3G disappears, what does it mean for me?

Mainly because many devices still use 2G exclusively. These are primarily M2M or telemetrics services. They must remain operational because they are used for remote monitoring and operating machines and processes. For example, data collection for calculating truck tolls, remote monitoring and management of utility infrastructure (e.g., water, gas, electricity) and many other business applications.

For mobile devices not supporting voice over a 4G network, voice services will be supported as expected until mid-2029. Mobile data applications that only require low speeds (< 100 kilobits per second) can still be supported by 2G network as expected until mid-2029. For mobile data applications requiring higher speeds, we recommend switching to a 4G or 5G compatible device.

If you have a recent device and you subscription allows it, chances are that you are already using the 4G or 5G networks today. Your device supports these networks and automatically selects the best available network by switching from one to the other without you noticing.
If mobile data are included in your subscription, you can also access Internet anywhere your mobile phone allows you to make calls. Check out our network maps to see the 4G or 5G coverageOpens a new window in your area.

Still using an outdated mobile phone? The 2G network does support some low-speed data services, yet you will feel the impact once the 3G network is discontinued. If you want to keep surfing at the same speed or even faster, we recommend switching to a 4G or 5G compatible device.

You can check this in your mobile phone settings. Please note that not every manufacturer uses the same settings menu.
Proceed as follows to check if your cell phone is 4G compatible:

• iOS (Apple):
  1. Go to Settings > Mobile data - Mobile Data Options > Voice & data. If you see the 4G/LTE or 5G option here, your cell phone is 4G and 5G compatible.
• Android (other brands):
  1. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network mode. Here you can see if your mobile phone has the ability to select a 5G/4G/LTE mode. If the mode is 5G/LTE/3G/2G, your phone is 4G and 5G compatible.
  2. Go to Settings > Mobile Network > SIM1 > Preferred Network Type. Here you can see if your mobile phone has the ability to select a 5G/4G/LTE mode. If the mode is 5G/4G/3G/2G, your phone is 4G and 5G compatible.

LTE stands for Long Term Evolution, also known as 4G. So, your mobile device supports 4G.

As a business, you may be using the 3G network for data, M2M or Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Devices operating only on 3G technology must be replaced in a timely manner.
Older devices that are not yet 4G-compatible will fall back to the 2G network after the shutdown, which will remain active until the end of 2029. The 2G network offers slower speeds (GRPS - 40kbps or EDGE - 100kbps), which may not be sufficient for your data or M2M applications. We recommend replacing older devices with those that support newer technologies such as 4G, Narrow-Band_IOT, etc.

Proximus collects old smartphones and devices (both phones and M2M devices) and recycles them in an environmentally friendly way because 90% of the materials can be reused. We work with various partners such as Out of Use, Brainscape and Umicore for this. Return your old smartphone or device and earn cashOpens a new window . Both for private persons and companies!