The end of 2G: Why and what impact?

Transition timetable in France:

2G will be phased out by 2025, followed by 3G, which will be completely phased out by 2028. These deadlines encourage users and businesses to anticipate these changes to avoid any service interruptions.

SFR :

- Discontinuation of 2G: end of year 2026
- Discontinuation of 3G: end of year 2028

Bouygues :

- Shutdown of 2G: end of year 2026
- Shutdown of 3G: end of year 2029

Orange : 

- Shutdown of 2G: December 31 2025 
- Shutdown of 3G: December 31 2028

Free :

Free has cut neither 2G nor 3G, it does not own its own network.
The roaming agreement between Free Mobile and Orange, backed by Arcep, has been extended until 2025. Subscribers will continue to benefit from Orange's 2G/3G network thanks to this agreement, until this technology is phased out by 2030.

Other European countries such as Germany and Italy have already planned to discontinue 2G and 3G. In other parts of the world, this transition is also underway to encourage the adoption of more advanced telecoms technologies.

Why the end of 2G/3G?

Mobile networks are evolving to meet growing data demand and integrate new, more powerful technologies. Since the 1990s, 2G and 3G have enabled wireless communication, but they are now outdated.

The end of 2G and 3G is explained by the need to adopt more advanced and efficient technologies. These older networks are being replaced by 4G and 5G.

The transition to 4G and 5G

"The end of 2G and 3G will enable Orange to optimize the management of its networks and move them towards more secure, resilient, energy-efficient and modern technologies, such as 4G and 5G," explains the operator.

This transition enables better frequency management and significantly improves network capacity and coverage.

Telecom operators are discontinuing 2G and 3G networks due to their obsolescence in the face of 4G and 5G. These older networks use frequency bands that can be reallocated to modern technologies, offering faster speeds and increased capacity.

What impacts

Ecological aspects of the end of 2G/3G

According to the Ministry of Digital Transition, the end of 2G and 3G offers ecological benefits by reducing operators' carbon footprints.

Impacts on connected devices:
Telephones, vehicles, elevators and security
(PTI/DATI)
 

For phones

Phones that rely solely on 2G or 3G will become unusable. Users will have to migrate to 4G or 5G-enabled devices to continue enjoying mobile services without interruption.

For vehicles

The current 2G/3G-based navigation and emergency systems need to be upgraded.
This upgrade ensures fast and reliable connectivity, essential for safety and efficient traffic management.

For elevators

The communication devices in elevators, using 2G/3G for alerts and tracking, will need to be adapted. This ensures high safety standards, in line with current regulations.

For security

Security systems such as alarms and surveillance cameras, currently connected to 2G/3G, require updating. This enables them to take advantage of the advanced functionality and increased reliability of 4G and 5G.

Adapting PTI/DATI devices to 4G/5G

Protective devices for isolated workers (PTI) and alarm devices for isolated workers (DATI) operating on 2G/3G will have to be replaced by models compatible with 4G/5G. This ensures secure and efficient communication in isolated working environments.

Investing in new devices

It's essential for users of PTI/DATI safety devices to plan for the transition to 4G/5G-compatible models. This ensures regulatory compliance and the continued safety of workers in isolated environments.

Scutum Premium Services (SPS) has anticipated the renewal of purchased equipment as follows:

For customers who have purchased the equipment, they will need to budget for their PTI/DATI device replacements from 1ᵉʳ January 2026

For leased devices, SPS will renew contracts with 3G/4G compatible equipment replacements.

For more information, contact one of our experts.