3G will be shut down in 2026: Many Swedes must change their phones

On December 1, 2025, Tele2, Tre, and Telenor will completely shut down their 2G and 3G networks [6]. Sweden will thereby become the first country in the EU to implement such a comprehensive shutdown of older mobile networks [6].

What does this mean for you and your mobile phone?

Countless Swedes face a mandatory technological shift. From February 2, 2026, operators Tre, Telenor, and Tele2 will block phones that cannot dial 112 via their own networks [5]. Your phone risks being blocked between December 1, 2025, and February 2, 2026 [5], if it does not meet the new requirements.

The 3G network will be shut down faster than 2G [6]. Telia, however, will keep its 2G network running until the end of 2027 [3]. The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) has stated that some mobile phones will not be able to dial 112 when the 2G and 3G networks are shut down [1]. This makes this technological shift a safety issue that affects all mobile users.

Having a phone that cannot dial emergency numbers is unacceptable. The question is no longer if you need to replace your phone, but when you should do it.

When will 2G and 3G be shut down – and why?

The phasing out of Sweden's mobile networks is in full swing. More than half of the 3G network is already switched off [1]. The complete shutdown of 3G networks in all operators' networks must be completed by December 2025 at the latest [2].

2G networks have a slightly different timeline. N4M (the collaboration between Tele2 and Telenor) will shut down its 2G networks by December 2025 at the latest, simultaneously with 3G [2]. However, Telia is postponing its 2G shutdown until the end of 2027 [3]. This makes Telia the only operator to retain its 2G network for another two years.

Telia is retaining 2G longer because the network is still used by many older systems – alarms, cars, and other connected devices [4]. The decision gives customers more time to implement the technological shift to modern 4G and 5G solutions [4].

Operators are phasing out the older networks for several important reasons:

Free up frequency space - Shutting down the increasingly less used 2G and 3G networks creates capacity for 4G and 5G expansion [3] [5].

Energy efficiency - The newer networks are up to five times more energy-efficient than the older ones [3]. 5G is as much as 20 times more energy-efficient than 4G [6].

Improved performance - 4G and 5G offer faster, more stable, and more secure services [5] [1].

More modern technology - Older equipment is replaced with more efficient and energy-smart technology [1].

To operate the 2G network until 2027, Telia is taking special operational measures and replanning older equipment [4]. After 2027, however, not even Telia can guarantee a stable experience in the 2G network. Both technology and operational expertise are gradually disappearing [4]. At the same time, suppliers are phasing out 2G technology at an increasingly rapid pace [4].

The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) has decided that operators must block phones that cannot dial 112 through their own networks from February 2, 2026 [7]. For phones that require specific measures to connect to Telia's network, the requirement applies from December 1, 2025, already [7].

Not being able to dial 112 is an unacceptable safety risk. Therefore, blocking old phones becomes a necessity.

Which devices will stop working after the 3G shutdown?

The 3G shutdown affects far more devices than just old mobile phones. Older mobile phones that only support 3G technology will, of course, stop working, but some newer 4G devices are also affected. Many 4G phones use the 3G network for emergency calls to 112, and these will no longer be able to dial emergency numbers [8].

Here I list the most common devices that are affected:

Connected devices in the home: Smartwatches, tablets, medical alarm equipment, personal safety alarms, surveillance cameras, and security alarms [9]. Many connected home and office systems will also stop working, such as card terminals (EFTPOS), fire alarms, and security systems [10].

Garden and vehicle systems: Robotic lawnmowers that use the mobile network will lose their remote access for older models [11]. Vehicle-related systems such as GPS trackers, immobilizers, and telematics systems like OnStar or mbrace may lose their function [12].

Industrial devices: Environmental sensors, industrial equipment, vending machines, and ATMs are affected [12]. Companies that use 2G/3G modems to send operational alarms to on-call services during unmanned periods are particularly affected [13].

Safety systems: Older elevator alarms that rely on 2G/3G will stop working, meaning that elevators with such equipment may not be used [14].

Check all devices that communicate via the mobile network. Look for designations such as 4G (LTE) or 5G in the manual. If only GSM, 2G, or 3G are mentioned, the device probably needs to be replaced [15].

If you want to switch to a functional used mobile phone, you are welcome to contact us.

Being curious about the details of which devices are affected makes a big difference in how smooth the technological shift will be for you and your organization.

