2G 3G Sunset: What It Means for IoT Connectivity

Home / Technology & Trends / IoT Connectivity / 2G/3G Sunset: What It Means for IoT Connectivity

Last updated: January 2025

With 4G and 5G being steadily deployed globally, the process of retiring 2G and 3G networks is well underway in many countries and regions. While the pace of 2G/3G sunsets is highly fragmented geographically, increasing numbers of 2G and 3G sunset dates are being published. One thing is clear: the number of shutdowns is set to increase, meaning enterprises need to take steps now to get prepared for what the future holds.

What Does "2G/3G Sunset and Shutdown" Mean?

“2G/3G sunset” and “shutdown” refer to the global retirement of second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) networks. Operators are phasing out these technologies to reallocate spectrum and resources to modern networks like 4G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT.

How to Prepare for 2G and 3G Sunsets and Their Impact on IoT Connections

The timing for the network shutdowns varies for each country and operator and is either decided by the local regulator, looking to free up valuable spectrum resources, or by the mobile network operator, when there is no longer enough legacy traffic to justify continued operation.

2G networks typically have been in commercial operation for more than three decades and have offered an unparalleled platform for deploying national and international high-quality IoT solutions. Many IoT solutions have long lifecycles – often of a decade or more – which means there are still large volumes of devices that are 2G only. Therefore, action needs to be taken to ensure continued operation of IoT applications as 2G and 3G networks are being sunset.

Decommissioning of 2G and 3G has been initiated and/or completed in some parts of the world, for example, in the US and Australia. Other locations have widely differing sunset dates, such as the end of 2025 for most of Europe. In the longer term, 2G and 3G networks will eventually be decommissioned everywhere so this is an issue that can’t be avoided.

The pace of the 2G/3G sunset varies significantly by region, driven by individual market characteristics. However, the number of published sunset dates is steadily growing, signaling an acceleration in the transition. According to GSMA Intelligence, 143 networks (2G and 3G) are scheduled to go offline globally between the end of 2023 and 2030, with around 50% of these planned by the end of 2024.

It’s important to note that 2G and 3G technologies are not always retired simultaneously. In some markets, 2G is expected to remain operational for a decade or more, as critical services like mobile payments in Africa and vehicle emergency calling (eCall) in other regions rely on the technology. In these cases, 2G networks are likely to continue operating for an extended period.

The State of 2G and 3G Sunsets in Europe

3G Sunsets Outpace 2G in Europe. According to GSMA Intelligence, 19 operators across 14 countries in Europe plan to phase out 3G by 2025. In contrast, only 8 operators in 8 nations are scheduled to shut down their 2G networks by the same year. These numbers continue to grow as more operators disclose their plans.
Detailed 3G Shutdown Schedules. The 3G phase-out in Europe is progressing steadily, with many operators openly publishing their sunset timelines. This transparency has enabled businesses to plan their transitions more effectively.
2G Extension Trends. A new trend has emerged in Europe, where some operators are delaying the planned shutdown of 2G networks. For instance, in the UK, initial plans for a 2G sunset in 2025 have been extended. The UK government reached an agreement with mobile operators to keep 2G networks operational for additional years, reflecting the ongoing demand for 2G services in specific use cases.

Network Sunset in the Nordic Countries

There are plans for both the 2G and 3G network sunsets in all Nordic countries, but the plans vary depending on the country.

Sweden

In Sweden, the decommissioning of 3G networks has progressed significantly. All four operators (Telenor, Telia, Tele2, Tre) plan to complete the shutdown of their 3G networks by the end of 2025. For 2G technology, the four operators plan to shut down their networks between 2025 and 2027, with variations depending on the operator. A comprehensive overview of the network sunset in Sweden can be found at www.bytnat.nu.

Telenor Sweden: Telenor began decommissioning their 3G network in 2021, with more than half already shut down. The remainder will be phased out throughout 2025, aiming for complete shutdown by the end of the year. Telenor’s 2G network is scheduled to be shut down by the end of 2025. More information about Telenor Sweden’s sunset plans (in Swedish) can be found here.
Other Swedish Mobile Networks: Tele2, Telia, and Tre have also begun decommissioning their 3G networks, aiming for complete shutdown by the end of 2025. Tele2’s 2G network is scheduled to be shut down by the end of 2025, while Telia has postponed the shutdown of their 2G network until the end of 2027.

Norway

In Norway, both Telenor and Telia have already switched off their 3G networks and have plans to shut down their 2G networks.

