Sunsetting 2G and 3G networks is not an easy step for mobile network operators (MNOs) due to several technical, financial, and social factors. The decision isn’t just about technology—it’s about customers, business strategy, and infrastructure readiness.
One of the main challenges is the Legacy Device Support
- IoT and M2M devices: Many industrial machines, alarm systems, utility meters, and even cars still rely on 2G or 3G. Replacing or upgrading these devices is costly and logistically complex.
- Older phones: Some users, especially the elderly or those in rural or low-income areas, still use 2G or 3G phones. Forcing them to upgrade can cause customer dissatisfaction or churn.
One of the leading solutions for IoT devices and low-power, long-range devices is 4G LTE-M, NB-IoT, 5G RedCap, and 5G eRedCap.
A key message is that RedCap and eRedCap Plus LTE-M and NB-IoT can be alternatives for use cases that depend on 2G and 3G. By adopting RedCap, enterprises can future-proof their fleet of IoT devices well into the mid-2030s, beyond the lifetime of many existing 4G network operations.
Note: While RedCap devices may have reduced capabilities compared to legacy 5G NR, they retain the ability to send and receive significant amounts of data, comparable to LTE Cat 4. They also support SMS messages and handle VoNR calls.