2G shutdown in Europe: Timelines, technologies, and what businesses should do now
Last update: 10.09.2026
Important findings
- The 2G network is being phased out in Europe. Many carriers have already discontinued it or will do so between 2026 and 2028.
- Among other things, this affects older cell phone models, as well as connected devices in businesses.
- Modern successor technologies such as 5G, 4G, NB-IoT, and LTE-M offer better performance and greater future-proofing.
- A structured migration within a company begins with an inventory of all 2G devices and their criticality.
- Those who plan early can migrate without time pressure and ensure the long-term connectivity of networked systems.
Millions of connected devices in European companies still operate on 2G, even though many countries are planning to shut down their 2G networks or have already done so. This affects far more than just old cell phones. In many companies, critical processes and security functions still rely on 2G-based connections. These include alarm systems, meters, fleet trackers, IoT devices, elevators, and payment terminals. Companies that fail to migrate in time run the risk of security-critical systems failing or functioning only partially.
What is 2G?
2G is the second generation of mobile communications and is also known as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). In addition to voice calls and text messaging, the standard also includes EDGE as a data mode, which enables data transfer rates of up to 236 kbit/s.
Why is the 2G network being shut down now?
For over 30 years, the 2G mobile communications standard served as the foundation for mobile communication and connected systems in businesses. But 2G is now obsolete. To free up spectrum for more powerful mobile networks, mobile network operators worldwide are planning to switch off 2G technology in the next few years. In doing so, they are freeing up capacity for more efficient and future-proof connectivity solutions.
You can find more information about the 2G shutdown (also known as 2G sunset) at GSMA.
Following the phase-out of 3G, 2G is the next network to be shut down gradually in many European countries. In Germany, for example, the Federal Network Agency expects network operators to use the frequency bands that become available for more modern technologies.
Why is the 2G shutdown relevant to businesses?
As an IoT connectivity provider, we would like to inform our customers that this change may affect devices and deployments that rely exclusively on 2G connectivity.
Many companies use devices and systems that rely on GSM 2G connections. Without the 2G network, these infrastructures will gradually lose their connectivity. The more connected systems a company operates, the greater the need for action in response to the 2G sunset.
2G shutdown in Europe: An overview of selected dates
The end of 2G is coming, but there is no uniform deadline for the retirement of 2G networks in Europe. Depending on the requirements of national regulatory authorities, network infrastructure, and economic conditions, mobile network operators in each country will decide independently when to shut down their GSM networks.
Companies with international locations that operate networked systems in several European countries must therefore keep track of the different shutdown dates for each country.
When will the 2G switch-off take place in which country?
The following overview shows the status of planned and already implemented 2G shutdown dates in various European countries and by different network operators (as of July 2026).
How do providers handle service disconnections?
Providers set a date for the shutdown or plan a phased retirement. A1 in Austria, for example, has officially announced that it will switch off its 2G network on May 31, 2028. As a provider of IoT connectivity, A1 Digital is informing affected customers in several phases and guiding them individually through the transition.
Which devices and systems in companies are affected by the 2G retirement?
One thing is certain: Older cell phones that support only GSM/2G or 2G/3G will lose their network connection once the shutdown takes effect. Less obvious are the effects on newer 4G and 5G devices that do not support VoLTE (Voice over LTE): For voice calls, these devices automatically fall back to 2G. If this network is unavailable, traditional calls will no longer be possible.
Important to know: A 4G-capable device does not automatically support VoLTE. If you want to continue using voice services after the network transition, you'll need devices that support both 4G and VoLTE.
In the business sector, the 2G shutdown affects a much broader range of users. Due to its low power consumption, low operating costs, widespread availability, and sufficient transmission capacity for small amounts of data, GSM was the preferred technology for numerous IoT and M2M applications for decades.
The following devices, among others, are therefore affected by the 2G switch-off:
- IoT and M2M devices in the energy sector, water management, logistics, and manufacturing, which often still rely on GSM connections
- Vehicle-based systems such as the EU-mandated eCall emergency call system, auxiliary heaters, and telematics hardware, which often use 2G modules in older vehicles
- Safety-critical systems such as elevator emergency call systems, home emergency call systems, alarm systems, and alarm transmission devices
- Payment terminals with a GSM module
What happens if companies don't migrate in time?
If systems can no longer send data, gaps in monitoring data can occur. This can quickly lead to anomalies going undetected.
In the event of complete connectivity outages, the consequences range from breaches of contract with customers to the shutdown of business-critical processes. Since elevator emergency call systems, alarm systems, and in-home medical emergency call systems are also affected by the 2G shutdown, a connectivity outage can even pose a safety risk to people.
What technologies will replace 2G?
The primary successor for most applications is 4G/LTE. This mobile technology offers significantly higher data rates and better voice quality than GSM, supports VoLTE for voice calls, and provides comprehensive network coverage across Europe. For data-intensive and latency-sensitive applications, 5G is the most future-proof option.
Regions that have so far been served exclusively by 2G networks are therefore to be connected to 4G or 5G by mobile network operators before the 2G networks are shut down. The GSM frequency bands that become available will then be used for the further expansion of more modern networks.
