The increasing demand for mobile broadband requires the use of additional frequencies for 4G/5G mobile infrastructures. In order to be able to use the frequencies currently used for 2G more efficiently for 4G/5G, the first mobile network operator will switch off its 2G mobile network from 2028. For the voice and 2G-IoT services used with 2G, alternative products are available in the LTE network with VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and NB-IoT/LTE-M, which are better in terms of quality and efficiency. A key factor in the switch-off of 2G is the area coverage of LTE compared to 2G. At the time of the 2G switch-off, LTE should be available from all mobile network operators wherever 2G can be used in their network today. In the run-up to the 2G switch-off, a migration of the 2G IoT services is necessary in order to avoid disruptive effects for the users of these IoT services. The timely announcement of the switch-off is intended to give users the time they need to replace their devices. International experience demonstrates that there are no services that stand in the way of switching off the 2G networks.
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Effects of switching off the 2G networks in Germany (No. 520)
In order to use the 2G frequencies more efficiently for 4G/5G, the mobile network operators will switch off their 2G mobile networks from mid-2028.
By switching off 2G, frequencies can be used more efficiently for 4G/5G. Even more comprehensive LTE coverage by all mobile network operators is required in order to provide better alternatives for voice telephony and 2G IoT in LTE networks, as has been the case to date. A successful migration of 2G IoT requires an active, committed and targeted approach by users in order to effectively use the new technologies instead of 2G IoT.
