Jump to content

2G

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2G, or second-generation cellular network technology, marks the transition from analog to digital communication in mobile networks. Defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) under the GSM standard, which became the first globally adopted framework for mobile communications, 2G was first commercially launched in 1991 by Radiolinja (now part of Elisa Oyj) in Finland.[1] Following its introduction, the earlier mobile wireless network systems were retroactively designated as 1G. 2G networks were primarily designed to support voice calls and Short Message Service (SMS), with later advancements such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) enabling basic data services, including email and limited internet access. Unlike 1G networks, which used analog radio signals, 2G networks utilized digital radio signals for communication between mobile devices and base stations. This transition to digital technology enabled the implementation of encryption for voice calls and data transmission, significantly improving the security of mobile communications while also increasing capacity and efficiency compared to earlier analog systems.

Later 2G releases, often referred to as 2.5G and 2.75G, include General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE). GPRS allows 2G networks to achieve a theoretical maximum transfer speed of 40 kbit/s (5 kB/s). EDGE increases this capacity, providing a theoretical maximum transfer speed of 384 kbit/s (48 kB/s).

2G was succeeded by 3G technology, which provided higher data transfer rates and expanded mobile internet capabilities.

Technical overview

[edit]

The most common 2G technology was the time-division multiple access (TDMA)-based GSM standard, used in most of the world outside Japan.[citation needed] In North America, Digital AMPS (IS-54 and IS-136) and cdmaOne (IS-95) were dominant, but GSM was also used.[2][citation needed] In Japan the ubiquitous system was Personal Digital Cellular (PDC), though another, Personal Handy-phone System (PHS), also existed.[citation needed]

Three primary benefits of 2G networks over their 1G predecessors were:

Evolution

[edit]
Cellular network standards and generation timeline. (Large titles on the colored area refer to the lines to their right.

2.5G (GPRS)

[edit]

2.5G ("second-and-a-half generation") refers to 2G systems that incorporate a packet-switched domain alongside the existing circuit-switched domain, most commonly implemented through General Packet Radio Service (GPRS).[3] GPRS enables packet-based data transmission by dynamically allocating multiple timeslots to users, improving network efficiency. However, this does not inherently provide faster speeds, as similar techniques, such as timeslot bundling, are also employed in circuit-switched data services like High-Speed Circuit-Switched Data (HSCSD). Within GPRS-enabled 2G systems, the theoretical maximum transfer rate is 40 kbit/s (5 kB/s).[4]

2.75G (EDGE)

[edit]

2.75G refers to the evolution of GPRS networks into EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) networks, achieved through the introduction of 8PSK (8 Phase Shift Keying) encoding. While the symbol rate remained constant at 270.833 samples per second, the use of 8PSK allowed each symbol to carry three bits instead of one, significantly increasing data transmission efficiency. Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), also known as Enhanced GPRS (EGPRS) or IMT Single Carrier (IMT-SC), is a backward-compatible digital mobile phone technology built as an extension to standard GSM. First deployed in 2003 by AT&T in the United States, EDGE offers a theoretical maximum transfer speed of 384 kbit/s (48 kB/s).[4]

2.875G (EDGE Evolution)

[edit]

Evolved EDGE (also known as EDGE Evolution or 2.875G) is an enhancement of the EDGE mobile technology that was introduced as a late-stage upgrade to 2G networks. While EDGE was first deployed in the early 2000s as part of GSM networks, Evolved EDGE was launched much later, coinciding with the widespread adoption of 3G technologies such as HSPA and just before the emergence of 4G networks. This timing limited its practical application.

Evolved EDGE increased data throughput and reduced latencies (down to 80 ms) by utilizing improved modulation techniques, dual carrier support, dual antennas, and turbo codes. It achieved peak data rates of up to 1 Mbit/s, significantly enhancing network efficiency for operators that had not yet transitioned to 3G or 4G infrastructures. However, despite its technical improvements, Evolved EDGE was never widely deployed. By the time it became available, most network operators were focused on implementing more advanced technologies like UMTS and LTE. As of 2016, no commercial networks were reported to support Evolved EDGE.

Phase-out

[edit]

2G, understood as GSM and CdmaOne, has been superseded by newer technologies such as 3G (UMTS / CDMA2000), 4G (LTE / WiMAX) and 5G (5G NR). However, 2G networks were still available as of 2023 in most parts of the world, while notably excluding the majority of carriers in North America, East Asia, and Australasia.[5][6][7]

Many modern LTE-enabled devices have the ability to fall back to 2G for phone calls, necessary especially in rural areas where later generations have not yet been implemented.[8] In some places, its successor 3G is being shut down rather than 2G – Vodafone previously announced that it had switched off 3G across Europe in 2020 but still retains 2G as a fallback service.[9] In the US T-Mobile shut down their 3G services while retaining their 2G GSM network.[10][11]

Various carriers have made announcements that 2G technology in the United States, Japan, Australia, and other countries are in the process of being shut down, or have already shut down 2G services so that carriers can re-use the frequencies for newer technologies (e.g. 4G, 5G).[12][13]