What standards will connect IoT devices in the future?
For the majority of 2G IoT applications to date, two specialized mobile communication technologies are relevant: NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) and LTE-M (LTE for Machines). Both are designed for small amounts of data and low power consumption and are particularly well-suited for devices in remote locations with weak signals, such as basements and tunnels. They are suitable successor technologies for typical 2G IoT scenarios, such as transmitting meter readings or sending alarms.
Migration strategy: These five steps are important for companies right now
The migration from 2G to modern network technologies is most successful when carried out according to a clear plan. The following five steps guide companies through this process in a structured manner.
Step 1: Conduct an assessment
An inventory list of all devices and systems that currently communicate via 2G, including details such as location, network technology, SIM type, and urgency, provides a clear overview. If a manufacturer has not transparently documented the network technology used, contacting them directly can provide clarity.
Step 2: Assess criticality
Once it is clear which systems are affected, companies should determine the correct migration sequence. The extent to which a system is affected by the shutdown depends on several factors: the device type, hardware capabilities, SIM type, and location of use. A 2G tracker in a country with a shutdown scheduled for 2026 is a higher priority than the same device in a country with a 2030 deadline. Safety-critical systems, such as emergency call technology, take priority, followed by business-critical IoT applications.
Step 3: Plan the migration
For each affected device, the question arises as to whether a firmware or module upgrade to 4G is possible. For IoT applications with low data volumes, NB-IoT or LTE-M are often the more cost-effective choice. If an upgrade is not possible, the only solution is often to replace the device entirely.
Since many industrial devices and systems remain in use for 10 to 15 years, care must be taken when procuring new systems to ensure that they support 4G, NB-IoT, or LTE-M. For devices already in use, the sooner the migration is planned, the more time there will be for certification, delivery, and testing.
Step 4: Check SIM cards and plans
Companies should verify whether their existing SIM cards and mobile service plans fully support the use of modern network technologies such as 4G, NB-IoT, or LTE-M. Older contracts may include restrictions on bandwidth, technologies, or roaming.
Carefully reviewing the terms of the contract and coordinating with the mobile service provider can help identify potential bottlenecks early on and avoid unnecessary additional costs or service outages.
Step 5: Implement and test the migration
After the migration, new systems must be tested for network connectivity, data transmission, and VoLTE. For critical systems, it is recommended to operate them in parallel during the migration to avoid outages.
Companies don't have to go it alone. The A1 Digital team provides support in identifying affected devices and SIM cards, evaluating suitable replacement technologies, conducting connectivity tests, and selecting appropriate devices and modules.
Security risks associated with the 2G sunset that companies often overlook
During the 2G migration, the security architecture of the successor systems should be reviewed when hardware is replaced. This is because 4G and 5G devices often come with additional protocols, interfaces, and remote management features—and thus present a potentially larger attack surface for cybercriminals.
In addition, companies in regulated sectors must comply with the requirements of the NIS2 Directive regarding risk management, documentation, and technical and organizational security measures. Network transitions, such as the 2G migration, should be integrated into this risk management process and documented accordingly.
Our tip: The transition to the next generation of networks is a good time to check your entire network of connected devices for security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
Conclusion: The end of the 2G network as an opportunity for future-ready companies
The 2G shutdown affects more devices and systems than many companies realize. At the same time, it presents a concrete opportunity: Companies that migrate now can modernize their networked infrastructure and make it more resilient. New technologies such as 4G, NB-IoT, and LTE-M offer better performance, enhanced security, and are generally more future-proof than GSM.
The 2G sunset is a good opportunity to further develop your own infrastructure in a targeted manner. A1 Digital supports companies in this process with its expertise in IoT, networks, and security.
Frequently asked questions about the 2G shutdown
The 2G shutdown date varies by country and mobile network operator. In Germany, the major network operators plan to shut down the 2G network starting in 2028; in Austria, A1 Telekom Austria will begin the 2G switch-off in May 2028. In some countries, the 2G network will remain available longer for critical enterprise IoT applications than for residential customers.
Among the devices affected by the 2G retirement are IoT and M2M devices that still use GSM-based connections. Safety-critical systems such as elevator emergency call systems, alarm systems, and telematics modules installed in fleet vehicles also frequently rely on the 2G network. Companies should also check whether older company cell phones and GSM mobile phones in critical areas still depend on the 2G network and need to be replaced as part of the migration process.
According to network operators, 4G/LTE will continue to serve as a stable foundation for industrial applications for many years to come and will remain available in the long term. For IoT applications with low data volumes, NB-IoT and LTE-M offer a specially developed, energy-efficient alternative with long-term potential.
A review of the technical documentation for devices and systems reveals which cellular standards are supported. If there is any uncertainty, contacting the manufacturer or mobile network operator directly is the fastest way to determine whether a device is dependent on 2G or 2G/3G. Companies should systematically test IoT, M2M, and safety-critical systems in particular, such as elevator emergency call systems, alarm systems, and home emergency call systems.