Important things to consider

Here are the most important points about the 3G shutdown that all Swedes need to know:

• 3G will be shut down on December 1, 2025 - Tre, Telenor, and Tele2 will close their 3G networks, while Telia will retain 2G until the end of 2027

• Millions of devices affected - Older mobile phones, personal alarms, robotic lawnmowers, GPS trackers, and security systems will stop working

• Emergency calls will be blocked - Phones that cannot dial 112 via 4G/5G will be blocked by February 2, 2026, for security reasons

• Check your devices now - Look for 4G/LTE or 5G marking in manuals; devices with only GSM/2G/3G need to be replaced

• Energy efficiency drives the change - 5G is 20 times more energy-efficient than 4G and frees up frequencies for faster mobile networks

This technological shift makes Sweden the first EU country with a complete shutdown of older mobile networks, requiring users to act quickly to ensure continued communication and safety.

FAQs

Q1. Which mobile phones will stop working when 3G is turned off? Mobile phones that only support 2G or 3G will stop working. Even some 4G phones that use 3G for emergency calls may be affected. Check your phone's operating system - if it is older than iOS 16 (Apple) or Android 9 (Pie), you probably need to replace your device.

Q2. How will cars be affected by the 3G shutdown? Some cars may lose connected services or require software updates. GPS trackers, immobilizers, and telematics systems that use 2G or 3G may stop working. Contact your car manufacturer for specific information about your model.

Q3. Do I need a new phone to use 5G? Yes, to use 5G, you need a phone that supports this technology. Older phones without 4G and 5G support need to be replaced to get the same or better functionality as with 3G.

Q4. What other devices are affected by the 3G shutdown? In addition to mobile phones, devices such as personal alarms, robotic lawnmowers, GPS trackers, some smartwatches, tablets, surveillance cameras, and security systems may be affected. Check all your connected devices for compatibility.

Q5. When do I need to replace my device to ensure it works? To ensure continued function, you should replace devices that only support 2G or 3G by December 1, 2025, at the latest. Telia will retain its 2G network until the end of 2027, but from February 2, 2026, all phones must be able to dial emergency numbers via 4G or 5G to avoid being blocked.

References

[1] - https://www.villaagarna.se/radgivning-och-tips/juridik/artiklar/sa-gor-du-nar-2g-och-3g-naten-stangs-ned/
[2] - https://www.krisinformation.se/forbered-dig/handelser-och-storningar/2025/avveckling-av-2g--och-3g-naten/
[3] - https://www.telia.se/artiklar/innovation/sa-paverkas-du-nar-vi-avvecklar-3g-och-2g-naten
[4] - https://pts.se/internet-och-telefoni/teknikskifte/
[5] - https://techsverige.se/en/2024/01/sverige-slacker-2g-och-3g-byt-nat-nu/
[6] - https://telekomradgivarna.se/en/fragor-och-svar/when-will-the-2g-and-3g-networks-be-phased-out-and-who-is-responsible/
[7] - https://press.telia.se/pressreleases/telia-skjuter-upp-nedstaengningen-av-2g-naetet-till-2027-3325928
[8] - https://tele2iot.com/2g-3g-sunset-in-sweden/
[9] - https://www.techrxiv.org/users/685380/articles/679276/master/file/data/Comparing 4G and 5G downlink energy consumption/Comparing 4G and 5G downlink energy consumption.pdf?inline=true
[10] - https://www.krisinformation.se/en/hazards-and-risks/disasters-and-incidents/2025/decommissioning-of-2g-and-3g-networks/
[11] - https://pts.se/en/news-and-press-releases/operators-must-ensure-access-to-112--certain-mobile-phones-will-be-blocked/
[12] - https://amta.org.au/for-consumers/3g-closure/
[13] - https://www.itg.uk.com/blog/devices-impacted-by-the-3g-switch-off
[14] - https://www.husqvarna.com/se/support/husqvarna-self-service/automower-uppgradering-infor-nedslackning-av-2g-3g-natet-ka-70310/
[15] - https://www.syniverse.com/blog/3g-to-volte-roaming/the-3g-network-shutdown-and-how-it-will-impact-you/
[16] - https://www.fvb.se/en/fvb-nytt/alarm-system-upgrade-before-the-2g-3g-network-is-shut-down/
[17] - https://www.hissforbundet.se/en/2025/03/06/hissforbundet-medverkade-i-sveriges-radio-om-hur-nedstangningen-av-2g-och-3g-naten-kan-paverka-nodtelefoner-i-hissar/
[18] - https://telekomradgivarna.se/en/fragor-och-svar/will-my-alarm-be-affected-by-the-shutdown-of-the-2g-and-3g-networks/