3G and 2G shutdown
Background
The GSM (2G) mobile communications standard was introduced in Western Europe in 1993. In Switzerland, the networks based on this technology have already been deactivated. The subsequent standard UMTS (3G), which was used from 2004, is also about to be shut down. The mobile communications providers Swisscom and Sunrise have announced that they will decommission their 3G networks by the end of 2025. Salt has yet to announce a date for its 3G network shutdown. The LTE standard (4G) was introduced in 2012 and will remain in operation until further notice. The latest mobile communications standard, 5G, has been available since 2019.
Technology-neutral mobile communications licences
Mobile network providers use radio frequencies that are limited internationally and allocated nationally to provide mobile communications services. These frequencies are allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) for use on a technology-neutral basis. The licence holders are required to use the available frequencies efficiently and in a forward-looking manner. However, there is no obligation to offer a specific mobile communications standard.
Possible effects of the shutdown
The shutdown of 3G networks can affect different devices and systems.
Mobile phones and smartphones
Since the introduction of 4G mobile communications standards, the service of voice telephony no longer takes place via a separate radio channel, but via Voice over LTE (VoLTE), whereby voice data is transmitted as IP packets – similar to the development in the fixed network sector towards Voice over IP (VoIP). Older mobile phones without 4G technology can no longer be used in Switzerland. Mobile phones that use 4G data connections but fall back on 2G or 3G for voice call and do not support VoLTE, will lose the ability to make voice calls. Please note that VoLTE must be activated manually on some devices.
Security and alarm systems
Elevator emergency call systems, alarm systems, fire alarm and monitoring systems can no longer communicate reliably if they are not retrofitted. These should be checked and converted if necessary.
Health and care systems
Medical monitoring devices and home emergency call devices that use mobile phone services must be checked and converted or replaced if necessary.
IoT / M2M communication
Devices with data transmission that are still based on 2G or 3G, such as eCall in vehicles, older payment terminals, ticket machines, parking meters or smart meters, must be converted to newer technologies in order to maintain their communication capabilities.
Roaming abroad
Devices with VoLTE and modern 4G and 5G technology will continue to support older network technologies and will still be usable abroad with 2G and 3G networks after the switchover.
Recommandations
- Check the settings on your mobile phone to see if VoLTE is enabled and make sure that the latest firmware is installed. Instructions can be found on the websites of the mobile network operators or directly from the device manufacturer.
- If you have any questions about the shutdown of 2G or 3G or about VoLTE support, please contact your mobile network operators or device manufacturer.