As a legacy protocol, 2G connectivity is considered insecure.[14] Specifically, there exist well known methods to attack weaknesses in GSM since 2009[15] with practical use in crime.[16] Attack routes on 2G CdmaOne were found later and remain less publicized.[17]

Android 12 and later provide a network setting to disable 2G connectivity for the device.[18] iOS 16 and later can disable 2G connectivity by enabling Lockdown Mode.[19]

Criticism

[edit]

In some parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, 2G remains widely used for older feature phones and for internet of things (IoT) devices such as smart meters, eCall systems and vehicle trackers to avoid the high patent licensing cost of newer technologies.[20] Terminating 2G services could leave vulnerable people who rely on 2G infrastructure unable to communicate even with emergency contacts, causing harm and possibly deaths.[21]

Past 2G networks

[edit]
Country Status Network Shutdown date Standard Notes
 Åland Ålcom 2024 GSM 2G availability cannot be guaranteed after 1 Jan 2022, all stations are planned to be shut down in 2024.[22]
 Anguilla Digicel active GSM 900 MHz: 5 MHz GSM + 5 MHz UMTS
1900 MHz: 5 MHz UMTS [23][24][25][26]
FLOW 2024-04-22 GSM [27][28]
 Antigua and Barbuda No Service APUA 2018-04-01 GSM [29]
Digicel 2024-05-31 GSM [30]
FLOW 2024-07-31 GSM [31]
 Aruba partially
unconfirmed
Digicel 2024-06-30 GSM [32]
SETAR active GSM GSM-900 & GSM-1900
 Australia No Service Hutchison 3 2006-08-09 cdmaOne [33][34][35][36][37]
Optus 2017-08-01 GSM 2G shut down in WA and NT on 3 Apr 2017.[38][39]
Telstra 2008-04-28 cdmaOne [40][41][42][43][44]
Telstra 2016-12-01 GSM [45]
Vodafone 2018-06-14 GSM [46]
 Bahamas No Service Aliv N/A (no 2G)
BTC 2024-06-30 GSM [47][48][49]
 Bahrain Batelco 2021-11-30 GSM [50]
 Barbados partially
unconfirmed
Digicel 2025-03-31 GSM 900 MHz: 6 MHz GSM /
1800 MHz: 12 MHz GSM [51]
FLOW 2024-04-22 GSM
 Belgium Orange 2030 GSM [52]
Telenet 2027 GSM [53]
Proximus 2027 GSM [54]
 Bermuda Digicel active GSM 1900 MHz: 15 MHz GSM + 15 MHz LTE [55]
One active GSM 1900 MHz: 5 MHz GSM + 20 MHz LTE [55]
 Bonaire partially
unconfirmed
Digicel 2025-03-31 GSM
FLOW 2024-04-22 GSM
 British Virgin Islands CCT active GSM 1900 MHz: 10 MHz GSM + 20 MHz LTE [56]
Digicel active GSM 1800 MHz: 15 MHz GSM
1900 MHz: 5 MHz GSM + 10 MHz UMTS [56]
FLOW 2024-04-22 GSM [57]
 Brunei No Service UNN 2021-06-01 GSM National Wholesale Network used by DSTCom, Progresif and imagine.[58][59]
 Canada Bell 2019-04-30 cdmaOne Shutdown of CDMA transmitters commenced in remote areas in 2017, followed by an official announcement in June 2018 that 2G devices will lose service soon.[60][61]
Rogers Wireless TBD GSM 1900 MHz shutdown in Jun 2021.
850 MHz remains active.[62][63][64][65]
SaskTel 2017-07-31 cdmaOne [66][67]
Telus Mobility 2017-05-31 cdmaOne [68][69]
 Cayman Islands partially
unconfirmed
Digicel 2020-07-01 GSM [70][71]
FLOW 2024-04-22 GSM
 China China Mobile active GSM 900 MHz: 15 MHz GSM
1800 MHz: 25 MHz GSM [72]
China Telecom 2025 cdmaOne Local shutdown commenced on 01 Jun 2020.
CDMA2000 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A/B (3G) service also terminates.[72][73][74]
China Unicom 2025 GSM Local shutdown commenced on 18 Apr 2018.[72][75][76][74][77]
 Chile Entel 2024 Q3 GSM Local shutdown commenced on 22 Jul 2024 in the Arica and Parinacota Region.[78]
 Colombia Claro 2023-02-23 GSM [79][80]
Tigo 2022-11-01 GSM [81]
 Curaçao Digicel 2025-03-31 GSM
FLOW 2024-02-29 GSM [82][83]
 Dominica partially
unconfirmed
Digicel 2027-03-31 GSM
FLOW 2024-03-?? GSM [84]
 France Bouygues 2026-12-31 GSM [85]
Orange 2025-12-31 GSM [52]
SFR 2026 GSM [86]
 Germany Deutsche Telekom 2028-06-30 GSM [87]
Vodafone 2030-12-31 GSM [88]
Telefónica (O2) TBD GSM
 Grenada unconfirmed Digicel 2024-03-31 GSM
FLOW 2024-04-22 GSM
 Guam unconfirmed GTA Teleguam ? GSM
 Hong Kong 3 2008-11-20 cdmaOne Shut down due to license expiry. Government originally did not allow the license to be renewed due to unpopularity, however the government later reversed the decision and held an auction for CDMA2000 service, which PCCW-HKT (its mobile business now merged into CSL) won the auction and provided CDMA2000 service immediately after 3's license expiry.
3 2021-09-30 GSM [89]
CMHK active GSM 1800 MHz only
CSL 2005 D-AMPS Service previously provided by Pacific Link, which subsequently merged into CSL. Shut down due to license expiry. Government did not allow the license to be renewed due to unpopularity.
CSL 2017-10-31 cdmaOne Service previously provided by PCCW-HKT, which merged its mobile business into CSL. No service for local customers, only served incoming roaming tourists.
CDMA2000 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A (3G) service has also terminated.[90]
CSL 2024-11-08 GSM [91]
SmarTone 2022-10-14 GSM [92]
 Iceland 2025 GSM Per government statement.[93]
 Israel Hot Mobile 2019-12-31 iDEN [94]
2025 GSM Per government statement.[95]
 Jamaica No Service Digicel 2024-08-31 GSM [96][97]
FLOW 2024-04-15 GSM [98][97][99]
 Japan No Service au KDDI 2012-07-22 cdmaOne [100]
NTT Docomo 2012-03-31 PDC [101]
Softbank 2010-03-31 PDC [102]
 Jordan Umniah 2021-03-11 GSM [103]
 Luxembourg Orange 2030 GSM [52]
 Macau No Service CTM 2019-08-01 GSM Service for local customers terminated on 4 Jun 2015, but remained for roaming users.[104][105][106]
