Global 2G and 3G networks are being shut down at record speed as operators worldwide retire legacy technology to free spectrum for 4G and 5G. By mid-2025, more than 278 shutdowns were completed, planned, or underway across 83 countries, and nearly half of tracked operators had already switched off 3G entirely.
The Global 2G & 3G Shutdown: What’s Happening and Why It Matters
For more than three decades, 2G and 3G networks powered the world’s mobile connectivity. They enabled the first text messages, early mobile internet, and the foundations of modern IoT. But today, these legacy networks are rapidly being retired across the globe.
The shift isn’t subtle — it’s accelerating.
According to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), by June 2025 there were 278 operator-led shutdowns completed, planned, or in progress across 83 countries. Meanwhile, research tracking 53 operators across 22 countries shows that 36% have already completed 2G shutdowns and 48% have completed 3G shutdowns.
This is one of the biggest infrastructure transitions in mobile history.
Why Are 2G and 3G Being Shut Down?
1. Spectrum Re-Farming for 4G and 5G
Modern networks need more spectrum. Shutting down 2G/3G frees valuable low-band frequencies for faster, more efficient technologies.
2. Lower Operational Costs
Maintaining multiple legacy networks is expensive. Operators are consolidating to reduce energy consumption and simplify infrastructure.
3. Better Performance and Capacity
4G and 5G offer:
Higher speeds
Lower latency
Better indoor coverage
Greater device density
Legacy networks simply can’t compete.
Global Shutdown Timelines
The pace varies by region, but the direction is universal.
North America
USA: Nationwide 3G shutdown completed in 2022; 2G largely retired by 2025.
Canada: 3G ending by late 2025; 2G already being phased out.
Europe
Germany: 3G shut down in 2021; 2G ending by 2028.
UK: Both 2G and 3G scheduled to end by 2033.
France: 2G shutdown planned for 2026.
Asia
Many countries accelerating shutdowns to prioritise 4G/5G.
Vietnam targeting 3G sunset by 2028.
Worldwide Trend
By the end of 2025, global support for 2G/3G will be almost non-existent.
Impact on IoT, M2M, and Connected Devices
This transition is especially critical for IoT businesses.
Velos IoT warns that the rapid sunset schedule means companies relying on 2G/3G risk loss of connectivity, urgent field visits, and unexpected hardware replacement costs if they don’t migrate in time.
Sectors most affected:
Smart meters
Vehicle trackers
Industrial sensors
Security systems
Telemetry and remote monitoring
Legacy M2M deployments
Many of these devices were built for long lifecycles — but the networks they depend on are disappearing.
What Should Businesses Do?
1. Audit Your Device Fleet
Identify which devices rely on 2G or 3G.
2. Prioritise Migration
Move to LTE Cat-M1, NB-IoT, or 4G/5G-capable hardware.
3. Choose Multi-Network SIMs
Ensure resilience across multiple operators and technologies.
4. Plan for Future-Proofing
Avoid single-technology lock-in. Choose connectivity that supports:
LTE-M
NB-IoT
4G
5G
eSIM / iSIM
5. Act Early
Shutdowns often come with short notice periods. Some operators give less than a year’s warning.
The Bigger Picture: A New Connectivity Era
The global 2G/3G shutdown marks the end of an era — but also the beginning of a more powerful one. As operators reallocate spectrum and modernise infrastructure, the world moves toward a future defined by:
Massive IoT
Ultra-reliable low-latency communications
Smarter mobility
More efficient networks
Global eSIM adoption
For businesses, the message is clear: the time to migrate is now.
