Controlled Shutdown of 2G and 3G Networks

The phase-out of 2G and 3G networks was carried out in a controlled manner without major incidents. This is concluded by the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) in a report. At the same time, many end users were affected and needed to replace their mobile phones.

PTS has been tasked by the government to provide information on and follow up the technological shift in mobile networks. The authority has now presented an interim report analysing the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks, which was primarily implemented during 2025. During that year, the operators Tele2 and Telenor shut down their 2G and 3G networks. Telia and Tre shut down their 3G networks during the same period.

Telia has previously announced that it will maintain its 2G network until the end of 2027.

Affected sectors were well prepared

In the report, PTS notes that the automotive sector, municipalities and regions, the healthcare and social care sector, and the energy sector were particularly affected by the technological shift. This is because these sectors rely heavily on connected equipment that could be impacted.

However, information collected by PTS shows that organisations received timely information and were able to prepare for the shift.

Although the shift is not expected to result in reduced overall coverage, there have been reports of locally decreased coverage in certain areas. PTS identifies a need to continue monitoring developments and clarifying the reasons for these observations.

Late information on impact to emergency communications

Even though the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks was successful overall, many users were affected at very short notice.

PTS notes that it was not until late 2025 that the authority received information that certain mobile phones would be unable to reach the emergency number 112 via operators’ own networks after the shutdown of 2G and 3G, despite using 4G. This led PTS to order the operators concerned to block the affected devices. As a result, some users had to acquire new mobile phones.

“Ahead of future technological shifts, collaboration, preparedness for unexpected events, and early and continuous information will be essential. This is particularly important for individuals who are less digitally included,” says Björn Blondell, Head of PTS’s Market Development Division.

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