The impact of 2G & 3G sunsets on IoT connectivity

We at simHERO have been preparing for the upcoming 2G and 3G sunsets. In this blog post, we will show what to expect and which technologies are a good alternative to 2G and 3G.

2G and 3G networks had been essential for many simHERO customers over the last years, especially for IoT and M2M devices for asset tracking. Consequently, more and more customers need to face the technical challenge to continuously provide global connectivity despite the sunsetting of 2G and 3G networks. The question arises:

What’s next?

2G & 3G Shutdown

 

To free up resources for the upcoming 5G enrollment, networks all over the globe have recently announced their planned 2G and 3G shutdowns as listed below:

America:

Country	Operator	2G	3G
Canada	Rogers	Phase out Q4 2021	Phase out 2025
Mexico	Movistar (Telefonica)	Phase out 2021
USA	AT&T		Phase out Q1 2022

 

 

Even though certain countries will keep their 2G and 3G networks, these planned shutdowns will significantly impact IoT companies offering connectivity on a global scale – especially if no further device development is considered. More and more devices are switching modules using alternative technologies such as 4G, LTE-M, and | or NB IoT. But why are those technologies a good alternative?

LTE-M | NB IoT | 4G / LTE

 

In most cases, IoT devices relying on 2G and 3G aim for the ability to

• lower costs regarding hardware

• better indoor coverage

• reduced power consumption

• and hence longer battery lifetime

LTE-M (LTE CAT M1):  provides higher bandwidth and data rates than NB IoT but assures a longer battery lifetime and better indoor penetration than 4G | LTE

simHERO use cases: Pet Tracking | Time Keeping for Racing | Fleet Tracking | Digital Pest Control | Smart Waste Management

NB-IoT: is the preferred choice for cost-sensitive applications with a very low data consumption

simHERO use cases: Pet Tracking | Parking Sensors | Condition Monitoring | Smart Metering

Both technologies are considered to be the major alternative to 2G and 3G networks.

[4G / LTE: can be used for high-performance devices characterized by high data consumption and very low latency]

simHERO use cases: TV Live Streaming | Security & Trail Cameras | Industrial Monitoring | Industrial Modems

simHERO proposition

 

While many local networks have already launched their LTE-M or NB IoT networks in their domestic markets, very few mobile network operators have their roaming agreements in place to provide regional or global coverage. Through simHERO’s ability to seamlessly manage IoT connectivity from different network partners, we enable our global clients to benefit from the combination of their roaming capabilities and, therefore, access to their LTE-M and NB IoT networks.

LTE-M in Europe:

• Belgium (Orange Belgium)
• Canada (Telus Communication)
• France (Orange France)
• Germany (T-Mobile)
• The Netherlands (KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile)
• Norway (Telenor Norge AS)
• Switzerland (Swisscom Ltd)

 

LTE-M outside Europe:

• Japan (NTT DoCoMo)
• New Zealand (Telecom New Zealand Ltd RB)
• Taiwan (Chunghwa Telecom)
• USA (AT&T Mobility)
• Australia (Telstra)

 

NB IoT in Europe:

• Belgium (Orange Belgium)
• Czech Republic (T-Mobile Czech Republic a.s.)
• Germany (T-Mobile)
• Hungary (Magyar Telekom)
• Italy (Vodafone Omnitel N.V.)
• The Netherlands (T-Mobile NL)
• Poland (T-Mobile Polska)
• Slovakia (Slovak Telekom, as)
• Spain (Vodafone Espana S.A.U.)
• Switzerland (Swisscom Ltd)

 

NB IoT outside Europe:

• USA (T-Mobile USA)

 

Let’s talk!

Despite the planned sunsets of 2G and 3G networks, we at simHERO believe that the shutdowns can be seen as the next step of improving the hardware and optimize IoT connectivity in the next evolution phase.