As 5G and LPWAN technologies evolve, we see more and more global telecommunications providers phasing out 2G and 3G networks. Closing down older networks will free up space for the 5G implementation, among other things. Many of the 2G and 3G networks are expected to be phased out by 2025.
Tag: 2G
More and more organizations are concerned about the imminent phase-out of 2G/3G networks around the world. We have collected all available information about Europe below.
Disabling 2G/3G networks is also known as ‘sunsetting’. Telecom organizations have analyzed whether they can and should phase out 2G/3G, so that more space is freed up for 4G and 5G.
If your intended ‘device’ is designed for 2G/3G, phasing out can cause a lot of problems. It is therefore wise to prepare for the future without 2G/3G.
2G and 3G networks are still essential for many devices, due to the lower costs of the cellular modules. Furthermore, the speeds of 4G are not always relevant for all IoT ‘devices’, for example if only minimal amounts of data need to be sent.
With NB-IOT it is possible to connect installations, equipment and sensors remotely via NB-IOT simcards. The NB-IOT network has been specially developed for IoT applications and is based on the reliable and secure 4G networks of the providers. NB-IOT is suitable for very low data volumes from 500KB to 5MB. The coverage of NB-IOT is better than that of a 2G network and has the great advantage of a deeper penetration rate in buildings. The signal cannot be blocked by thick walls, which means that applications deep in buildings are also possible. Even for underground applications. Via NB-IOT, data can be sent quickly in an energy-efficient way, so that the batteries of sensors have a long life (10+ years).
More and more organizations are concerned about the upcoming phase-out of 2G/3G networks around the world. We have collected all available information about Europe below.
Disabling 2G/3G networks is also known as ‘sunsetting’. Telecom organizations have analyzed whether they can and should phase out 2G/3G, so that more space is freed up for 4G and 5G.
If your intended ‘device’ is designed for 2G/3G, phasing out can cause a lot of problems. It is therefore wise to prepare for the future without 2G/3G.
T-Mobile will switch off the 2G network in November 2020. Will you notice anything about this? Yes that is possible. If you have hardware that is only suitable for a 2G network and only the 2G network spectrum of T-Mobile is used, then this hardware can no longer be used in combination with a T-Mobile subscription after November 2020. In that case, a sim change must be performed!
Thingsdata advises on the phasing out of T-Mobile’s 2G network and how this will affect an organization’s IoT strategy. If the hardware has not yet been written off, it is possible to continue with a multi-network M2M simcard that makes use of the 2G network spectrum of both KPN and Vodafone. Both operators have issued a continuity guarantee that 2G will remain ‘in the air’ until 2025!
Thingsdata wants to encourage prospects and customers to explore the possibilities that IoT offers. We know from all our customers who already work with IoT applications that these are often not only about increasing efficiency, but also contributing to a more sustainable and safer society. That makes it even more important for us to remove obstacles for prospects and customers to discover IoT and offer flexible contractual terms.
Thingsdata therefore has open and flexible contractual terms for most M2M connectivity business cases. Clear and bright, without annoying obstacles. What we can offer is:
These successors are NB-IOT and LTE M and are comparable to 2G in terms of functionality and bandwidth. They are based on the LTE network but specifically intended for IoT applications. The successors have combined the efficiency of LTE with low latency, much longer range and lower energy consumption in terms of durability.
Thingsdata is specialized in monitoring and managing roaming M2M simcards that use multiple networks. For example, in the Netherlands on KPN, T-Mobile and Vodafone, and also on multiple technologies (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G). The shutdown of both 2G and 3G networks in the coming years could affect device performance. We continuously advise on the state of affairs of the technologies and, for example, one of the options a 4G growth strategy. Below is the current state of affairs:
The tester shows on which frequency and on which technology the providers are in that area. If you look at a smartphone, it may be that it is currently on 4G, on a completely different frequency and perhaps the network is set up by a different provider than the device will or will have to use later.
Can’t see the forest for the trees, does that apply to the diverse palette of IoT connectivity options? Short range communication with NFC and Bluetooth. Indoor communication via an IoT gateway based on Zigbee, Z-Wave or WiFi. LPWAN techniques Sigfox, LoRa, NB-IOT and LTE-M. And of course, the ‘cellular’ options 2, 3, 4 and 5G.