Few operators in the Americas have yet or plan to switch off their 2G or 3G mobile networks. Switch-off is driven by operators’ desire to reduce operational costs and to reuse the freed spectrum for advanced mobile technologies, such as 5G.

Cullen International’s new research shows that operators in the USA and Canada have already switched off their 2G networks and plan to switch off their 3G networks between 2022 and 2025.

However, few operators in Latin America have switched off their 2G networks (only CNT in Ecuador and Telefonica in Mexico). Two operators in Colombia have plans to switch off their 2G networks by the end of 2023.

One of the reasons for continuing to operate the legacy mobile networks is that they are still used. In particular, 2G networks are widely used for machine-to-machine (M2M) services, such as smart meters and e-call systems.

The new Cullen International benchmark includes information for 11 Americas countries on:

• whether 2G or 3G networks have been switched off, or are planned to be switched off;
• plans to deal with the customers who remain on those networks;
• whether current licences require service providers to continue to provide 2G or 3G services; and
• specific provisions for mobile virtual operators.

To access the full benchmark, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access” below, in case you are not subscribed to our Americas Telecoms Service.

We also have similar research on 2G/3G switch-off for Europe and the MENA region.