Mobile Telecoms Tracker
2G/3G Switch-off benchmark expanded to detail progress with mobile operators’ legacy network retirements
We recently expanded the 2G/3G Switch-off benchmark in our Mobile Telecoms Tracker to provide a greater level of detail on mobile operators’ legacy network retirements, including whether the process is completed or ongoing, actual and expected switch-off dates, duration of notice periods given to customers and steps taken to protect vulnerable consumers. The updated benchmark now tracks 53 operators across 22 countries, as well as highlighting the regulators or governments that have led, or are leading, the process in some cases. In the countries we track, a total of 21 operators (36%) have now completed the 2G switch-off, while 32 (48%) operators have completed the 3G switch-off.
In only three countries (Japan, South Africa, South Korea), has the regulator led the switch-off of both the 2G and 3G networks. In Finland, a regulator-led approach is only being taken in the 2G switch-off, where the Ministry of Transport and Communications has allowed operators to shut down their 2G networks from the end of 2029, but must give the regulator, Traficom, sufficient notice of their plans. In contrast, operators led – and have all completed – the switch-off of 3G in Finland.
Across Europe, APAC and North America, the deadlines for the 2G switch-off vary. Operators in Europe are set to take the longest to switch off 2G, with the latest announced switch-off deadline being 2033 in the UK. APAC and North America are planned to be much faster, with the latest deadlines there being in 2025. The variation in timelines for 3G is similar across the different regions.
Operators have looked to help prepare customers for the switch-off, often by contacting them directly, providing information via dedicated webpages, and offering free upgrades to 4G/5G-capable SIMs. For the 2G switch-off, 37 operators (61%) so far have offered support beyond just a dedicated information webpage. While for the 3G switch-off, it’s 45 operators (68%). In some countries such as Japan and Sweden, operators collaborated on public information campaigns to raise awareness about the switch-off.
Just under a third (27%) of operators have taken a staggered approach to the switch-off of legacy networks to minimise disruption to their customers, especially those deemed vulnerable consumers, as well as to allow themselves to undertake localised testing and prepare affected MVNOs to ensure the retirement process goes smoothly. For the 2G switch-off, 14 operators have taken phased approaches and for 3G, 19 operators did. In South Africa, operators were required to take such an approach by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT).
