Julian

Global 2G and 3G networks are being shut down at record speed as operators worldwide retire legacy technology to free spectrum for 4G and 5G. By mid-2025, more than 278 shutdowns were completed, planned, or underway across 83 countries, and nearly half of tracked operators had already switched off 3G entirely. The Global 2G & 3G Shutdown: What’s Happening and Why It Matters For more than three decades, 2G and 3G networks powered the world’s mobile connectivity. They enabled the first text messages, early mobile internet, and the foundations of modern IoT. But today, these legacy networks are rapidly being retired across the globe. The shift isn’t subtle — it’s accelerating. According to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), by June 2025 there were 278 operator-led shutdowns completed, planned, or in progress across 83 countries. Meanwhile, research tracking 53 operators across 22 countries shows that 36% have already completed 2G shutdowns and 48% have completed 3G shutdowns. This is one of the biggest infrastructure transitions in mobile history. Why Are 2G and 3G Being Shut Down? 1. Spectrum Re-Farming for 4G and 5G Modern networks need more spectrum. Shutting down 2G/3G frees valuable low-band frequencies for faster, more efficient technologies. 2. Lower Operational Costs Maintaining multiple legacy networks is expensive. Operators are consolidating to reduce energy consumption and simplify infrastructure. 3. Better Performance and Capacity 4G and 5G offer: Higher speeds Lower latency Better indoor coverage Greater device density Legacy networks simply can’t compete. Global Shutdown Timelines The pace varies by region, but the direction is universal. North America USA: Nationwide 3G shutdown completed in 2022; 2G largely retired by 2025. Canada: 3G ending by late 2025; 2G already being phased out. Europe Germany: 3G shut down in 2021; 2G ending by 2028. UK: Both 2G and 3G scheduled to end by 2033. France: 2G shutdown planned for 2026. Asia Many countries accelerating shutdowns to prioritise 4G/5G. Vietnam targeting 3G sunset by 2028. Worldwide Trend By the end of 2025, global support for 2G/3G will be almost non-existent. Impact on IoT, M2M, and Connected Devices This transition is especially critical for IoT businesses. Velos IoT warns that the rapid sunset schedule means companies relying on 2G/3G risk loss of connectivity, urgent field visits, and unexpected hardware replacement costs if they don’t migrate in time. Sectors most affected: Smart meters Vehicle trackers Industrial sensors Security systems Telemetry and remote monitoring Legacy M2M deployments Many of these devices were built for long lifecycles — but the networks they depend on are disappearing. What Should Businesses Do? 1. Audit Your Device Fleet Identify which devices rely on 2G or 3G. 2. Prioritise Migration Move to LTE Cat-M1, NB-IoT, or 4G/5G-capable hardware. 3. Choose Multi-Network SIMs Ensure resilience across multiple operators and technologies. 4. Plan for Future-Proofing Avoid single-technology lock-in. Choose connectivity that supports: LTE-M NB-IoT 4G 5G eSIM / iSIM 5. Act Early Shutdowns often come with short notice periods. Some operators give less than a year’s warning. The Bigger Picture: A New Connectivity Era The global 2G/3G shutdown marks the end of an era — but also the beginning of a more powerful one. As operators reallocate spectrum and modernise infrastructure, the world moves toward a future defined by: Massive IoT Ultra-reliable low-latency communications Smarter mobility More efficient networks Global eSIM adoption For businesses, the message is clear: the time to migrate is now.

