In December, large parts of Sweden's 2G and 3G networks will shut down to make room for new technology. Time is short for municipalities and individuals to replace dependent equipment. The Post and Telecom Agency warns of critical systems that could be affected.
The shift from 2G and 3G to modern networks has been announced for years, but according to Cecilia Baksa at the Post and Telecom Agency (PTS), some equipment still needs replacement or upgrading. "There is equipment that can be considered critical to society and that could be affected," she says. Baksa notes it's human to delay: "It's a bit human that one might wake up closer to the deadline."
The shutdown frees capacity for 4G and 5G. Affected items include mobile phones, safety alarms, robot lawnmowers, and sensors for water and sewage. Despite information campaigns, at least ten municipalities have not assessed the impacts, per a PTS survey from September. Only 51 percent of municipalities have a plan to handle the consequences. Baksa interprets this as some may not need one, but stresses checking: "The important thing is whether one has investigated or not and takes measures if needed."
The advice is clear: don't wait. Individuals should check equipment compatibility and contact suppliers, manufacturers, or operators if unsure. Municipalities are urged to seek help from those further along.
Shutdown dates vary. Telenor closes 2G and 3G on December 1. Tele2 does so between December 2 and 9. Tre, which never had 2G, shuts 3G in December. Telia closes 3G in December but postpones 2G until the end of 2027. Staffan Åkesson, technical director at Telia Sweden, says: "We have some customers left on the 2G network, but it's decreasing day by day." He mentions mainly business customers like alarm operators and property owners with elevator phones or connected electricity meters. "Mainly business customers," he adds. Åkesson emphasizes the new technology will last long: "Today we have a very long horizon on the modernization we are essentially done with in 4G and 5G networks."