Cellular networks are changing, and carriers have been actively sunsetting 2G and 3G networks for several years. This leads to many concerns and questions from businesses, governments and industries with deployed devices based on older networks. When will 2G go away completely? When will 3G networks sunset? And will 4G LTE networks also be scheduled for shutdown, or is it safe to invest in them now? We will answer each of these questions and provide guidance as to what's next.
As we shared in the blog post,
4G to 5G: How Long Will 4G LTE Be Available, a key reason for network shutdowns is that the carriers have limited spectrum available for expansion. In order to provide a faster, more responsive network to their customers, they must re-use the spectrum with newer, more efficient cellular technology. Sunsetting old 2G/3G infrastructure makes way for new networks, and therefore older cellular devices must be retired.
The good news is that 4G LTE will be available for at least a decade to come, and will co-exist with 5G networks. In this post, we’ll provide updates on the sunsetting of 2G and 3G networks and the outlook for 4G LTE and 5G networks, to support those who are planning their migration path.
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North America’s largest carriers have already shuttered their 2G service:
- AT&T stopped servicing its 2G network back in 2017
- Verizon Wireless phased out its 2G CDMA network at the end of 2020
- Sprint sunsetted their 2G CDMA network in December of 2021
- T-Mobile is retiring its legacy 2G (GSM) network; timing varies and customers should consult carrier notices
Most customers have moved to newer technology. There are a few exceptions, such as low-data devices. But today, carriers are no longer activating new 2G devices. Devices connected to the network may still function, but carriers must phase out support for legacy systems.
In many regions, 2G persists currently for legacy voice and low-data IoT — but operators are increasingly publishing country-by-country retirement plans, often by ~2030 in parts of Europe. Vodafone, for example, has publicly stated it plans to sunset their 2G service by 2030 (timing varies by country).
In Canada, Bell shut down their 2G network in June of 2018. Both Telus and Rogers also stopped supporting 2G devices. In Europe, where active 2G installations continued longer, Vodafone does plan to sunset 2G by the end of the decade, but they will likely start re-farming spectrum ahead of that date.
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As with 2G, many carriers have largely sunsetted older 3G networks so that they can repurpose that spectrum to support 4G LTE and 5G. New devices need more speed; 3G was limited to about around 3 Mbps. Besides being faster, 4G LTE and 5G are also more efficient, allowing more devices to share the spectrum.
Here are some at-a-glance dates:
- Verizon sunsetted its CDMA/3G networks as of January 2023
- AT&T sunsetted their 3G networks in February of 2022
- T-Mobile UMTS/3G retired in July, 2022
- Sprint sunsetted its 3G CDMA network in March of 2022 and its 4G LTE network in June of 2022
See this FCC site for additional details on U.S. carriers, and see this page for 3G sunset dates for Canadian and European carriers.
To learn more about the transition from 3G to 4G, see our blog post, How to Ensure a Successful Migration from 2G and 3G to 4G LTE, about how to make that move as smooth as possible. You can find some additional information in the post, How to Stay Ahead of the 3G Network Sunset, which also describes why carriers shut down their 3G service instead of supporting it indefinitely.
Like anything else, 4G LTE will eventually be retired, but in most markets it’s expected to co-exist alongside 5G for years. For many IoT and enterprise deployments, LTE remains a practical choice thanks to broad coverage, mature modules, and strong economics.
That said, it’s important to understand a key reality: even when LTE networks remain active, some LTE devices can stop working properly. The most common reasons aren’t an LTE shutdown — they’re voice and certification requirements.
Certification and carrier requirements: why “LTE hardware” isn’t always enough
Carriers increasingly require devices to meet specific network acceptance programs (often tied to IMEI ranges, module firmware, band support, and test certification). A device might be “technically LTE,” but still face issues if it’s not aligned to current carrier policies, including:
- Carrier certification / approval (device or module)
- LTE bands for your target operators/regions
- Ongoing firmware maintenance for modem stability, security, and network updates
Recommendation: Before scaling, confirm that your router/module combination is:
- Carrier-approved or certifiable for the operators you’ll deploy on
- Aligned to the bands and network configurations used in your target geographies.
- Fully supported by the provider, and integrated with remote management capabilities
To ensure your LTE deployments “future-proof” as networks evolve:
- Audit your fleet: Identify devices that are 3G-only, 2G/3G fallback dependent, or require greater speed and reduced latency
- Standardize on certified SKUs: Prefer solutions that are known to meet carrier requirements in your regions (and that can be managed consistently at scale)
- Plan for lifecycle management: Treat modem firmware and configuration as part of your operational plan, not a one-time deployment step
- Consider 5G options strategically: LTE is still a strong default, but 5G (including 5G RedCap for mid-tier IoT) may be the right choice for new builds where you want a longer runway
Bottom line: LTE isn't "going away" soon, but the definition of a “safe LTE deployment” has shifted. The safest LTE path today is carrier-aligned, and certification-ready — so you’re protected from the most common “soft shutdown” scenarios even while LTE networks continue operating.