3 2019-08-01 GSM Service for local customers terminated on 4 Jun 2015, but remained for roaming users.[104][105]
SmarTone 2019-08-01 GSM Service for local customers terminated on 4 Jun 2015, but remained for roaming users.[104][105]
 Mexico AT&T 2019-09-01 GSM [107]
Local shutdown commenced in Q1 2019.
Movistar 2021-01-01 GSM [108]
 Montserrat unconfirmed Digicel ? GSM
FLOW 2024-04-22 GSM
 Netherlands T-Mobile 2021-06-01 /
2023-11-15 (IoT)
GSM [109]
 New Caledonia OPT-NC 2025 GSM Shutdown commenced in 2022.[110]
 New Zealand 2degrees 2018-03-15 GSM [111]
Spark 2012-07-31 cdmaOne [112][113]
 Norway Telenor 2025 GSM [114]
Telia 2025 GSM [114]
 Panama Digicel 2022-06-30 GSM Complete shutdown of operations and market exit.[115][116][117][118]
 Peru Bitel N/A (no 2G)
 Poland Orange 2030 GSM [52]
 Romania Orange 2030 GSM [52]
 Saint Kitts and Nevis Digicel 2027-03-31 GSM
FLOW 2024-04-22 GSM [119]
 Saint Lucia partially
unconfirmed
Digicel 2027-03-31 GSM
FLOW 2024-04-22 GSM [120]
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Digicel 2027-03-31 GSM
FLOW 2023-09-30 GSM [121][122][123][124]
 Singapore No Service M1 2017-04-18 GSM [125]
Singtel 2017-04-18 GSM [125]
StarHub 2017-04-18 GSM [125]
 Sint Maarten
 Saba
 Sint Eustatius
No Service TelCell 2019-01-01 GSM [126]
FLOW (UTS) 2017-09-26 GSM [127]
 Slovakia Orange 2030 GSM [52]
 South Africa TBD GSM Per government statement.[128][129]
 South Korea No Service KT 2012-03-19 cdmaOne CDMA2000 1xRTT, EV-DO Rel. 0 (3G) service has also terminated.[130]
LG Uplus 2021-06-30 cdmaOne CDMA2000 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A/B (3G) service has also terminated.[131]
SK Telecom 2020-07-27 cdmaOne CDMA2000 1xRTT, EV-DO Rel. 0 (3G) service has also terminated.[132]
 Spain Orange 2030 GSM [52]
 Sweden Net4Mobility (Telenor/Tele2) 2025-12-31 GSM 2G network will be shut down by the end of 2025.[133][134][135]
Telia 2027 GSM Shutdown pushed back from 2025 to 2027.[136][137]
  Switzerland No Service Salt 2020-12-31 GSM Shutdown commenced on 1 Jul 2020. A few single 2G-only sites remained until Sep 2023 to preserve CSFB functionality.[138][139][140]
Sunrise 2023-01-03 GSM With the introduction of S-RAN in 2018 phaseout was previously postponed to 2022.[141][142][143]
Swisscom 2021-04-07 GSM Official shutdown on 31 Dec 2020 (guaranteed availability).[144][145][146]
 Taiwan No Service Chunghwa Telecom 2017-06-30 GSM [147]
FarEasTone 2017-06-30 GSM [147]
Taiwan Mobile 2017-06-30 GSM [147]
 Trinidad and Tobago Digicel 2024-12-31 GSM [148][149][150]
bmobile (TSTT) TBD GSM 850 MHz: 2.5 MHz GSM + 5 MHz UMTS [151][152]
 Turks and Caicos Islands Digicel 2025-06-30 GSM 900 MHz: 9.8 MHz GSM [153]
FLOW 2024-04-22 GSM [154]
 United Arab Emirates No Service Du 2023-12-31 GSM [155]
Etisalat 2023-12-31 GSM [156]
 United Kingdom 2033 GSM Per government statement on confirmation by mobile providers.[157][158][159]
 United States
 Puerto Rico
 US Virgin Islands
AT&T 2017-01-01 GSM [160]
Cellcom
(US only)
2023-12-01 cdmaOne CDMA2000 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A (3G) service has also terminated.[161]
Claro
(PR only)
2028-12-31 GSM
Commnet Wireless (Choice)
(US only)
2022-12-31 cdmaOne CDMA2000 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A (3G) service has also terminated.[162]
Copper Valley Wireless 2022-09-30 cdmaOne CDMA2000 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A (3G) service has also terminated.[163]
T-Mobile 2024-10 GSM Shutdown commenced on 1 Sep 2024.[164][165]
T-Mobile (Sprint) 2022-05-31 cdmaOne CDMA2000 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A (3G) service has also terminated.
Shutdown commenced on 31 Mar 2022.[166][167][168][169]
UScellular
(US only)
2024-01-14 cdmaOne CDMA2000 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A (3G) service has also terminated.[170][171]
Verizon
(US only)
2022-12-31 cdmaOne CDMA2000 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A (3G) service has also terminated.[172]
 Venezuela Digitel 2025 GSM Shutdown commenced in May 2021.[173]
Movilnet 2025 GSM [173]
Movistar 2025 GSM Shutdown commenced on 01 Jul 2022.[173]
 Vietnam No Service Gmobile 2024-10-16 GSM per government regulation[174]
Mobifone 2024-10-16 GSM per government regulation[174]
Vietnamobile N/A (no 2G)
Viettel 2024-10-16 GSM per government regulation[174]
Vinaphone 2024-10-16 GSM per government regulation[174]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Radiolinja's History". 20 April 2004. Archived from the original on 23 October 2006. Retrieved 23 December 2009.
  2. ^ "2G Sunset Brings Faster Speeds, Newer Technologies". 16 January 2017. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  3. ^ "What is Second and a Half Generation (2.5G)". IGI Global. Archived from the original on 6 October 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  4. ^ a b "GPRS & EDGE". 3gpp.org. Archived from the original on 17 April 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  5. ^ "Germany's rural 4G users still spend one-fourth of their time on 3G and 2G networks". Opensignal. 13 June 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  6. ^ "T-Mobile Poland expects to keep 2G for five-to-six years". TeleGeography. 17 July 2019. Archived from the original on 6 October 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  7. ^ "2G phase-out – modernisation of the Swisscom mobile network". Swisscom. Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  8. ^ "SUNSET ON 2G/3G MOBILE NETWORKS? NOT EXACTLY..." CSL Group. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  9. ^ Hall, Kat. "Sod 3G, that can go, but don't rush to turn off 2G, UK still needs it – report". The Register. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  10. ^ "T-Mobile Network Evolution". T-Mobile US. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  11. ^ "T-Mobile US to shut down 3G network on 1 July 2022". TeleGeography. 17 September 2021. Archived from the original on 14 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  12. ^ Serr, Melanie (5 April 2017). "What You Need To Know About the 2G Network Shutdown". Geotab Blog. Archived from the original on 6 October 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  13. ^ "The status of the 2G/3G network sunset". nae_ global. 31 July 2019. Archived from the original on 11 December 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  14. ^ Cooper Quintin and Andrés Arrieta (29 June 2020). "Your Phone Is Vulnerable Because of 2G, But it Doesn't Have to Be". Electronic Frontier Foundation. Archived from the original on 16 April 2024.
  15. ^ "The GSM encryption algorithm was broken". GSMArena. Archived from the original on 5 May 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  16. ^ Russon, Mary-Ann (27 March 2014). "China Arrests 1,500 People for Sending Spam Text Messages from Fake Mobile Base Stations". International Business Times UK. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  17. ^ Zhang, Chi; Liu, Jun-Rong; Gu, Da-Wu; Wang, Wei-Jia; Lu, Xiang-Jun; Guo, Zheng; Lu, Hai-Ning (1 September 2019). "Side-Channel Analysis for the Authentication Protocols of CDMA Cellular Networks". Journal of Computer Science and Technology. 34 (5): 1079–1095. doi:10.1007/s11390-019-1961-5. S2CID 203640029.
  18. ^ Amadeo, Ron (14 January 2022). "EFF praises Android's new 2G kill switch, wants Apple to follow suit". Ars Technica. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  19. ^ "About Lockdown Mode". Apple. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  20. ^ "Freedom of Information: Right to know request" (PDF). Ofcom. 3 June 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  21. ^ Rockman, Simon. "Millions Will Lose Out When Government Kills 2G". Forbes. Archived from the original on 30 November 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  22. ^ "Frågor och svar (FAQ). 2G" (in Swedish). Ålcom. Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  23. ^ "License and Frequency Authorisations - Digicel" (PDF). Public Utilities Commission Anguilla. 5 November 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  24. ^ "Annual Report 2016" (PDF). Public Utilities Commission Anguilla. 24 August 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 June 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  25. ^ "Annual Report 2017" (PDF). Public Utilities Commission Anguilla. 22 October 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  26. ^ "Agreement Between The Administrations Of Anguilla, France, Sint Maarten And The State Of Netherlands For Saba And St. Eustatius Concerning The Spectrum Coordination Of Land Mobile Radiocommunication Networks In The Frequency Range 698 MHz to 3800 MHz" (PDF). Agence Nationale Des Frèquences (ANFR). 1 March 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  27. ^ "License and Frequency Authorisations - Flow" (PDF). Public Utilities Commission Anguilla. 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  28. ^ "We're saying goodbye to our 2G mobile network". Flow Anguilla. 17 April 2024. Archived from the original on 10 September 2024. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  29. ^ "APUA Seeks Portion of Premium Spectrum". Antigua Public Utilities Authority. 13 June 2019. Archived from the original on 8 September 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  30. ^ "Digicel Antigua to say good-bye to 2G this month". Loop Caribbean News by Digicel. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  31. ^ "FLOW to retire 2G networks, shutdown in phased manner". Associates Times LLC. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  32. ^ "Digicel Network Upgrade". Digicel Aruba. 12 December 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  33. ^ "Hutchison to upgrade Orange network". TeleGeography. 26 January 2004. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  34. ^ "Telstra fails to prise Orange from Hutch as 3G network share talks fail". TeleGeography. 20 April 2004. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  35. ^ "Hutch to push 2G users to 3G and close Orange network". TeleGeography. 1 February 2006. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  36. ^ "Hutch to shut down CDMA network in August". TeleGeography. 10 May 2006. Archived from the original on 21 December 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
