2G and 3G Switch off Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Growth By Type (2G and 3G) By Application (Message, Data, Voice, and Video), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2033

Last Updated: 28 July 2025
SKU ID: 21366618

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2G AND 3G SWITCH OFF MARKET OVERVIEW

The global 2g and 3g switch off market size stood at USD 186.06 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 195.59 billion in 2025, growing further to USD 291.63 billion by 2033 at an estimated CAGR of 5.12% from 2025 to 2033.

2G and 3G enabled various networks to provide services like picture messages, text messages, and MMS. It is based on a global system for mobile communication GSM. These signals consume low battery power and help in saving mobile batteries.

Growth in telecom density and huge availability of the easy and cheaper network is anticipated to surge market growth. Rapid technology advancement and the growing need for better and more effective communication are anticipated to surge market growth. The rapid evolution of wireless communication and new innovation in technology is predicted to surge market progress. 3G technology offers a high level of security as compared to 2G and growth in high-speed data. Ongoing research and development activities are estimated to drive market growth. Increased loT equipment and high investment in developing network strength are estimated to drive market growth in the forthcoming years. On the contrary, 5G-enabled devices and VOLTE technology is anticipated to limit market growth in the coming years.

KEY FINDINGS

  • Market Size and Growth: The global 2g and 3g switch off market size stood at USD 186.06 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 195.59 billion in 2025, growing further to USD 291.63 billion by 2033 at an estimated CAGR of 5.12% from 2025 to 2033.
  • Key Market Driver: Around 30% of IoT devices globally continue operating on 2G networksarXiv.
  • Major Market Restraint: In the UK, 100% of mobile operators are committed to full 2G/3G shutdown by 2033.
  • Emerging Trends: In Finland, about 2% of IoT devices have migrated to LTE; the rest remain on 2G/3G networks.
  • Regional Leadership: The US saw less than 1% 3G usage pre-shutdown in early 2022.
  • Competitive Landscape: Network operators across Europe aim for 100% network migration to 4G/5G by 2033.
  • Market Segmentation: Approximately 30% of cellular M2M traffic still depends on 2G networks.
  • Recent Development: As of February 2025, all UK operators except O2 (set for late‑2025) completed 100% 3G switch‑off.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Huge Need for Fast Network Services and Work From Culture To Boost Market Growth 

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with 2G and 3G switch off experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Lockdown restrictions led to the closure of offices and several companies. Increased need for digitalization and strong mobile networks fuel market growth. Work from culture boosted market growth and a huge need for fast network services to fuel market growth.

LATEST TRENDS

Rapid Technology Advancement to Surge Market Growth

Increased technology advancement across the globe and increased urbanization are predicted to foster market growth. Modern technology enabled various networks to provide services like picture messages, text messages, and MMS. The high need for better communication and rapid evolution of wireless communication and new innovation in technology is predicted to surge market progress. 3G technology offers a high level of security as compared to 2G and growth in high-speed data. Ongoing research and development activities are estimated to drive market growth. Increased loT equipment and high investment in developing network strength are estimated to drive market growth in the forthcoming years.

  • According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), over 140 mobile operators across 80 countries had initiated or completed the shutdown of 2G and/or 3G networks by 2023. This shift is part of a broader strategy to free up spectrum for 4G and 5G deployment.
  • As per the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 71% of mobile users globally were on LTE or higher networks by the end of 2023. This migration trend has been heavily driven by the switch-off of legacy networks, prompting users to upgrade devices and pushing telecom companies to phase out outdated infrastructure.
Global-2G-and-3G-Switch-off-Market-Share,-By-Type,-2033

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2G AND 3G SWITCH OFF MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type, the market is divided into 2G and 3G.

3G is expected to be the top part of the segmentation type.

By Application

Based on the application, the market is divided into message, data, voice, and video.

Message is expected to be the top part of application segmentation.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increased Telecom Density and Easy Availability of Skilled Labor to Surge Market Growth

Increasing telecom density and huge availability of cheaper & easy network equipment are anticipated to accelerate market growth. Increased preference for wireless communication and a huge need for communication through messages is anticipated to drive market growth. Further, increased millennial population and a huge need for smart communication. The growing trend of social media and rapid digitalization is projected to foster market progress in the forthcoming years. Ongoing strong research and development activity among market players and huge investment in the market is predicted to push market growth.  The huge availability of the easy and cheaper network is anticipated to surge market growth. Rapid technology advancement and the growing need for better and more effective communication are anticipated to surge the 2G and 3G switch off market growth in the upcoming years.

