2G technology was first introduced in Lithuania in 1995, making it nearly 30 years old. It is natural that after such a long period of time, 2G no longer meets the efficiency standards and the needs of the connected society. However, a significant part of critical infrastructure still relies on it. Recognizing the current trends, the Network Team leader Ramūnas Mikalauskas emphasizes the importance of giving users more time to prepare for the transition.
The decision to delay the shutdown of 2G is primarily due to economic reasons. The best days of 2G are long gone, as its purpose has evolved over time. Initially used for voice and SMS communication, the network now serves mainly as a channel for sending information or commands to older IoT devices. These devices include security alarms, automatic gate openers, emergency call systems in cars, utility meters, and more.
According to data from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Lithuania, there were 600,000 devices operating on the 2G network in the country. Shutting down 2G would require replacing all these devices, potentially causing inconvenience and security risks to users.
Comparing 2G to an old potato peeler, Mikalauskas explains that while it performs a single function reliably, it is becoming outdated in the era of advanced IoT solutions like LTE-M and NB-IoT. Therefore, the decision to delay the shutdown of 2G is a strategic one to avoid unnecessary stress on users and allow them time to adapt.
Despite the favorable circumstances for delaying the shutdown of 2G, the inevitable end of this technology is approaching. Technologically, 2G was designed for voice transmission, making it inefficient for internet-based functions. As a result, the energy consumption per bit transmitted is high, and the data transfer speed is slow compared to modern IoT alternatives.
Many countries have already successfully shut down their 2G networks, including the United States, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Australia. Sweden, Estonia, and Norway are also planning to phase out 2G in the coming years.
In Lithuania, due to the significant number of devices still operating on 2G, the transition away from the network will be gradual. The plan is to reduce network capacity and the number of devices using it to a minimum by 2028, with complete infrastructure dismantling by 2031.
To prepare for the eventual shutdown of 2G, businesses and consumers using IoT devices are advised to conduct an audit of their 2G-based devices. Prioritizing critical functions and updating essential devices first is recommended. Seeking advice from specialists to choose the most suitable modern alternative for each device is crucial.
Once devices are updated, changing to new telemetric SIM cards and selecting a new communication service plan is essential to avoid disruptions when officially saying goodbye to 2G. By taking proactive steps now, users can ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential inconveniences in the future.