  37. ^ "2G network closure increases Hutch Australia revenues and losses". TeleGeography. 23 August 2006. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  38. ^ "Optus to shutter GSM network in April 2017". TeleGeography. 5 August 2015. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  39. ^ "2G Network Closure Update". Optus. 19 October 2016. Archived from the original on 29 September 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  40. ^ "Telstra plans EV-DO upgrade". TeleGeography. 15 April 2004. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  41. ^ "'CDMA is on the way out,' says Telstra". TeleGeography. 2 May 2006. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  42. ^ "Telstra to close CDMA network by Jan 2008". TeleGeography. 6 February 2007. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  43. ^ "Telstra's CDMA shutdown: No gain without pain?". ZDNet. 24 April 2008. Archived from the original on 29 August 2024. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  44. ^ "CDMA shut-down delayed 'til April". TeleGeography. 22 January 2008. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  45. ^ "Telstra switches off GSM network". TeleGeography. 2 December 2016. Archived from the original on 18 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  46. ^ "Vodafone's 2G Network shutdown starts at the end of this month – are you ready?". Ausdroid. 14 June 2018. Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  47. ^ "BTC to commence mobile network optimization project". Eye Witness News. 22 May 2024. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  48. ^ "BTC readies to consolidate mobile network to 4G only". The Tribune - Ellington. 22 May 2024. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  49. ^ "BTC will be transitioning our network from 2G to 3G technology". BTC. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  50. ^ "Batelco to phase out 2G network on 30 November". TeleGeography. 28 September 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  51. ^ "spectrummonitoring.com - Barbados". spectrummonitoring.com. 1 March 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  52. ^ a b c d e f g "Orange selects 5G SA vendors; provides timetable for 2G/3G shutdowns". TeleGeography. 1 March 2022. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  53. ^ "Telenet to switch off 3G from September 2024". TeleGeography. 19 September 2022. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  54. ^ "Proximus to switch off 3G network by end-2024". TeleGeography. 30 November 2022. Archived from the original on 4 December 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  55. ^ a b "spectrummonitoring.com - Bermuda". spectrummonitoring.com. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  56. ^ a b "spectrummonitoring.com - British Virgin Islands". spectrummonitoring.com. 6 April 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  57. ^ "Final Announcement 2G Shutdown". FLOW BVI. 17 April 2024. Archived from the original on 17 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  58. ^ "Cessation of 2G GSM services in Brunei Darussalam" (PDF). UNN Brunei. 16 April 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 December 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
  59. ^ "FAQs - 2G Network Switch-off". Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI). Archived from the original on 8 December 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
  60. ^ "CDMA Network Discontinuation". Bell Canada. Archived from the original on 23 March 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  61. ^ "Bell completing CDMA shutdown on 30 April". TeleGeography. 1 April 2019. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  62. ^ "Rogers extends availability of GSM/GPRS network to December 2020". MobileSyrup. 4 May 2018. Archived from the original on 10 October 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  63. ^ "Important Notice Regarding Upcoming 2G/3G Changes on the Rogers Network". BULWARK. 15 July 2020. Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  64. ^ "1900 MHz Shutdown on our 2G and 3G Wireless Networks". Rogers Communications. 1 March 2021. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  65. ^ "2G and 3G Shutdowns Continue". blog.telegeography.com. 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 5 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  66. ^ "Final countdown for Saskatchewan CDMA". TeleGeography. 6 July 2016. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  67. ^ "SaskTel reminds CDMA customers of network shutdown". Sasktel. 11 January 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  68. ^ "Telus 'shutting CDMA in 2015'". TeleGeography. 21 October 2013. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  69. ^ "CDMA network shut down - Information on the discontinuation of CDMA network support". TELUS. Archived from the original on 11 November 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  70. ^ "2G Network Shut Down". Digicel Cayman. Archived from the original on 17 September 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  71. ^ "Digicel Cayman announces network upgrade, discontinues 2G coverage". TeleGeography. 1 November 2019. Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  72. ^ a b c "spectrummonitoring.com - China". spectrummonitoring.com. 21 November 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  73. ^ "China Telecom: 3G Network Will Be Shut down Gradually Starting from June". Montnets. 5 June 2020. Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  74. ^ a b "Turning off 2G in China harder than it looks". Light Reading. 29 June 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  75. ^ "China Unicom to roll back 2G network". TechNode. 