Today, 5G is in active rollout in the U.S. and globally, and multiple 5G architecture variants are in place, supporting a wide range of use cases. For example, high-band 5G mmWave networks are not ideal in areas with obstructions, such as buildings, dense foliage or rain and snow. Even double-pane glass can block a 5G mmWave signal. Alternatives include 5G C-Band, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), 5G RedCap and private networks based on 4G LTE and 5G.
Note: Dates vary by carrier and country (especially in Europe and parts of Canada). Where there isn’t a single “continent-wide” shutdown date, we have listed notable official examples and marked the region as varies.
| Region |
2G status / key dates |
3G status / key dates |
4G / LTE status / key dates |
| United States |
AT&T 2G shut down 2017 (completed). |
AT&T 3G phased out starting Feb 2022.
T-Mobile UMTS/3G retired July 1, 2022.
Verizon CDMA/3G completed Dec 31, 2022 (decommissioned by Jan 3, 2023).
Sprint 3G (CDMA) retired Mar 31, 2022.
|
Sprint 4G LTE retired Jun 30, 2022.
Verizon also discontinued many 4G Non-VoLTE device management functions as part of CDMA retirement (important “soft shutdown” risk).
|
| Canada |
2G: not uniform; legacy 2G is largely limited/legacy and carrier-specific (no single national date). |
Rogers 3G: began retiring Aug 7, 2025 (staged retirement across Canada).
TELUS 3G (Manitoba): Rural Dec 31, 2025; Winnipeg/Brandon Mar 31, 2026.
|
4G/LTE: no Canada-wide LTE shutdown date announced (generally expected to coexist for years). Practical risk is VoLTE requirements as 3G falls away (Rogers explicitly notes VoLTE required for voice after 3G retirement). |
| Europe |
Varies widely by country/operator.
Example (official): Vodafone UK plans to switch off 2G during 2030.
Example (official): Vodafone Germany disables 2G for consumers/business Sept 2028, while keeping 2G for certain critical IoT use until end of 2030.
|
Varies widely; many European operators have already completed 3G shutdowns, others are mid-transition (country-by-country). No single Europe-wide date. |
|
To transition to 4G LTE, carriers needed to shut down the 3G spectrum in order to “make room” for the new networks. 5G is fundamentally different in two ways: First, it uses new spectrum, such as mid-band or high-band spectrum. And second, it can work in conjunction with 4G in existing spectrum, thanks to Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS).
According to CNET, “Dynamic spectrum sharing lets carriers use the same spectrum band for both 4G and 5G. Instead of having different roads for buses and cars, DSS is like having one big highway with separate lanes for buses and cars.”
Many next-generation devices like Digi cellular routers today are built with both 4G and 5G radios so that they’re capable of connecting to either network. Over time, as 5G coverage continues to expand, more and more data will be transmitted via 5G. Therefore, to continue with the traffic analogy, 5G will eventually overtake 4G as the bigger lane on the freeway.
Yes, the next generation of cellular networks — the 6th Generation — is on the horizon. Read our blog post on 6G to learn more.
Meanwhile, 5G has a long runway — think “multiple decades,” not “a few years.” Cellular generations overlap for a long time, and 5G is still early in its lifecycle compared to 4G LTE. In fact, newer networks coexist with older ones for years, and carriers typically re-farm spectrum gradually rather than shutting a generation down abruptly.
Here’s the practical outlook:
5G will remain a primary network well into the 2030s
The industry is still expanding 5G coverage and capabilities, and the standard itself is evolving. The next major phase, 5G-Advanced, is being defined through 3GPP specifications (starting with Release 18), extending the usefulness of 5G with better efficiency, capacity, and IoT-ready features.
6G won’t replace 5G quickly — it will start alongside it
Most credible roadmaps expect the first commercial 6G deployments around 2030, but that doesn’t mean 5G becomes obsolete then. Early 6G will initially appear in limited markets and use cases, while 5G continues as the mainstream wide-area network for years after.
Expect a long coexistence period (just like 4G + 5G today)
The pattern is consistent: carriers keep previous generations operating because they still serve broad coverage, cost-sensitive devices, and massive installed bases. Even as 6G arrives, 5G will likely remain a workhorse network through the 2030s and beyond, especially for enterprise and IoT deployments where lifecycle longevity matters more than “latest generation.”
Bottom line for planners
If you’re deploying equipment today, 5G is a safe long-term bet — not because it will never evolve, but because it will keep improving (via 5G-Advanced) and remain supported well past the start of 6G. For most organizations, the smarter strategy isn’t “wait for 6G,” it’s to choose 5G-capable solutions designed for certification, firmware longevity, and multi-generation adaptability.
Within the U.S., major carriers are no longer supporting 2G, and the same fate awaits 3G. 4G LTE operates under a different scenario, and we can confidently say that 4G will be around for at least another decade. And because 4G LTE has plenty of speed and reasonably low latency for most applications, it is an excellent choice for IoT applications today.
