Why are 2G & 3G being phased out?
In the mobile industry, a sunset is when a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) phases out one of its networks so that all devices or services that still exclusively depend on that service will lose their connection.
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the UK and worldwide are gradually shutting down their 2G & 3G networks for devices & services across the globe.
The reason for this is simple: it aims to free up valuable radio spectrum and network resources for faster, more efficient technologies, such as 4G, 5G, and Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) options like LTE-M and NB-IoT.
2G & 3G technology, while once revolutionary, is now outdated and inefficient for modern mobile data needs. The sunset of this legacy network will significantly impact businesses still relying on 2G & 3G-powered IoT solutions.
This blog will explore when & why the 2G & 3G sunsets are occurring, how they will affect end users & businesses and how best to prepare for the sunset.
What are the 2G & 3G sunsets?
Sunsetting is a common practice that makes way for better tech services, but you may be hearing of it for the first time. 2G & 3G networks are much slower and less efficient and are being shut down to free up more space on the cellular spectrum for MNOs to expand their 4G and 5G capability on a wider basis. The operational complexity of running multiple networks on a spectrum is then reduced and makes room for modern technologies which offer better cost and energy efficiency, enhanced functionality, and an improved customer experience.
When will UK operators shut down 2G & 3G?
There is no definitive date for the 3G sunset; its timeline varies globally. The variation is down to the individual mobile networks’ intention to stop supporting 3G connections. In the US, most of the largest wireless carriers will shut down their 3G networks by the end of 2022. In Europe, networks such as Vodafone announced they were to stop supporting 3G in 2020, and in the UK, 3G started shutting down at the beginning of 2023, but it is expected to phase out all of its public 3G mobile networks by 2024 to facilitate the mass rollout of 5G. We can confirm that Vodafone has already shut down its 3G network in the UK. This was completed in early 2024. The switch-off is part of a broader plan to upgrade and improve their 4G and 5G networks.
Some carriers will continue supporting 2G connections for years; others will make an immediate transition to sunset on a specific date. In the US, most major carriers shut down their 2G networks by 2020. In Europe, 2G services are expected to last until 2025, but MNOs will likely start refarming spectrum before then. However, dates and announcements are constantly changing, and so it’s important to know how the sunset may affect you by checking with your MNO provider.
Different UK operators have announced varying timelines
| Operator | 2G Shutdown Date | 3G Shutdown Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone | 2033 | 2023 | Retaining 2G to support legacy M2M/IoT devices |
| EE (BT) | 2025 | 2024 | Prioritising 3G shutdown first, followed by 2G |
| O2 | TBC | TBC | No official 2G or 3G shutdown dates announced yet |
| Three | TBC | 2024 | 3G switch-off announced; no firm 2G date confirmed |
Additional context: 2G and 3G sunset timelines
While Vodafone plans to support 2G for longer, EE is on course to shut down its 2G network by 2025. Companies using IoT devices should not delay; proactive planning is crucial. While no official 2G shutdown date has been set by most UK operators, all MNOs have agreed not to support 2G or 3G beyond 2033 in line with government targets.
Importantly, Three never launched a 2G network, so the 2G switch-off will not impact its users directly. However, customers relying on 3G-only devices must upgrade to 4G- or 5G-compatible hardware to maintain service beyond the 2024 3G sunset.
How will the shutdown impact your technology?
Impact on consumer technology: What does this mean for you?
If you’re now beginning to worry about how the 2G & 3G sunsets will affect you, do not panic, as most consumer devices, like phones, for example, support multiple generations of cellular technology. Even if your device still relies on 2G or 3G occasionally, most likely it will still run as usual after the sunsetting, as 4G and 5G are expected to be more widely available; however, it is worth checking that a device that supports 2G/3G fallback has the latest device OS & firmware running. If your home or office has security and alarm systems that use a mobile network, most likely these will still be relying on a 2G/3G connection. Fortunately, most home security companies have been attempting to migrate customers from 2G/3G to 4G networks, ensuring that their services remain operational. An example of technology in the home or business that may also be affected is:
- Medical alert devices (fall detectors, communicators, etc.)
- Fire alarms
- Inventory trackers
- Smartwatches
- E-readers (Kindles etc.)
- GPS trackers
The shutdowns are likely to significantly impact businesses using IoT solutions that still rely on 2G or 3G connectivity. As many as 40% of Mobile Personal Emergency Response System (mPERS) devices that cover critical medical IoT use cases still rely on 2G/3G networks, which will result in a wave of poor customer service if not switched over to a secure 4G/5G connection.
