2G and 3G networks are being phased out worldwide as part of the rollout of fifth-generation mobile networks and the opportunities they bring.
In Sweden, the 3G network shutdown is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. The 2G network is planned to be decommissioned by the end of 2027. These shutdowns mean businesses with IoT deployments need to ensure they're ready for the transition to 4G and 5G.
In four steps, you can migrate your IoT infrastructure from 2G and 3G straight into the 5G era. Follow the guide and get expert recommendations for phasing out legacy systems and choosing the right technology for the future.
Learn about:
1. What's your deadline?
The guide walks you through creating a timeline based on how much time you have before your current infrastructure stops working.
2. Assess your current setup
Next, the guide helps you inventory existing systems to evaluate impact and scope out the upgrade. Which devices are currently active, where are they located, and how are they connected?
3. Find the right path forward
Once you know what needs to be addressed, it's time to identify the right technology for your needs. The guide helps you explore options and select the right building blocks for mobile connectivity, IoT devices, and software.
4. Lock in the details that enable future flexibility
Security, scalability, implementation, and maintenance affect total cost of ownership and determine how long your infrastructure will last. This section helps you choose an approach that meets your needs well into the future.
Download the guide now and start planning ahead today
We're at the beginning of the 5G era – one that will transform businesses by taking mobile network performance to an entirely new level. Data speeds will be high enough to replace fiber. Latency will drop and capacity will be sufficient to support a massive number of devices. Download our guide and start planning ahead today.
The 3G network shutdown is underway and will be fully decommissioned by the end of 2025. The 2G network will be completely shut down by the end of 2027, but unlike 3G, we'll maintain full 2G coverage until that date.
We recommend replacing 2G equipment as soon as possible to ensure service quality.
All IoT devices and hardware currently connecting via 2G or 3G will be affected. This includes everything from electricity meters, video surveillance, personal alarms, and elevator emergency phones to door entry systems, parking meters, heat pumps, and point-of-sale systems. Some equipment will need to be replaced entirely. In other cases, components may need upgrading, or software updates may be sufficient. That's why it's important to conduct an inventory and assess your equipment. Keep in mind that for voice functionality, your upgraded device must support 4G/VoLTE.
Not sure if your IoT equipment connects via 2G or 3G? The best approach is to contact your hardware supplier directly.
If your device supports 2G or 4G, it will scan for available networks to connect to. Make sure the device isn't locked to 3G so it can select 4G or 2G.
If your mobile device only supports 3G, it will stop working as the 3G network is gradually shut down. By the end of 2025, the entire 3G network in Sweden is expected to be discontinued.
If your mobile device supports both 3G and 2G, traffic will automatically shift to 2G when 3G is shut down. 2G offers good coverage but lower data speeds, which may affect your service if you're using features like video streaming. Make sure your device isn't locked to 3G so it can switch to 2G.
If your mobile device supports 4G, 3G, and 2G, traffic will automatically shift to 4G or 2G. Make sure your device isn't locked to 3G so it can switch to 4G or 2G.
We've upgraded our M2M subscriptions to 4G at no additional cost and with the same pricing. Your device now has access to both 2G and 4G networks, as well as 3G while it remains available.
After the upgrade, you may need to restart your device so it can detect the new 4G network.
The upgrade enables connectivity to 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, provided your device supports it. The device will scan for newly available networks to connect to.
Technical description of how the device scans for 4G networks:
The device needs to perform what's called an attach – a request to the network – to determine that 4G is available. The simplest way to do this is to restart the device, for example via an OTA command, which restarts the radio module. Without a restart, the device will eventually perform an attach on its own, but depending on factors such as how much it moves within the network, this may take some time.
Make sure your device supports 4G.
Check that your device isn't locked to 3G.
Contact your hardware supplier if you're having issues with the device or need help unlocking it from 3G.
If your device and SIM card support 4G but still won't connect to the network, contact Telia support to activate the 4G service (an HSS/HLR network update).
Most connected M2M services (machine-to-machine) can use both 2G and 3G, but before the 2G network shuts down in 2027, they'll need to be upgraded or replaced with devices that support 4G or 5G.
Telia already offers replacement services based on NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies and has stopped all new sales of subscriptions for M2M services that only support 2G or 3G. Existing subscriptions have been upgraded to 4G.
Start by taking inventory of your devices and contact your hardware supplier to confirm they support 2G or 4G.
Telia has upgraded all M2M subscriptions to 4G. In MyBusiness, you'll find a complete overview of your M2M subscriptions, including device information such as manufacturer, model, and last connection date.
Keep in mind that the 2G network will be shut down in 2027, so if your device doesn't support 4G, it will need to be upgraded or replaced by then.
For SMS to continue working after 2027, devices will need to be replaced with models that support 4G.
If you're using voice functionality, you'll need to switch to a different subscription type (Telia IoT Sverige) with VoLTE (Voice over LTE) service and upgrade your hardware to support VoLTE for the service to continue working after 2027. You can change your subscription type in MyBusiness.
If you have a SIM card from before 2006, you'll need to replace it. You can order a new one through Telia MyBusiness.
You can order a new SIM card through Telia MyBusiness. Log in, find the mobile number you need, then select "Manage SIM card" followed by "New SIM card".
Activate the SIM card within 30 days by inserting it into your M2M device. It will automatically connect to 4G.
If the SIM card isn't activated within 30 days, or if you don't have access to MyBusiness, contact us at 90 400 and request a "direct card replacement".
Emergency phones and personal alarms are typically managed by local municipalities. Phones and alarms with voice communication will continue to work over 2G as long as 2G coverage remains available in the area. Contact your municipality about their plans to upgrade emergency phones and alarm systems.
