2G and 3G sunsets and how to prepare

Operators are sunsetting 2G and 3G globally to free up bandwidth for 4G and 5G technologies.

Industries with long-term, low-data IoT deployments such as telematics, asset tracking, environmental monitoring, and smart meters need to be particularly aware of phased-out 2G and 3G networks. You need to act now given the time it takes to test new connectivity options and replace devices.

Scroll down to see our up-to-date list of operator 2G 3G sunset dates.

What is 2G and 3G sunset?

The terms “2G sunset” and “3G sunset” refer to the process of phasing out or shutting down 2G and 3G wireless networks by mobile network operators.

Why are 2G and 3G being sunset?

2G and 3G have been incredibly valuable technologies for IoT thanks to their low costs, good indoor and outdoor coverage, and global infrastructure.

But these decades-old connectivity options are being depreciated to make space for purpose-built IoT networks. Developers are now transitioning to new low-power wide-area (LPWA) technologies LTE-M and NB-IoT and LTE Cat 1bis.

Read more: lte-m vs nb-iot: Comparing the two IoT technologies

The main thing holding back the 2G and 3G switch-off has been the lack of coverage for the newer alternatives. But using an, e.g., LTE-M modem with 4G fallback is now a smart choice for global IoT coverage.

2G and 3G sunset dates.

Most Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have already sunset many 2G and 3G networks or plan to do so shortly. Here’s up-to-date information on what we know from GSMA, the operators themselves, and other trusted sources.

We strive to keep this list up-to-date and accurate, but please keep in mind that operators postpone and sometimes will not communicate plans until three months before switch off.

Webinar: 2G 3G Sunsetting Strategies with Onomondo

Ready for the deep dive? Sign up below to watch our on-demand webinar on 2G/3G sunsets and what to do to future-proof your devices.

How to future-proof IoT solutions.

Here are some tips for developing future-proof IoT solutions for the inevitable next round of sunsets.

Avoid vendor lock-ins

Don’t lock connectivity into your device manufacturer or SIM vendor.

Today, you’re locked into one connectivity provider when you deploy a cellular device until you physically change the SIM. Vendor lock-in is also true for eSIM (eUICC) solutions, as the eUICC platform that manages operator profiles is hardcoded.

Being locked into one operator is risky as the operator you choose today might be missing necessary technologies tomorrow.

We’ve taken a different route. We give customers the freedom to leave.

SIM keys are your property when using Onomondo SIMs. If it’s necessary to change vendors, we’ll transfer your SIMs to any GSMA-certified entity via an over-the-air update.

Put logic in the network, not on devices.

Onomondo operates its own core network, and we’ve integrated it with over 700 networks globally.

Unique, full-core integration has enabled us to offer global connectivity with one profile on a UICC SIM. As a result, we don’t require applets, customized SIMs, or other costly solutions.

We’ve moved connectivity logic into the network, so your devices can be simpler and more robust to rapid technological change.

Our full core integration also gives you real-time insights for traffic, signaling, and network logs, a superpower that dramatically reduces time spent troubleshooting.

Think global from the outset.

Onomondo offers one unified network and one Access Point Network (APN). Managing global deployments is easier with Onomondo SIMs – APNs are often hardcoded into the device, and trying to do it dynamically dramatically increases complexity.

With our IoT Connectivity Stack and Global IoT SIMs, you don’t have to customize devices per region because of connectivity limitations. Instead, simply control the local networks your SIMs can connect to through the Onomondo Platform or API and watch your solution take off.

Optimize data transfer and use less power.

We can help you optimize data transfer and power consumption on your device, dramatically increasing ROI.

Our no-code cloud integrations reduce battery drain and can potentially double the lifespan of your devices.

How have we achieved this? Our IoT connectivity infrastructure allows us to move cloud SDKs (Azure IoT, AWS IoT, IBM IoT, etc.) and TLS into the network, significantly reducing data and power consumption.