18 April 2018. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  76. ^ "China Unicom to retire 2G next year". Developing Telecoms Ltd. 13 November 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  77. ^ "China Unicom given green light to refarm 900MHz band for 5G". TeleGeography. 4 November 2022. Archived from the original on 5 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  78. ^ "¿Cuándo se hará el recambio de la tecnología 2G en mi región? – Centro de Ayuda - Entel" [When will the 2G technology be switched to in my region?] (in Spanish). Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  79. ^ "Claro Colombia targets December 2022 2G shutdown". TeleGeography. 13 May 2022. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  80. ^ "Claro now expects to switch off 2G network by Feb-23". TeleGeography. 20 September 2022. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  81. ^ "Tigo switches off Colombian 2G network". TeleGeography. 2 November 2022. Archived from the original on 5 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  82. ^ "Final Announcement 2G Shutdown". Flow Curaçao. 26 February 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  83. ^ "2G service retires February 29". Flow Curaçao. 26 February 2024. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  84. ^ "Flow repurposing its 2G network to bolster 3G & 4". Emonews. 4 March 2024. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  85. ^ "Bouygues Telecom to decommission 2G in 2026, 3G to follow in 2029". TeleGeography. 3 February 2023. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  86. ^ "SFR selects Nokia for 5G SA network; to decommission 2G/3G by 2028". TeleGeography. 27 January 2023. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  87. ^ "Mehr Speed auf alten Frequenzen: 2G-Abschaltung sorgt für besseres Netz" (in German). Deutsche Telekom. 22 October 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  88. ^ "GSM-Abschaltung: Vodafone will 2G-Netze bis Ende 2030 abschalten" (in German). computerbase.de. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  89. ^ "3 Hong Kong to close 2G network at end-September". TeleGeography. 29 July 2021. Archived from the original on 29 July 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  90. ^ "不獲批頻譜改作4G LTE 香港電訊入稟司法覆核 - 香港經濟日報" (in Chinese). topick.hket.com. 22 December 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
  91. ^ "HKT to terminate 2G services on 8 November 2024 reallocating spectrum resources for advanced mobile services" (PDF). HKT Limited. 2 August 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
  92. ^ "SmarTone announces October shutdown for 2G network". TeleGeography. 12 August 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  93. ^ "ECOI postpones 2G shutdown to 2025". TeleGeography. 24 November 2022. Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  94. ^ ""מנוי מירס 77350 אינו קיים"" (in Hebrew). bizzness.net. 3 September 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2024. [Dear customer, we would like to inform you that according to the directive of the Ministry of Communications, we are forced to stop using the IDEN system frequencies until December 31, 2019. And we will not be able to continue providing the network services after this date.]
  95. ^ "Ministry orders shutdown of Israeli 2G, 3G networks by 2025". TeleGeography. 2 July 2021. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  96. ^ "Digicel enters final stage of 2G network shutdown | Loop Jamaica". Loop News. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  97. ^ a b "BANGERS, BEGONE!". jamaica-gleaner. 14 April 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  98. ^ "Flow Jamaica 2G shutdown underway". TeleGeography. 5 August 2022. Archived from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  99. ^ "Flow retires 2G network". Grove Broadcasting Company Ltd. 15 April 2024. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  100. ^ "Au's "CDMA 1X" finished service on July 22, about 200 types of target models". gigazine.net. 18 April 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  101. ^ "DoCoMo's nine-month profits up 16%, announces 2G shutdown March 2012". TeleGeography. 30 January 2009. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  102. ^ "Discontinuation Notice of 2G Service". Softbank. 24 November 2009. Archived from the original on 30 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  103. ^ "Umniah switching off 2G network in Jordan". Developing Telecoms. 11 March 2021. Archived from the original on 17 January 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  104. ^ a b c "Macau mobile users reach 1.56m in 3Q13; 2G users number less than 5,000 as switch off looms". TeleGeography. 29 October 2013. Archived from the original on 30 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  105. ^ a b c "Macau to shut down 2G networks for roaming users". TeleGeography. 10 April 2019. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  106. ^ "Govt to allow telecoms to end 2G service". The Macau Post Daily. 9 April 2019. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  107. ^ "AT&T Mexico 2G switch-off imminent, report says". TeleGeography. 16 January 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  108. ^ "Movistar Mexico to switch off 2G on 1 January 2021". TeleGeography. 