Telenor Norway: Telenor Norway switched off their 3G network in 2021. For 2G technology, the plan is to keep the network operational until the end of 2027, followed by a phased decommissioning. Devices using the 2G network after 2027 will eventually cease to function. More information about Telenor Norway’s sunset plans (in Norwegian) can be found here.
Telia Norway: Telia Norway also switched off their 3G network in 2021. The plan for 2G technology is to switch off the network by the end of 2025.

Denmark

In Denmark, some operators have already shut down their 3G networks, and none currently have plans to shut down their 2G networks.

Telenor Denmark: Telenor Denmark shut down their 3G network in 2023. There is currently no plan to shut down the 2G network.

Other Danish Mobile Networks: Nuuday and Telia shut down their 3G networks in 2023, while 3 has plans to shut down their 3G network by the end of 2025. Nuuday and Telia currently have no plans to shut down their 2G networks.

Finland

In Finland, the three mobile operators have already shut down their 3G networks between 2023 and 2024. For 2G technology, operators have long-term plans for sunset, currently in early stages without definitive timelines.

DNA Finland: DNA shut down their 3G network in 2024. Early stage plans for 2G network shutdown indicate a preliminary timeline around 2030.

Other Finnish Mobile Networks: Elisa and Telia shut down their 3G networks between 2023 and 2024. Similar to DNA, they have long-term plans for 2G network shutdown, likely around 2030 but without definite plans yet.

3G Shutdown in the US and Americas

Thanks to its roll-out of 4G and 5G, the US is well underway in 3G network shutdown, with the major operators all planning to have retired the technology by the end of 2022.

In previous years, the wider Americas region has focused on the 2G radio sunset as operators have launched 5G. Operators are now utilising existing spectrum that was devoted to 2G to address the demands of 4G and 5G networks.

Asia’s 2G Radio Sunset

Service providers in Asia are retaining their 3G networks and shutting down 2G instead to re-use spectrum for 4G, which has high adoption across the region. By the end of 2025, GSMA Intelligence expects 29 operators to shut down 2G and 16 operators to close 3G with Taiwan currently the only market which has witnessed both 2G and 3G sunsets, in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

There are also a few exceptions in Asia where operators have started with the 3G sunset before the 2G sunset. An example is in Malaysia where 3G is already shut down for all operators (regulated by the government).

Another example is in Indonesia where two of three have already shut down 3G and a third has plans (currently, none of them have plans for 2G shutdown).

Africa Continues to Rely on 2G

In Africa, 2G markets outnumber 3G two-fold, basic feature phones still comprise 42% of all devices and end-users are incentivised to remain on them given their lower costs. In turn, this drives lower digital uptake, explaining why a negligible number of sunsets have been announced in the region.

2G and 3G Sunset Maps

These maps represent Telenor IoT’s predictions for the state of global 2G and 3G sunsets by the end of 2027, based on information from telecom operators. We continuously update them with new operator data. For details about 2G sunsets and support for alternative technologies such as LTE-M, NB-IoT, and VoLTE, please contact us.

Source: Data compiled by Telenor IoT based on network sunset information from telecom operators.

2G and 3G Shutdown - What does It Mean for IoT Deployments?

Many IoT applications have historically depended on reliable, global 2G coverage. Given the long lifecycles of IoT devices, a significant number of 2G-only devices remain in operation, many still at mid-life in their deployments. These devices will eventually need to be upgraded to ensure continued functionality as networks are retired.

During this transitional period—where some 2G and 3G networks are being decommissioned while others remain operational—IoT applications must often rely on multiple network types to maintain sufficient global coverage. This introduces complexity and additional costs that many IoT business models did not initially anticipate, as they were often built around the assumption that single-mode hardware would be viable for the entire deployment lifecycle. The need for complete replacement or upgrades increases costs and can impact profitability, making it essential to prioritize efficiency and focus upgrades on deployments that need them most urgently.

However, this transition doesn’t have to be solely a challenge. It also offers opportunities to unlock the benefits of newer network technologies. Upgrading can enable IoT applications to leverage improved capabilities, helping to mitigate the initial costs of transition. For example, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) can significantly enhance power efficiency, leading to longer battery life, even with its limited throughput. Similarly, LTE-M provides a substantial improvement in data throughput compared to 2G, enabling new possibilities for IoT applications.

Minimizing the Impact of the 3G Phase-out on Customers

With 3G rapidly becoming a niche technology and experiencing shrinking regional and national coverage, it’s crucial to act sooner rather than later. Once a 2G or 3G sunset occurs, devices built exclusively for these networks will become completely inoperable. This can result in significant disruptions for your customers, potentially damaging your service and business reputation.