How IoT Connectivity from M2M Data Connect Keeps Assets Running Predictive maintenance has become one of the most valuable applications of IoT. Instead of waiting for equipment to fail, organisations can detect issues early, schedule repairs proactively, and avoid costly downtime. However, predictive maintenance only works when data flows reliably — and that’s where robust IoT connectivity becomes mission-critical. The Challenge Industrial equipment, vehicles, and remote assets often operate in environments where: Connectivity is inconsistent or unavailable Devices move across regions or national borders Local networks vary significantly in signal quality Downtime is expensive and highly disruptive Manual inspections are slow, costly, and reactive Without reliable, always-on connectivity, predictive maintenance systems cannot collect the real-time data required to generate accurate predictions. The Solution: Predictive Maintenance Powered by M2M Data Connect M2M Data Connect provides non-steered, multi-network IoT SIMs that ensure devices always connect to the strongest available signal. This creates a resilient and continuous data pipeline for predictive maintenance systems. How it works Asset monitoringSensors continuously track vibration, temperature, pressure, energy consumption, and component wear. Real-time data transmissionUsing M2M Data Connect’s multi-network IoT SIMs, data flows continuously — even in rural, indoor, or cross-border environments. AI and analytics detect anomaliesMachine-learning models analyse patterns and identify early indicators of potential failure. Automated maintenance triggersAlerts are sent to engineers, spare parts are ordered, and maintenance is scheduled before breakdowns occur. Continuous performance improvementAs more data is collected, the predictive models become increasingly accurate and effective. Why M2M Data Connect Makes Predictive Maintenance Work 1. Non-Steered Connectivity with No Network Bias Devices always connect to the strongest available signal rather than a preferred “home” network, ensuring maximum uptime. 2. Multi-Network Resilience If one network becomes unavailable, the SIM automatically switches to another with no manual intervention. 3. Global Coverage for Mobile Assets Ideal for fleets, logistics operations, and machinery that regularly crosses borders. 4. Low-Latency Data for Real-Time Alerts Fast and reliable data transmission ensures anomalies are detected as early as possible. 5. Scalable for Thousands of Devices Well suited for manufacturers, utilities, transport operators, and smart-infrastructure providers. Real-World Example A manufacturing company deploys vibration and temperature sensors across its production line. With M2M Data Connect IoT SIMs: Sensors remain connected even in metal-dense factory environments Data streams continuously to the analytics platform Early signs of motor wear are detected Maintenance is scheduled before failure occurs As a result, the company avoids unplanned downtime valued at £50,000 per hour. Predictive maintenance becomes not just a technical improvement, but a measurable financial benefit. The Outcome With M2M Data Connect powering the connectivity layer, organisations achieve: Fewer unexpected breakdowns Lower maintenance costs Longer asset lifespans Higher operational efficiency Improved safety and regulatory compliance More predictable business performance Predictive maintenance only works when connectivity is rock-solid. M2M Data Connect ensures it is.

EV Charging Use Case – Powered by M2M Data Connect IoT Connectivity & Cellular Routers Customer Profile A fast‑growing EV charging operator deploying public, workplace and fleet charging stations across the UK and Europe. Their network includes AC chargers, DC rapid chargers, and smart home charging units — all requiring stable, secure, real‑time connectivity. The Challenge To scale their EV charging network, the operator needed a connectivity solution that could support: Real‑time charger status updates Payment processing and billing Remote diagnostics and firmware updates High uptime for public charging points Secure communication between chargers and cloud systems Reliable connectivity in car parks, rural areas and underground locations Traditional SIMs and single‑network solutions caused: Frequent network dropouts Failed transactions and customer frustration Slow fault detection, requiring on‑site visits Inconsistent data across the charging network High operational costs due to manual resets and maintenance To deliver a seamless charging experience, the operator needed multi‑network IoT connectivity and industrial cellular routers capable of supporting high‑availability EV infrastructure. The Solution: M2M Data Connect + Industrial Cellular Routers M2M Data Connect deployed multi‑network IoT SIMs across all EV chargers, paired with rugged 4G/5G cellular routers to ensure stable, secure connectivity at every charging location. Key Components Multi‑network IoT SIMs that automatically switch to the strongest available signal Industrial 4G/5G routers for high‑bandwidth, low‑latency communication Secure VPN connectivity for encrypted data transfer Centralised SIM management portal for monitoring usage and diagnostics Real‑time data transmission for charger status, payments and alerts Remote firmware updates to reduce on‑site maintenance Results & Impact 99.9% Charger Uptime Multi‑network connectivity ensures chargers stay online even in challenging locations. Faster Payment Processing Stable connectivity reduces failed transactions and improves customer satisfaction. Remote Diagnostics & Maintenance Operators can identify faults instantly and push updates remotely. Outcome: fewer site visits and lower operational costs. Real‑Time Monitoring Across the Network Every charger reports live status, usage, and performance data. Outcome: better planning, load balancing and asset management. Scalable Deployment New chargers can be installed anywhere — car parks, retail sites, rural areas — without worrying about network coverage. Enhanced Security Routers and VPN connectivity protect payment data and comply with industry standards. Why M2M Data Connect for EV Charging? Multi‑network resilience across the UK and Europe Industrial routers built for harsh outdoor environments Secure, encrypted connectivity for payments and telemetry Scalable solutions for networks of any size Expert support for EV charging operators and OEMs Summary By combining M2M Data Connect IoT connectivity with industrial cellular routers, the EV charging operator transformed their network into a reliable, scalable, and secure charging ecosystem. The result: higher uptime, lower costs, seamless payments, and a better experience for EV drivers.