9 October 2020. Archived from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  109. ^ "T-Mobile Netherlands delays consumer 2G shutdown to Jun-21; M2M 2G continues to Jun-23". TeleGeography. 9 October 2020. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  110. ^ "OPT-NC updates on 2G sunset progress". TeleGeography. 28 July 2022. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  111. ^ "2degrees 2G shuts on 15 March". TeleGeography. 13 February 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  112. ^ "Telecom NZ to close CDMA network by mid-2012". TeleGeography. 8 July 2010. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  113. ^ "Telecom closes CDMA network". TeleGeography. 31 July 2012. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  114. ^ a b "Informasjon om slukking av 2G-nett i 2025". Nasjonal kommunikasjonsmyndighet (Nkom). 4 January 2021. Archived from the original on 15 May 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  115. ^ "Digicel ships out of Panama". GSMA Mobile World Live. 7 April 2022. Archived from the original on 18 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  116. ^ "Digicel ditches Panama as M&A kills competition". telecoms.com. 7 April 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  117. ^ "Digicel Leaves Panama After Government Clears C&W-Claro Merger". Nearshore Americas. 30 June 2022. Archived from the original on 18 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  118. ^ "Panama snags bite for Digicel's telecoms licence". Developing Telecoms. 17 March 2023. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  119. ^ "Flow to Upgrade Mobile Network 2G Network To Be Retired". SKNVibes. 4 April 2024. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  120. ^ "End of an era: The decommissioning of 2G mobile cellular networks in the caribbean". ICT Pulse & Choice TV Saint Lucia. 6 September 2024. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  121. ^ "Flow plans 2G shutdown in Saint Vincent". Developing Telecoms. 21 August 2023. Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  122. ^ "Flow to retire 2G network in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines". Data Centre Dynamics. 23 August 2023. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  123. ^ "Flow retires its 2G network to bolster 3G & 4G". Asbert News Network. 20 August 2023. Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  124. ^ "FLOW SVG shutting down 2G network, upgrade to avoid interruption". St. Vincent Times. 21 August 2023. Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  125. ^ a b c "IMDA: 2G shutdown will start on 1 April". TeleGeography. 28 March 2017. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  126. ^ "Out with the old on New Year's Eve: TelEm shuts 2G". TeleGeography. 20 December 2018. Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  127. ^ "UTS: not turning 2G network back on post-Hurricane Irma". TeleGeography. 26 September 2017. Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  128. ^ "South Africa to ban 2G devices by March 2023". TeleGeography. 16 June 2022. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  129. ^ "SA comms minister proposes 2G/3G switch-offs in 2024/2025". TeleGeography. 6 September 2022. Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  130. ^ "Terminating 2G Service in Korea: Policy Issues and Suggestions". International Telecommunications Policy Review. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  131. ^ "S. Korea to end 2G network services by June". The Korea Herald. 17 January 2021. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  132. ^ "SK Telecoms shutters 2G service". TeleGeography. 28 July 2020. Archived from the original on 28 February 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  133. ^ "Nedsläckning av 2G och 3G - Tele2". www.tele2.se (in Swedish). Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  134. ^ "Sverige släcker 2G och 3G – Telenor med i informationskampanjen Bytnät.nu". www.telenor.se (in Swedish). Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  135. ^ "3G-nätet | Telenor". www.telenor.se (in Swedish). Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  136. ^ "Telia och övriga i branschen säger adjö till 2G och 3G - byt nät nu!". Mynewsdesk (in Swedish). 30 January 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  137. ^ "Telia skjuter upp nedstängningen av 2G-nätet till 2027". Mynewsdesk (in Swedish). 30 May 2024. Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  138. ^ "Salt und Swisscom besiegeln das Aus für Uralt-Handys – 2020 wird das 2G-Netz abgeschaltet" (in German). watson. 7 April 2017. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  139. ^ "Schweiz: GSM-Netz bei Salt noch nicht ganz weg" (in German). Teltarif.de. 23 June 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  140. ^ "GSM-Mobilfunk: Die Schweiz schaltet ab" (in German). heise online. 29 December 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  141. ^ "Sun sets on 2G technology for Swiss cellco". TeleGeography. 20 June 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  142. ^ "Schweiz: Sunrise schaltet 2G vorerst doch nicht ab" (in German). Teltarif.de. 23 November 2018. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  143. ^ "Abschaltung: Die Tage von GSM sind in der Schweiz gezählt" (in German). Teltarif.de. 20 June 2020. Archived from the original on 30 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  144. ^ "Swisscom plots the end of 2G as it moves to launch 5G in 2020". Fierce Wireless. 9 October 2016. Archived from the original on 30 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  145. ^ "Swisscom schaltet GSM-Netz komplett ab" (in German). Teltarif.de. 13 April 2021. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  146. ^ "Swisscom hat Refarming von GSM abgeschlossen" (in German). Golem.de. 13 April 2021. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  147. ^ a b c "Taiwanese cellcos shutter 2G networks". TeleGeography. 3 July 2017. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  148. ^ "Digicel to decommission 2G network". Loop News by Digicel. 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  149. ^ "Digicel to shut down Trinidadian 2G network on 31 March 2024". TeleGeography. 13 November 2023. Archived from the original on 18 November 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  150. ^ "Network - Frequently Asked Questions - Why are we decommissioning 2G services on our Network? What are the benefits to the customers?". Digicel Trinidad and Tobago. 31 March 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  151. ^ "spectrummonitoring.com - Trinidad and Tobago". spectrummonitoring.com. 25 November 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  152. ^ "TSTT prepares for 2G sunset". TechNewsTT. 23 August 2018. Archived from the original on 8 September 2024. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  153. ^ "spectrummonitoring.com - Turcks and Caicos Islands (GB)". spectrummonitoring.com. 10 April 2023. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  154. ^ "Flow commences Phased Shutdown of 2G Mobile Network". NewslineTCI. 26 March 2024. Archived from the original on 11 September 2024. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
  155. ^ "du - 2G Shutdown". du. Archived from the original on 15 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  156. ^ "Etisalat UAE -Goodbye 2G". Etisalat UAE. Archived from the original on 15 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  157. ^ "UK 2G and 3G networks will be switched off by 2033". Techradar. 8 December 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  158. ^ "Switching off the UK's 3G mobile networks: what you need to know". Ofcom. Archived from the original on 16 November 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  159. ^ "A joint statement on the sunsetting of 2G and 3G networks and public ambition for Open RAN rollout as part of the Telecoms Supply Chain Diversification Strategy". Gov.uk. 8 December 2021. Archived from the original on 16 November 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  160. ^ "AT&T confirms 2G shutdown took place on 1 January". TeleGeography. 18 January 2017. Archived from the original on 23 September 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  161. ^ "Regional US mobile operator Cellcom to switch off 2G on 1 December; 3G was deactivated in March". TeleGeography. 20 September 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  162. ^ "Upgrade Your Device Today". Choice Wireless. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  163. ^ "CDMA Sunset". Copper Valley Telecom. 6 January 2023. Archived from the original on 22 February 2024. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  164. ^ "T-Mobile to finally turn off 2G in 2024". LightReading. 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  165. ^ "T-Mobile Network Evolution". T-Mobile US. 13 February 2024. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  166. ^ "T-Mobile aiming to shut down legacy Sprint networks in 2022". TeleGeography. 10 December 2020. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  167. ^ "T-Mobile US to shut down 3G network on 1 July 2022". TeleGeography. 17 September 2021. Archived from the original on 14 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  168. ^ "T-Mobile delays CDMA shutdown by three months". TeleGeography. 25 October 2021. Archived from the original on 14 April 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  169. ^ "T-Mobile US commences CDMA shutdown; expands 5G Home Internet footprint". TeleGeography. 31 March 2022. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  170. ^ "USCellular to Expand Cellular Service in Rural Missouri With USD 5.8 Million Grant". Telecom Talk. 6 November 2023. Archived from the original on 18 November 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  171. ^ "UScellular to switch off CDMA network on 14 January 2024". TeleGeography. 1 December 2023. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  172. ^ "Verizon to shut down 3G CDMA networks on 31 December 2022". TeleGeography. 31 March 2021. Archived from the original on 1 April 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  173. ^ a b c "Venezuela aims to phase out 2G in 2025; targets 1.8m fibre subs by that date". TeleGeography. 27 June 2023. Archived from the original on 8 July 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  174. ^ a b c d "2G network switched off by the end of October 15". VnEconomy. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
Preceded by Mobile Telephony Generations Succeeded by