Even during a transition to alternative network technologies, challenges can arise. The process often requires new software and hardware, which can lead to downtime—even in phased rollouts. Careful planning is essential to minimize these impacts, ensuring a smoother transition for your customers and preserving the reliability of your services.

There are many examples of transitions that have not gone smoothly. One municipal transport system in San Francisco experienced a fortnight of business interruption because it relied on the 2G network beyond its sunset date, even though it had been given five years of notice of the upcoming sunset.

This highlights the complex inter-relationships in IoT between network, hardware and software and demonstrates that moving on from 2G and 3G is not always a simple upgrade path.

Telenor IoT has the long-term global experience of all the technologies involved and can help to guide you through the transition to help you optimize outcomes.

Steps for IoT Enterprises to Address the 2G/3G Sunset

Assess Your Installed Base

Review your existing IoT deployments to identify devices that require upgrades.
Develop a cost-efficient strategy for transitioning these devices to newer technologies.

Choose Future-Proofed Hardware

Prioritize selecting hardware capable of supporting upcoming technical innovations.
Evaluate alternatives to 2G and 3G, including emerging technologies.
Consider the strength of the developer ecosystem for each technology to avoid adopting platforms with limited device or application support.

Plan for Longevity

Avoid transitioning from 2G to 3G, as it does not solve the long-term sunset issue.
Assess the expected lifespan of any technology you adopt and align it with the projected deployment duration.

Think Long-Term

Take a strategic view of available options to enable future IoT applications and upgradeable hardware.
Consider adopting public cloud-based IoT platforms to facilitate easier access to advanced 5G capabilities and other innovations.

By proactively addressing these steps, IoT enterprises can not only navigate the 2G/3G sunset smoothly but also position themselves to take advantage of new opportunities and advanced capabilities. For example, transitioning to a network aligned with 5G-ready platforms can unlock significant long-term value and enable new applications.

Transitioning from 2G and 3G: Exploring IoT-Specific Alternatives

The phase-out of 2G and 3G networks is a well-anticipated industry development. In response, the cellular industry has introduced robust replacement technologies, including 4G and 5G, as well as solutions specifically designed for IoT applications: Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and LTE-M.

These IoT-specific technologies address key connectivity needs, such as:

Low-cost deployments
Minimal data usage
Extended battery life
Operation in hard-to-reach areas (e.g., remote locations or underground).

Opportunities for New Applications

NB-IoT and LTE-M enable innovative applications across industries such as:

Agriculture: Remote monitoring of crops and livestock.
Utilities: Smart metering and grid management.
Logistics: Efficient fleet tracking and asset management.

Both NB-IoT and LTE-M are poised to replace 2G and 3G as global solutions become fully deployed. LTE-M, in particular, is well-suited for mobile use cases like fleet tracking and can even support voice communication.

Choosing the Right Technology

NB-IoT and LTE-M are ideal for IoT deployments with long lifecycles, demanding extended battery life and reliable coverage. However, each has distinct strengths:

NB-IoT: Best for static devices requiring ultra-low power consumption and deep indoor coverage.
LTE-M: Better suited for mobile devices needing higher responsiveness and moderate data capabilities.

Key Considerations for Transition

While LTE-M and NB-IoT deployments are expanding, coverage may still vary regionally. To ensure seamless operation:

Verify coverage in all deployment areas.
Maintain compatibility with existing fallback technologies as needed.

As IoT use cases evolve, LTE-M and NB-IoT represent natural successors to 2G and 3G. LTE-M provides a smooth evolution for most applications with its superior technical capabilities, while NB-IoT supports scenarios prioritizing power efficiency over mobility.

Navigate Network Changes with Telenor IoT

At Telenor IoT, we are dedicated to helping our customers navigate the transition from 2G/3G to 4G/5G networks. We offer strategic support to ensure your transition is not only seamless but also cost-efficient. Our collaboration with trusted partners ensures you have access to the necessary hardware and expertise to make this shift smoothly.

Additionally, we help identify opportunities for further modernization of your IoT solutions, enabling new functionalities built on IoT-optimized networks.

We are here to support you through every stage of this technological evolution, ensuring your IoT systems remain robust and future-ready.

Ready to plan your transition? Get in touch with us today to discuss how the shift from 2G/3G to 4G/5G impacts your business.

2G/3G Sunset: What It Means for IoT Connectivity