WEBINAR TAKEAWAYS: 2G/3G SUNSET – RISKS AND SOLUTIONS

The sunset of outdated connectivity technologies has been taking place for quite some time. The first 2G shutdown occurred in Japan in 2012 and was later followed by countries such as Singapore, Australia, Canada, and many others. Even though these sunsets started more than a decade ago, the topic remains highly relevant today and continues to impact many telematics service providers.

WHAT DRIVES THE SHUTDOWN OF 2G/3G NETWORKS?

The shutdown of 2G and 3G connectivity is commonly called sunsetting, because, like a sunset marks the end of a day, it signals the end of an era for these outdated networks. Mobile operators are doing this to free up resources for newer, faster technologies such as 4G and 5G, as after many years of use, former network generations have become slow, inefficient, and generally outdated.

Although many operators have already begun transitioning from 2G/3G to newer technologies, there is still no unified global timeline for these shutdowns. Each operator or country decides when to do it, and plans can change. For this reason, it is essential for both service providers and end users to monitor local shutdown dates and change devices in advance, so they are prepared in case a shutdown occurs without broad notice

WHAT BUSINESSES SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CROSS-BORDER SUNSETS?

For any telematics business, losing tracking data is a nightmare. Without connectivity, devices cannot transmit information to the server, and a fleet essentially becomes “invisible.”

When 2G or 3G networks are switched off, trackers that rely solely on these technologies lose connection. Vehicles will only display their last known location, and real-time updates over the cellular network are no longer possible. Managing a fleet under these conditions can lead to delays, missed deliveries, and frustrated customers.

Even if your business operates in a country that has not yet announced a network shutdown, you are not immune to the impact. For example, a logistics company operating across borders may find that its vehicles lose connectivity when crossing into a neighbouring country that has already shut its 2G networks down. Tracking data disappears instantly, causing operational delays and temporary disruption of deliveries until vehicles return to an area with compatible connectivity.

This situation illustrates the challenges of managing fleets across multiple regions, or even continents, where network shutdown timelines differ. Monitoring sunsetting dates across so many areas is difficult and time-consuming, and trying to keep track manually can quickly become a drain on resources. Rather than spending valuable time chasing updates, it is far more effective to be prepared in advance, ensuring smooth operations and avoiding unexpected connectivity loss.

SMOOTH TRANSITION WITH TELTONIKA

Transitioning from 2G and 3G networks can be much easier with proper planning. The first step is to understand the sunset timing in your region, which provides the foundation for your preparations. If you are using Teltonika Connectivity Solution, you should check information on announced 2G/3G network shutdowns in countries where Teltonika Connectivity Solution provides coverage.

Next, it is important to audit your fleet to identify which devices may be affected by the network shutdown. Based on this, you can create a transition plan to move to newer, more reliable devices. For businesses looking for the latest technology, FT platform devices are an excellent choice. They offer significant benefits such as improved GNSS accuracy, low power consumption, the highest possible IP69K-rated protection, and the game-changing dead reckoning feature.

Once the transition is complete, you can operate with confidence, knowing your fleet is fully prepared for the 2G/3G sunset and your business can continue running smoothly without unexpected disruptions.

Q&A

At the end of each of our webinars, we host a live Q&A session. Below, you will find some of the participants’ questions along with answers from our experts.

Where can we reach correct data about the 2G sunset worldwide? 

For users of Teltonika Connectivity Solution, you can rely on the information provided in our dedicated guide: preparing for the 2G and 3G Sunsets. This page contains updates on announced network shutdowns in countries where Teltonika provides coverage, helping you plan your fleet upgrades and avoid unexpected connectivity issues.

If you are using connectivity services from another provider, it is best to check their official website or contact them directly. Network shutdown schedules can vary by operator and region, and not all information is publicly available.

Do all Teltonika 4G devices have a fallback to 2G?

For about 99% of Teltonika 4G devices, the answer is yes. Most 4G trackers include fallback to 2G networks, which ensures that in areas where 4G coverage is weak or temporarily unavailable, the device can still maintain connectivity using 2G. However, the exact capabilities depend on the specific model. The easiest way to confirm is to review the device specifications section on the product web page.

What about the 4G sunset? Is it worth waiting for GPS trackers that support 5G?

The 4G sunset is still a long way off. It is expected that 4G networks will begin to be retired sometime after the 2030s, with the process extending into the 2040s. This means that 4G connectivity will remain reliable for many years, so there is no immediate need to wait for 5G-compatible GPS trackers.

If I am using a Teltonika 2G device, will there be the same version in 4G?

Most likely, yes. Teltonika’s best-selling models are developed in series, meaning that a popular 2G device is often available in multiple connectivity options, including 4G LTE Cat 1, and 4G LTE Cat M1.

Even if the exact 4G version of your current device is not available, Teltonika might have a similar 4G model that meets your requirements. This approach ensures a smooth transition to newer networks without having to compromise on device features or performance.