Overview
The retirement of 2G and 3G networks is an industry-wide transition as mobile operators reallocate spectrum to support more efficient technologies such as 4G, 5G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT.
In France, this transition is now actively underway. All major operators have announced plans to shut down 2G networks during 2026, with 3G networks to follow between 2028 and 2029.
What’s Changing
2G Network Shutdown (2026)
All three major mobile network operators in France are retiring 2G services:
- Orange
- Phased shutdown began March 2026 in Southwest France
- Regional rollouts continue through June 2026
- Nationwide shutdown from September 2026
- Full 2G switch-off by December 2026
- SFR
- Nationwide 2G shutdown on 15 November 2026
- Bouygues Telecom
- Pilot phase from 15 November 2026
- Nationwide shutdown between 1–15 December 2026
- Overseas territories
- 2G shutdowns occurring between April and November 2026 depending on region
- Réunion already completed in 2025
3G Network Shutdown (2028–2029)
Operators have also confirmed future 3G sunset timelines:
- Orange: by end of 2028
- SFR: by end of 2028
- Bouygues Telecom: by 2029
How This May Affect You
If your devices or solutions rely on 2G or 3G connectivity for data, SMS, or voice, they will progressively lose service as these networks are retired.
This may impact:
- Older IoT or M2M devices that only support 2G/3G
- Legacy hardware or modules without VoLTE capability
- Critical infrastructure (e.g. lifts, alarms, payment terminals)
- Deployments relying on fallback from 3G to 2G
Unlike some markets, there is no long-term 2G fallback strategy in France beyond 2026, making timely migration essential.
Recommended Actions
To maintain service continuity, Wireless Logic recommends the following steps:
Audit your estate
Identify which devices and SIMs still rely on 2G or 3G connectivity.Plan your migration
Transition to 4G, 5G, or LPWAN-compatible devices and modules. Ensure new hardware supports VoLTE for voice.Phase upgrades early
Schedule migrations well before sunset dates to avoid a large-scale, high-cost replacement under time pressure.Review network coverage
Confirm your target networks and technologies offer adequate coverage across your deployments.
Technologies such as LTE Cat-1 BIS, LTE-M, and NB-IoT provide future-proof, energy-efficient connectivity options for IoT deployments.
Wireless Logic Support
Wireless Logic is committed to supporting you through this transition and beyond.
Our teams can assist with:
Network migration planning and risk assessment
Multi-network SIM solutions supporting 4G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT
Guidance on device certification and VoLTE enablement
Acting early helps ensure business continuity, reduce operational risk, and unlock the benefits of modern, efficient connectivity.