In Europe, many mobile network operators (MNOs) have completed or plan to switch off their legacy 2G or 3G networks.
These switch-offs are generally not regulated, but in nearly all cases commercially‑driven, allowing operators to:
- increase the spectrum available for new mobile technologies by re-farming 2G or 3G spectrum for the use of 4G and 5G; and
- generate network cost savings through lower network maintenance costs.
One of the reasons for the continued use of such legacy mobile networks is that they are still used, especially 2G networks, for machine-to-machine (M2M) services, such as smart meters and e-call systems.
Cullen International’s latest European benchmark shows that MNOs in 22 out of the 31 countries researched have completed or have plans to switch off their legacy 2G or 3G networks.
One MNO in Switzerland, Swisscom, switched off its 2G network in April 2021. MNOs' plans to switch off 2G networks exist in eight other European countries.
In only three countries, Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy, did the regulators become involved in whether 2G or 3G networks should be switched off.
Cullen International also has a similar benchmark on the 2G/3G switch-off in the MENA region.
To access the full benchmark, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our European Telecoms Service.
more news
06 May 24
Availability of full fibre networks is increasing around the world
According to a recently updated Global Trends benchmark, several governments around the world aim to achieve increasingly wide availability of “gigabit-capable” communications infrastructure, including full fibre networks.
02 May 24
Will tower companies take control of all mobile operators’ towers in Europe?
Two-thirds of mobile network operators in 12 analysed countries sold some or all of their towers to tower companies or funds. Cullen International’s benchmark analyses the activity of tower companies in 12 European countries.
26 April 24
Have member states transposed the EU collective redress rules?
Our new benchmark shows the status of transposition of the Collective Redress Directive in 17 EU countries. The research also includes information on recent collective redress actions against digital companies and telecoms providers.