Those guidelines apply to developed countries like the U.S., Canada and Europe, in particular. In less developed countries, 4G LTE will likely remain the standard for several decades to come. Meanwhile, 5G networks are continuing to expand and deliver on their full promise, alongside the continuation of 4G and the deployment of IoT applications.
Now is the time to plan and take action if you still have 2G/3G device deployments. With 4G LTE, you can continue growing your 4G deployments, and 5G may make sense for you soon. Ready for 5G? You can plan a complete 5G network today using Digi's complete line of Enterprise (EX), Industrial (IX) and Transportation (TX) cellular router solutions, all of which seamlessly integrate Digi Remote Manager for remote monitoring and management, and include carrier failover capabilities for redundancy and business continuity.
As the world gears up for full deployment of 5G, Digi aims to keep you informed. See our 5G information page, The Journey to 5G, which provides a wealth of information and resources.
Digi is an expert in cellular network planning and migration, and the Digi Professional Services team is available to help. Reach out if you need assistance.
What does “sunset” mean vs. “shutdown”?
Sunset usually means a planned end-of-life process (limited support, no new activations, reduced maintenance) leading up to a shutdown, which is when the network is officially turned off and devices can no longer connect on that technology.
Are 2G and 3G networks still available?
In many regions, 3G is already shut down or in the final stages, and 2G is increasingly limited. Availability depends on country, carrier, and spectrum strategy, so you should validate your specific carrier footprint (and roaming dependencies).
Why are carriers shutting down 2G and 3G?
The main reason is spectrum refarming. Carriers reuse limited radio spectrum to deliver more capacity and better performance using newer technologies (LTE and 5G), which are more spectrally efficient than 2G/3G.
If my devices still connect today, do I really need to upgrade from 2G or 3G to 4G or 5G?
Yes, because “still working” can turn into “suddenly unreliable” as sunsets progress. Common early warning signs include:
- Loss of coverage in certain areas (spectrum refarm)
- Dropped sessions
- Inability to activate new SIMs/devices
- Reduced support for legacy services
Upgrading before the deadline avoids emergency replacements and rushed truck rolls.
Will my 2G/3G device stop working everywhere at once?
Not always. Sunsets often happen in phases, and carriers can refarm spectrum region-by-region. That means you may see partial failures first, depending on where devices are deployed.
What’s the best replacement for 2G/3G IoT devices?
It depends on the application:
- 4G LTE (Cat 1/Cat 4, etc.): Great general-purpose choice for routers/gateways and higher bandwidth IoT
- LTE-M / NB-IoT: Strong for low-bandwidth, power-sensitive sensor use cases (where available)
- 5G and its variants, like RedCap: Best when you need higher performance, lower latency, or a longer runway in specific deployments
A practical rule: Choose the lowest complexity technology that meets performance and lifecycle needs.
Is 4G LTE going to be shut down soon?
Generally, no — LTE is expected to remain a core connectivity layer for years alongside 5G. However, even if LTE stays active for over a decade after full 5G rollout, some LTE devices can still be at risk due to certification requirements and eventually reduced support.
Do I need carrier certification for LTE/5G devices?
Often, yes. Many carriers require devices (or modules) to meet their approval/certification requirements. A device can be technically capable of LTE/5G and still fail in the field if it isn’t aligned with carrier policies (bands, features, firmware, etc.).
How do I know if my deployed fleet is affected by network shutdowns?
Start with an audit:
- What radio tech does each device use (2G/3G/LTE/5G)?
- Which carriers and countries does each device operate on?
- Does it require voice, and if so is it VoLTE-capable? (Note that Digi cellular routers are data-only.)
- Are there roaming SIMs that depend on legacy networks?
- Are modem firmware versions up to date?
If you don’t have this inventory, build it; network sunsets expose hidden gaps fast.
What’s the typical migration path for an existing deployment?
A common approach:
- Inventory and risk-score devices/sites by technology and business criticality
- Pilot LTE/5G replacements in representative locations
- Standardize SKUs, configs, and management templates
- Roll out in waves (highest risk / hardest-to-reach sites first)
- Monitor performance and finalize cutover
How can I reduce truck rolls during a migration to 4G or 5G?
Recommendations:
- Use pre-staged configurations and templates
- Deploy configured solutions with integrated remote monitoring and alerting, such as the capabilities of Digi Remote Manager® (Digi RM)
- Choose “swap-friendly” hardware standards
- Use vendors that offer centralized device management (again, like Digi RM) for configuration, firmware, and troubleshooting
What should I do if I’m not ready for a complete upgrade and a network sunset date is near?
Prioritize:
- Critical sites first (safety, revenue, compliance)
- Devices with 2G/3G-only radios or 3G-dependent voice
- Locations with limited physical access (remote, secure, hazardous)
Then choose an upgrade option that’s readily procurable and certifiable, even if it’s not your “perfect” long-term standard.
How can Digi help with migration from 2G/3G to 4G/5G?
Digi solutions support migration through:
Next Steps
This post was first published in June of 2020, and was updated in June of 2021 and again in December of 2025