Increased loT Equipment Spending to Surge Market Progress

Increased loT equipment spending and growing awareness about effective communication systems among the population. High need for text messages, video, and audio to deliver information from one person to another. An easy method of communication and rapid growth in electronic equipment is predicted to drive market growth. Further, several market players are adopting unique marketing strategies and the evolution of wireless mobile communication is anticipated to foster market growth. Today, wireless communication is the utmost necessity for the growing population. Huge demand for without interruption of communication is projected to fuel market growth in the upcoming years.

  • According to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the reallocation of spectrum bands previously used by 2G/3G has enabled an additional 300 MHz to be dedicated to 5G services. This allows for faster, low-latency communication needed for IoT and smart city projects.
  • The UK’s Ofcom noted that maintaining 2G and 3G infrastructure costs 30–40% more per user than modern 4G and 5G networks. The high cost of maintaining older base stations and components is prompting telecom companies to retire these networks and consolidate operations around newer technologies.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

5G-Enabled Devices and VOLTE Technology to Obstruct Market Growth

5G-enabled devices and VOLTE technology is anticipated to limit market growth in the coming years.

  • According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), 12% of rural and remote users in Australia still rely on 2G connectivity for basic mobile services. Shutting down these networks without suitable alternatives can result in significant service disruption in non-urban regions.
  • The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) reported that as of 2023, over 100 million active IoT devices across Europe were still dependent on 2G or 3G networks. Devices such as smart meters, older vehicle telematics units, and security alarms face functionality loss unless retrofitted or replaced—posing a major transition challenge.

2G AND 3G SWITCH OFF MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Growth in Telecom Industry in North America to Drive Market Share

North America is estimated to hold a prominent 2G and 3G switch off market share owing to growth in telecom density and the huge availability of the easy and cheaper network is anticipated to surge market growth. Rapid technology advancement and the growing need for better and more effective communication are anticipated to surge market growth. The rapid evolution of wireless communication and new innovation in technology is predicted to surge market progress. 3G technology offers a high level of security as compared to 2G and growth in high-speed data. Ongoing research and development activities are estimated to drive market growth. Increased loT equipment and high investment in developing network strength are estimated to drive market growth in the forthcoming years.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to account for a significant market share owing to the presence of several market players. Huge need for high-speed data and the rapid evolution of wireless mobile communication to drive market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Leading Players Adopt New Strategies to Stay Competitive

The report covers information about the list of market players and their latest development in the industry. The information includes mergers, partnerships, acquisitions, technological developments, and production lines. Other aspects examined for this market include complete research on companies producing and introducing the latest products, regions they conduct their operations in, automation, technology adoption, generating the most revenue, and making a difference with their products.

  • 2degrees: New Zealand-based 2degrees officially retired its 3G network in March 2024, freeing up 2100 MHz spectrum for 5G use. According to the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the operator also migrated over 95% of its user base to 4G or higher networks prior to the shutdown.
  • Optus: Optus, one of Australia’s largest telecom providers, announced the closure of its 3G network by September 2024. As per the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), Optus operates more than 8,000 base stations, and its 3G spectrum (900 MHz and 2100 MHz) is being reallocated to support growing demand in 5G broadband and fixed wireless services.

List of Top 2G And 3G Switch Off Companies

  • 2degrees (New Zealand)
  • Optus (Australia)
  • Chunghwa (Taiwan)
  • Sunrise (U.K.)
  • Vodafone (U.K.)
  • ORANGE (France)
  • Advanced Info Service (Thailand)
  • AT&T (U.S.)
  • Deutsche Telekom (Germany)
  • Verizon (U.S.)
  • China Mobile (China)
  • True Move (Bangkok)
  • Bell (Canada)
  • Telenor (Norway)
  • Singatel (Singapore)
  • Swisscom (Switzerland)
  • NTT (Japan)
  • Softbank (Japan)
  • Spark (India)
  • Telstra (Australia)
  • Taiwan Telecom (China)
  • KDDI (Japan)
  • Telus (Canada)
  • StarHub (Singapore)
  • TELEFONICA (Spain)
  • Rcom (India)
  • M1 (Singapore)
  • AMERICA MOVIL (U.S.)
  • T-Mobile (U.S.)
  • KT (Austria)
  • FET

REPORT COVERAGE

This research profiles a report with general studies that explain the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by examining the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, restraints, and others. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics change.

2G and 3G Switch off Market Report Scope & Segmentation

Attributes Details

Market Size Value In

US$ 186.06 Billion in 2024

Market Size Value By

US$ 291.63 Billion by 2033

Growth Rate

CAGR of 5.12% from 2025 to 2033

Forecast Period

2025-2033

Base Year

2024

Historical Data Available

Yes

Regional Scope

Global

Segments Covered

By Type

  • 2G
  • 3G

By Application

  • Message
  • Data
  • Voice
  • Video

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