As technology advances, older technologies become obsolete and are being phased out. The same thing is happening in the telecommunications sector, where telecom companies worldwide are moving from 2G and 3G to newer, more advanced technologies like 4G and 5G.

Cullen International’s research shows that 22 of 31 countries in Europe have completed or are planning to shut down their 2G and/or 3G networks.

Swisscom was among the first to switch off 2G in early 2021. Eight other countries could follow suit and switch off 2G.

However, 3G networks are usually switched off before 2G networks, especially in Europe. In contrast, the U.S. is considering shutting down the 2G networks first, while Australian telecommunications companies want to shut down both technologies at the same time.

In this joint article with 1oT, we discuss why these networks are being shut down and how you can ensure your IoT business is prepared for the transition in Europe.

 

 

If you want to know more about how you might be affected, the ways you can optimize your IoT devices, and what planning new product launches in the light of sunsets looks like head over to the 1oT blog.