Around the world, many of our partners are worrying about the upcoming changes in the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks. This question is probably also relevant to you. Most importantly we have collected all the available information in one article.
Why?
The switch off the 2G and 3G network is commonly referred to as “sunset”. Telecommunications companies are eager to disable these communication channels in order to free up resources when installing a 4G or 5G channel. So, if your owned or maintained devices operate through 2G or 3G communication channels, one day they may stop working. Therefore, you need to look-out if 2G or 3G networks are not shutting down in your area. If they are, you need to prepare for this sunset.
2G and 3G are still the main channels for IoT and M2M devices due to lower modem prices compared to 4G. In addition, due to the minimum amount of data sent, the 4G connection is not required for IoT and M2M devices. However, technology is moving forward, making 2G and 3G networks obsolete.
Preparations
From our experience, we can say choosing only one communication channel involves more risk. We recommend having an additional communication module that allows switching to an alternative channel than the cellular network. This way, if in time the used cellular technology gets shut down or disrupted, the alarm system can still work and send reports through the alternative channel.
If you will prepare in advance, the 2G and 3G “sunset” will not be complicated and difficult for your business and development. You can avoid any headaches by adapting to the right equipment and solutions.
To start your migration to LTE, you can install TRIKDIS communicators G16 and G16T. You can connect the W485 module and use Wi-Fi as an additional communication channel. Or E485 for wired Ethernet connection. The success of the security business is based on continuous operation and preparedness. When new network technologies are implemented in time, your customer’s property will remain connected to the monitoring station. You will be able to run your daily operations smoothly.
Shutdown schedule:
South America:
United States
AT&T
2G shutdown: January 2017
3G Latest Activations: June 26, 2019
3G Shutdown: February 2022
Verizon
2G Last Shutdown: June 30, 2018
2G Shutdown: December 31, 2019
3G Latest Activations: June 30, 2018
3G shutdown: 31 December 2019
T-Mobile
2G shutdown date: 31.12.2020
Sprint
2G shutdown: 2021 31 December
Last 3G activation: 2019 April 30
3G shutdown: 31 December 2022
Canada
Bell Mobility
2G shutdown: 31/01/2017 – 06/06/2017 (depending on region)
Telus Mobility
2G shutdown: 31 May 2017
Rogers Wireless
Latest 2G activations: July 1, 2018
2G availability extension: 31 December 2020
3G shutdown: End of 2022
Mexico
AT&T
2G shutdown: 2020 Start
Telefonica
2G shutdown: September 2020
[gap]
Asia:
China
China Mobile
3G shutdown: January 1, 2020
China Unicom
2G shutdown: January 1, 2020
India
Airtel
3G shutdown: March 2020
Reliance
2G and 3G shutdown date: March 2020
Japan
Kddi
2G shutdown date: March 2008
Softbank
2G shutdown date: 31.3.2010
South Korea
Others
2G shutdown: March 19, 2012
Taiwan
All supplyers are regulated by the government
2G shutdown: July 1, 2017
3G shutdown: 31 December 2018
Thailand
Allsupplyers are regulated by the government
2G shutdown: October 31, 2019
Europe:
Vodafone across Europe
2G shutdown: off until 2025
Switzerland
Swisscom (and Liechtenstein)
2G shutdown: January 1, 2021
Sunrise Communications
2G shutdown: 31 December 2018
Netherlands
T-Mobile
2G shutdown: 15 November 2020
Norway
Telia
3G shutdown: End of 2019
Telenor
2G shutdown: 31 December 2025
3G shutdown: sometime in 2020
Sweden
Telia
3G shutdown: 2025
Germany
Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile)
2G shutdown: 31 December 2020
Oceania:
Australia
Telstra
2G shutdown: December 1, 2016
3G shutdown: March 25, 2019
(connection disabled at 2100MHz frequency, services maintained at 850MHz frequency)
3G full shutdown: 2020 – 2030
Optus
2G shutdown: August 1, 2017
Vodafone
2G shutdown: 30 June 2018
3G shutdown: March 18, 2019
(Off 2100MHz, continuous 3G support 900MHz)
New Zealand
Spark
2G CDMA shutdown date: 31.7.2012
2degrees
2G shutdown date: 15.3.2018