Mobile network operators worldwide are systematically switching off their 2G and 3G infrastructure to free up spectrum for faster, more efficient 4 G LTE and 5G technologies. If your fleet, IoT devices, or tracking hardware relies on legacy connectivity, now is the time to act.
2026
Why Are Operators Shutting Down Legacy Networks?
The decision to sunset 2G and 3G is fundamentally a resource optimisation strategy. The radio frequency spectrum that powers these older networks can carry significantly more capacity and efficiency when reallocated to 4G-LTE or 5G infrastructure.
For operators, maintaining multiple generations of networks simultaneously is costly, requiring dedicated hardware, spectrum licensing, and ongoing maintenance. As the vast majority of consumer handsets have migrated to 4G and 5G, the business case for keeping 2G and 3G alive has eroded.
Devices that cannot connect to 4G-LTE or newer networks will go completely offline after the shutdown date in their region — and will continue to be billed unless explicitly deactivated through your connectivity management platform.
Upcoming Shutdown Timeline
The following closures have been confirmed based on announcements to the GSMA and direct operator communications. Dates are guidelines and subject to change.
Full Shutdown Reference Table
| Country | Operator | Network | Closure Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montenegro | MTEL d.o.o. Podgorica | 2G | 01 Jan 2026 |
| Slovakia | O2 Slovakia | 3G | 31 Jan 2026 |
| Canada | TELUS Communications | 3G | 31 Mar 2026 |
| Japan | NTT DOCOMO | 3G | 31 Mar 2026 |
| New Zealand | Spark New Zealand | 3G | 31 Mar 2026 |
| Croatia | A1 Hrvatska | 3G | 31 Mar 2026 |
| China | China Mobile | 2G | 23 Jun 2026 |
| China | China Unicom | 3G | 30 Jun 2026 |
| Netherlands | Odido | 3G | 01 Aug 2026 |
| Andorra | Andorra Telecom | 3G | 01 Sep 2026 |
| Thailand | Advanced Info Service (AIS) | 2G | 30 Sep 2026 |
| Thailand | True Move H | 2G | 30 Sep 2026 |
| Thailand | Advanced Info Service (AIS) | 3G | 30 Sep 2026 |
| Thailand | True Move H | 3G | 30 Sep 2026 |
| Vietnam | GTEL Mobile | 2G | 30 Sep 2026 |
| Vietnam | MobiFone Corporation | 2G | 30 Sep 2026 |
| Vietnam | Viettel Group | 2G | 30 Sep 2026 |
| Vietnam | Vinaphone (VNPT) | 2G | 30 Sep 2026 |
| Vietnam | Vietnamobile | 2G | 30 Sep 2026 |
| France | Orange | 2G | 31 Dec 2026 |
| France | SFR | 2G | 31 Dec 2026 |
| France | Bouygues Télécom | 2G | 31 Dec 2026 |
| Luxembourg | POST Luxembourg | 2G | 31 Dec 2026 |
| Netherlands | Vodafone Netherlands | 2G | 31 Dec 2026 |
| Panama | Claro Panamá | 3G | 31 Dec 2026 |
How Does This Affect Letstrack Users?
Letstrack's GPS tracking devices communicate via mobile data networks. Older generations of our hardware, particularly devices manufactured before 2019, may rely exclusively on 2G or 3G connectivity. When the network in your region shuts down, these devices will lose the ability to transmit location data, send alerts, or receive commands.
Here's what to expect based on your device type:
If your Letstrack device supports 4 G LTE, you're covered. SIMs will automatically negotiate with available networks, and you should experience little to no disruption during or after the shutdown dates.
Devices without 4 G LTE support will stop transmitting entirely after the shutdown. You must plan a hardware upgrade or replacement before the relevant deadline in your country. Note: these devices will continue to accrue billing charges unless deactivated.
Vietnam & Thailand: Act Before September 2026
The September 2026 deadline is the most impactful milestone for businesses operating in Southeast Asia. Vietnam alone has five operators switching off 2G, meaning virtually all legacy 2G connectivity in the country will cease simultaneously. Thailand is similarly shutting down both 2G and 3G on the same date.
Fleet operators, logistics companies, and field service businesses with significant operations in these countries should treat the September 2026 cutoff as their primary planning target.
France and the Netherlands: Final European Wave
By the end of 2026, France will have shuttered all three of its major 2G networks simultaneously: Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Télécom. This is one of the largest coordinated single-country shutdowns on the list, and will affect any legacy IoT or tracking hardware deployed across France. The Netherlands faces a double hit: Odido's 3G shuts down in August, while Vodafone kills its 2G by December.
What You Should Do Right Now
Contact your Letstrack Account Manager for a personalised device audit, upgrade recommendations, and migration support. We're here to ensure there are no gaps in your fleet visibility.
