2G phase-out by end of 2028
Telefónica Deutschland is freeing up capacity for more modern mobile networks
Telefónica Deutschland will shut down the 2G (GSM) mobile standard on its network in the second half of 2028.
The technology was developed more than 30 years ago primarily for voice calls and SMS and has now reached the end of its lifecycle, which is why all German mobile providers are discontinuing 2G service.
The company will use the freed-up frequencies for 4G/LTE and 5G in the future. This will allow Telefónica Deutschland (including its core brand O2) to create additional capacity for mobile voice calls, data usage, and connected applications.
Further details are available on the respective brands’ websites and in the press release from Telefónica Deutschland.
Information for consumers
A mobile phone from the 2G era: What once defined mobile communication has long since given way to modern smartphones ()
For most consumers, nothing will change: The vast majority of consumers already own a 4G- or 5G-capable device that also supports mobile voice calls via modern standards (Voice over LTE; VoLTE). Action is needed for older mobile phones that only support 2G or do not support voice calls on 4G or 5G networks.
Telefónica Deutschland recommends that affected customers check their devices early and switch to suitable models if necessary. This ensures that mobile telephony remains available without interruption even after the 2G phase-out begins.
Checklist for customers
Check device: Does the mobile phone support newer services such as 4G/VoLTE or 5G? If so, no action is usually required. The specifications provided by the respective device manufacturer offer guidance.
Check settings: Is the device configured in the system settings to allow voice calls via VoLTE (“Voice over LTE”), so that the 4G network is used for calls?
For very old devices: Switch to a current 4G/5G-capable device to ensure you can continue using voice and data services both domestically and abroad. Telefónica Deutschland’s brands and partner brands offer suitable smartphone plans as well as bundled offers for mobile phones and contracts on their websites.
Informations for businesses
In particular, some older connected devices and systems still communicate via 2G ()
The majority of industrial applications already run on 4G and 5G today. Older connected devices and systems that still communicate via 2G—so-called M2M and IoT applications—are particularly likely to be affected. These include telemetry, alarm, and other permanently installed systems.
Checklist for companies and operators
Inventory assessment: Which devices, systems, fleets, or locations still use 2G (e.g., telemetry, alarms, tracking, emergency call technology)?
Check devices: Do employees’ mobile phones support all services such as 4G/VoLTE or 5G? If so, there is generally no need for action.
Contact experts: The experts at O2 Business are available to answer questions at any time.
Plan the technology transition: Depending on the use case, current technologies such as 4G/LTE, 5G, NB-IoT, or RedCap may be considered—with early testing to avoid disruptions.
Start early: Many IoT solutions are deployed long-term—the earlier you plan, the lower the risk of unplanned outages.
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