Impact on business: What does this mean for your IoT devices?
If your business uses IoT solutions reliant on 2G-only connectivity, these devices will soon become obsolete on networks that phase out 2G. This includes:
- Smart meters
- Vehicle tracking and fleet telematics
- Security systems and alarms
- Remote sensors in agriculture and utilities
- Vending machines and kiosks
- Medical monitoring equipment
Once the 2G signal disappears, these devices will no longer be able to transmit or receive data, resulting in service disruption, operational downtime, or compliance risks.
What are the alternatives to 2G for IoT?
IoT technology has evolved to include multiple options beyond 2G. Consider upgrading to:
- 4G or 5G IoT devices – providing faster, more reliable connectivity for real-time applications.
- LPWAN technologies, such as LTE-M or NB-IoT, offer excellent coverage, low energy consumption, and long battery life, which makes them ideal for static or remote sensors.
- Other connectivity options like LoRaWAN, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee, or VPN-secured IoT SIMs, including those that use L2TP tunnelling, can improve or work alongside 4G/5G and LPWAN setups by providing extra security, using less power, or covering a longer distance based on what you need.
What steps should your business take now?
1. Audit your device fleet
Identify which devices are still operating on 2G-only networks.
2. Evaluate upgrade paths
Research devices compatible with 4G, 5G, or LPWAN based on use cases and deployment needs.
3. Test new devices and connectivity
Before mass rollout, ensure compatibility with your applications.
4. Develop a migration plan
Schedule phased upgrades or replacements to avoid service disruption.
5. Consult with a connectivity partner
Work with providers like Cellhire to source future-ready IoT SIMs that support modern networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will 2G be turned off in the UK?
EE plans to switch off its 2G network by 2025, while Vodafone will retain 2G until 2033. O2 and Three have yet to confirm specific shutdown dates.
Which IoT devices are affected by the 2G shutdown?
Devices relying solely on 2G connectivity, such as smart meters, trackers, and static sensors, will no longer function once networks shut off their 2G service.
What is NB-IoT, and how does it differ from 2G?
NB-IoT is a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology designed for IoT use cases. It offers better indoor coverage, lower power consumption and longer battery life compared to 2G.
How can I prepare my business for the 2G sunset?
Audit your devices, test new technologies like LTE-M and NB-IoT, plan your migration, and consult a connectivity provider like Cellhire for expert support.
Futureproof your IoT strategy with Cellhire: 2G & 3G sunsets
At Cellhire, we offer a full suite of global and UK IoT connectivity solutions to help businesses transition away from 2G or 3G. Our IoT SIMs support 4G, 5G, LTE-M and NB-IoT, with multi-network resilience to ensure uninterrupted performance.
Explore our IoT SIM card solutions or multi-network SIM options to safeguard your deployments for the future.
While most end users and business owners may not need to worry about 2G and 3G sunsets, it is useful to enquire about your devices to ensure all systems are up-to-date and support 4G and 5G connectivity, as some technologies may still rely on 2G and 3G networks without you realising it. Depending on how old the product is, you may be eligible for a hardware or software upgrade.
Despite the 2G & 3G sunsets, low-bandwidth solutions are still cost-effective and relevant for businesses, and so MNOs are looking at next-generation LTE technologies such as LTE-M and NB-IoT to replace 2G/3G connectivity in these circumstances. Such technologies can help future-proof your systems and avoid obsolescence for the years to come. It is recommended that you start enquiring about your devices now to determine which connections may need replacing.
While the 2G & 3G sunsets may pose short-term challenges, they pave the way for long-term benefits. It does also bring many benefits for both the end user and businesses. MNOs can transition to more high-capacity and energy-efficient networks, like 5G, so customers can benefit from faster connectivity speeds and lower latency. 5G is also said to be much better suited for machine-to-machine applications, as it is designed to handle a very large number of devices. The next generation of LTE technologies is said to offer improved battery life and low power consumption as well as overall lower costs. Overall, the 2G & 3G sunsets will make room for improved connectivity that is required today.
Need support migrating away from 2G or 3G?
Contact our team today to discuss how we can help you upgrade your IoT connectivity strategy.
Whether it's updating your cellular service to a newer technology or upgrading your devices to continue operating after the switch-off, get in touch with a Cellhire connectivity expert to find out more about their products and services.
Email: enquiries@cellhire.com
Download Cellhire’s 2G & 3G sunsets whitepaper
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Email: partners@cellhire.com
Call: +44 (0)800 610 610
Visit: cellhire.co.uk/wholesale-connectivity
