2G/3G network sunset update

The global phase-out of 2G and 3G networks continues to accelerate. Over the past three months, operators worldwide have implemented important updates: from networks that have already been shut down to those with newly announced closure dates. These developments can have a direct impact on IoT connectivity and existing deployments.

In this update, we provide an overview of the latest announced and completed network sunsets, clearly categorized by continent. With sunsets in countries such as Japan, Romania, Slovakia, and Russia already completed, and upcoming closures in Vietnam, Nigeria, Hong Kong, and several Caribbean islands, it is essential to ensure your IoT deployments are prepared in time.

2G Sunset Planning

Europe

Belgium
• Orange Belgium NV/SA: December 31, 2028 – Planned

Estonia
• Elisa Eesti AS: December 31, 2029 – Planned

Gibraltar
• Gibtelecom Limited: July 31, 2026 – Planned

Montenegro
• MTEL d.o.o. Podgorica: December 31, 2029 – Planned

Romania
• Vodafone Romania: Date not yet communicated – Planned

Spain
• Orange Spain: December 31, 2030 – Planned

Czech Republic
• Vodafone Czech Republic: December 31, 2028 – Planned

Middle East & Asia

Georgia
• Cellfie Mobile LLC: January 31, 2026 – Closed

Hong Kong
• China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited: June 23, 2026 – Planned

Israel
• Cellcom Israel Ltd.: March 31, 2026 – Planned

Nepal
• Nepal Doorsanchar Company Ltd: December 31, 2026 – Planned

Vietnam
• MobiFone: September 30, 2026 – Planned
• Viettel Group: September 30, 2026 – Planned
• Vinaphone: September 30, 2026 – Planned

Africa

Namibia
• Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC): Date not yet communicated – Planned
• tn mobile: Date not yet communicated – Planned

Nigeria
• MTN Nigeria: June 1, 2026 – Planned

Caribbean

Aruba
• New Millennium Telecom Services NV: May 3, 2026 – Planned

Curaçao
• Digicel Curaçao: November 30, 2026 – Planned

French Caribbean
• Orange Caraïbe / Orange French West Indies: December 31, 2026 – Planned

3G Sunset Planning

Europe

Bulgaria
• A1 Bulgaria: Date not yet communicated – Planned
• Yettel Bulgaria EAD: March 31, 2027 – Planned

Montenegro
• MTEL d.o.o. Podgorica: December 31, 2026 – Planned

Romania
• Vodafone Romania: March 24, 2026 – Closed

Russia
• Beeline Russia: March 20, 2026 – Closed

Slovakia
• O2 Slovakia: January 31, 2026 – Closed

Spain
• Orange Spain: December 31, 2027 – Planned

Asia

China
• China Unicom: June 30, 2026 – Planned

Hong Kong
• SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited: September 30, 2026 – Planned

Japan
• NTT DOCOMO, Inc.: March 31, 2026 – Closed

Africa

Mauritius
• Emtel Ltd: March 31, 2027 – Planned

Namibia
• Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC): Date not yet communicated – Planned
• tn mobile: Date not yet communicated – Planned

North Africa

Tunisia
• Ooredoo Tunisie SA: December 31, 2027 – Planned
• Orange Tunisie, SA: December 31, 2027 – Planned
• Tunisie Telecom: December 31, 2027 – Planned

What do we recommend?

• Map out which devices still rely on 2G and/or 3G, broken down by country and operator.
• Start migrating in time to o 4G / 5G or LTE-M / NB-IoT, well ahead of the announced sunset dates.
• Pay extra attention to operators with a Planned status but no confirmed shutdown date yet.

For questions or advice on migration strategies, feel free to contact us at +31-85-0443500 or via email at info@thingsdata.com.