "future problem." It is a planning problem for today.
Why waiting until the deadline is financially risky
This is something that is still not sufficiently acknowledged.
Replacing 2G black boxes is not a software update.
This concerns:
new hardware
physical installation
planning per vehicle
any modified accessories
The closer we get to the official end dates:
the greater the demand
the fuller the installation schedule
the less flexibility there is
We saw this before with other technological phase-outs:
. The last 12 months before a shutdown are always "all hands on deck."
Conclusion: Those who wait will end up in the queue.
For us as a supplier, planning is crucial.
We can spread, optimize, and combine installations—but only if companies make timely decisions.
What we are already seeing:
companies that take inventory
companies that are replacing in phases
companies that wait "until they really have to"
The latter group will ultimately be confronted with:
longer waiting times
fewer distribution options
higher operating pressure
Not because we want to, but because that's how the market works.
What does the shutdown of the 2G network in Europe mean for you in concrete terms?
Do you still use 2G black boxes for:
vehicle tracking
digital tachograph downloads
AGR-GPS
asset tracking
Then now is the time to do three things:
Take stock of how many 2G units are still active
Check in which countries your vehicles are operating
Draw up a phased replacement plan
Read our blogs about this:
Do you know how many 2G units are still active in your fleet?
Do you drive in Belgium and across the border? Then now is the time to check whether your vehicles still rely on 2G hardware. We will quickly scan your current installation and advise you on a phased 4G replacement plan — no pressure, but with a clear schedule.
The real question is not when 2G will stop
The real question is:
Do you want to determine your own schedule,
or do you want to be dependent on the ultimate deadline?
The phase-out of the 2G network in Europe is happening in stages, but it is irreversible.
Those who plan today will remain in control.
Those who wait lose flexibility.
Smart advice
For Belgian companies, 2G sometimes still seems "safe." But as soon as you operate internationally, you are dependent on networks that are disappearing faster.
And even if you only drive in Belgium: the installation sector will experience peak demand as deadlines approach.
Conclusion: Upgrading to 4G in a timely manner is not a panic reaction. It is strategic planning.
Frequently asked questions about 2G shutdown
When will the 2G network in Belgium be discontinued? The 2G network in Belgium will be switched off between 2028 and 2030. Orange has confirmed that the final switch-off will take place no later than 2030. Proximus will start phasing out the network in 2027. The exact timing varies per operator.
What will happen to my GPS tracker when 2G is discontinued? GPS trackers and black boxes that operate exclusively on 2G will lose their connection as soon as the network is switched off. This means no more real-time tracking, no more tachograph downloads, and no more alarm notifications. Replacement with 4G hardware is necessary.
Can I wait until the replacement deadline? Waiting until the deadline involves risks. The closer to the deadline, the greater the demand for installation capacity. This results in longer waiting times (possibly 3-6 months) and less flexibility in planning.
Will my 2G tracker still work in France? France is switching off its 2G network earlier than Belgium. Orange France will discontinue 2G at the end of 2025. Belgian transporters operating in France may already be experiencing connection problems with 2G equipment.
How much does an upgrade from 2G to 4G cost? The costs for a 2G to 4G upgrade consist of new hardware and installation costs. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your fleet size.
Hilde Lavrijssen
Marketing Manager — AllConnects BV
Hilde closely follows Belgian legislation on mobility, fleet management, and time tracking and translates it into practical insights for companies in the transportation industry.
