2G GSM network has been shut down in some countries and more and more telecommunication carriers are beginning to retire their 2G network towers, like AT&T’s 2G network fully retired by January 2017 and T-mobiles 2G GSM networks by 2020 in favor of their faster 3G and 4G networks. So “2G sunset is coming, what should I do?” Here are the top things you need to know:
What is the 2G sunset and why does it matter?
Carriers are looking to repurpose the towers in their network for 3G and 4G service that delivers much faster speeds and larger bandwidth capable of handling things like video conferences, streaming and other large data packets. So many carriers are taking down their 2G towers.
What will the sunset effect 2G customers?
If you ask “should I worry about the 2G sunset?” of course the answer is Yes. AT&T was one of the first to phase out all of its 2G GSM wireless service since January 1, 2017. Several other carriers have also announced plans to eventually sunset 2G. See the carrier 2G shutdown list.
What should I do?
In order to prepare effectively for the 2G sunset, you need to understand what carrier your 2G devices are using and how long that carrier is planning to support them. Contact that provider to understand their roadmap for the 2G sunset and to ensure you are purchasing for an appropriate timeframe on that 2G GSM network. If your carrier has no 2G sunset plan yet, you can keep purchasing GSM network product. If your carrier already has the sunset plan, upgrade to 3G products soon.
The 2G sunset is presenting with challenges and complexities. Don’t worry; we can make it easier for you. Yeastar provides 3G/WCDMA-compatible VoIP products: TG-WCDMA gateway and S-Series IPPBX WCDMA module.
Proven Compatibility: TG-WCDMA gateway and S-Series IPPBX WCDMA module support most of carriers. Click to check the supported WCDMA operators.
Flexible Installation: with modular design in S-Series PBX, you can just change one module to upgrade it without changing PBX.
For MyPBX customers, if you still want to use cellular connectivity, we suggest that you purchase a new TG-WCDMA gateway.
Be 2G-Sunset-ready and able to tap into improvements such as wider reach, more reliable connections and faster network access with Yeastar products!
2G Shutdown List
Australia
Telstra shut down their GSM network on 1 December 2016 and was the first mobile provider in Australia to say goodbye to 2G. However, Telstra continues to operate their GSM network on Christmas Island, meaning people who are travelling from Christmas Island to mainland Australia (including Tasmania) will need a device that is compatible with 3G 850MHz (at least) to remain connected.
Optus will shut down their GSM network on 1 April 2017. Optus customers will need a device that is compatible with 3G 900MHz (at least) to remain connected after the switch-off.
Vodafone plans to decommission its legacy GSM network on 30 September 2017.
Canada
Rogers Wireless is the only provider offering a 2G network, until 2018.
Singapore
Singtel, M1, and StarHub will cease 2G services effective 1 April 2017.
Switzerland
Telecommunications in Switzerland is mainly operated by state-owned Swisscom, and the two privately held Salt and Sunrise Communications AG as these companies have a license to operate 2G. Swisscom will cease 2G services due to its “public service requirements” only by 1 January 2021.
Taiwan
Taiwan’s NCC urges 2G users to upgrade by June in 2017.
United States
Various carriers have made announcements that 2G technology in the United States is in the process of being shut down so that carriers can reclaim those radio bands and re-purpose them for newer technologies (e.g. 4G LTE). AT&T’s 2G GSM service was shutdown in Jan-2017. Whereas, T-Mobile US has postponed shutdown of their 2G network until 2020.
Yeastar will keep you in the loop with the latest information and give you the best advice. Keep follow our post.
