Analysis from Omdia’s latest report, 2G and 3G Switch-off Regulations and Policies, highlights that Europe is at the forefront of global 2G and 3G network decommissioning, with a particular emphasis on retiring 3G services. This trend is driven by the continued reliance on 2G for M2M and IoT applications in several European markets.
Countries including Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands have already phased out 3G networks while maintaining limited 2G coverage for legacy use cases. In the UK, all mobile network operators (MNOs) have committed to shutting down both 2G and 3G networks by 2033 to free up spectrum for 5G deployment. Notably, all UK 3G networks are expected to be switched off by early 2026.
“With the growing adoption of 4G and 5G, mobile network operators are switching off their 2G, 3G, or both networks to free up resources, reassign spectrum, reduce complexity, and save costs, as the cost of operating all four networks simultaneously is extremely high,” said Sarah McBride, Principal Analyst, Regulation, at Omdia.
Key Policy Recommendations
Regulators should establish clear migration plans for users and industries, including support for affected sectors, to optimize spectrum allocation. Frameworks must minimize service disruptions for vulnerable groups like the elderly, rural users, and legacy IoT device owners, through transparent communication and technical aid. Technology-neutral licensing enables efficient spectrum reassignment without awaiting license expirations.
Regional Strategies
Europe leads with countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands completing 3G phase-outs while retaining limited 2G coverage. In the UK, all 3G networks are set to switch off by early 2026, with full 2G/3G closure by 2033 to boost 5G expansion. Operators initiate most switch-offs, but governments oversee consumer protections and spectrum changes, Omdia report indicated.
Global Context
Many processes start with mobile network operators (MNOs), as seen in the US, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, driven by high costs of maintaining multiple generations. Regulators mandate collaboration for robust network capacity and service quality during transitions. Consumer adoption and legacy coverage remain key hurdles, especially for non-voice IoT.
Global Trends in 2G and 3G Decommissioning
Asia-Pacific: Focus has been on 2G shutdowns, with Japan becoming the first country to fully decommission 2G.
North America: 3G networks have been phased out, with the US completing the process in 2022 and Canada following in 2025.
Africa: 3G is expected to be phased out before 2G due to continued reliance on basic 2G services for voice and SMS.
Switch-off initiatives are primarily led by operators, though governments and regulators sometimes mandate or oversee the process. McBride explains: “This can involve supervising the switch-off program to ensure consumers are protected, approving spectrum-use changes, or even requiring operators to seek regulatory permission before shutting down services.” To optimize spectrum utilization, regulators are encouraged to implement technology-neutral licensing rather than wait for existing licenses to expire. Effective network switch-offs require close collaboration between regulators and MNOs.
Consumer Protection Remains a Key Priority
As 2G and 3G phase-outs accelerate, consumer protection has become a major regulatory focus. Vulnerable users—including the elderly, rural populations, IoT users, and those with legacy devices—are at higher risk of service disruption. Regulators are enforcing clear communication strategies, structured migration plans, and technical support to ensure a smooth transition.
“Proactively implementing consumer protection measures is essential to ensuring inclusive and disruption-free legacy network shutdowns,” concluded McBride.
The shift from 2G and 3G to 4G and 5G represents a critical step in global mobile network evolution, enabling operators to maximize spectrum efficiency while supporting next-generation connectivity for consumers and IoT applications.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH
