2G is being phased out: what does this mean for you?

After having phased-out 3G, we are now in the process of phasing out 2G. By phasing out older technologies like 2G, we can free up capacity to further strengthen and expand our faster 4G and 5G networks.
This allows us to offer you a more powerful, secure and energy-efficient mobile network.

On July 1st, 2029, the older 2G network will no longer be supported and will be switched off. Until then, mobile devices that do not support voice calls over 4G will still be able to use the 2G network for voice services.
Mobile data applications that only need low speeds, e.g. less than 100 kilobits per second, will also remain supported on the 2G network until July 1st, 2029. To stay connected without interruption, we recommend switching to a device that supports 4G or 5G before the 2G network is discontinued.

If you, a family member, your company or your association still use an older device that only supports 2G or 3G, that device will no longer be able to make calls, browse the internet or send or receive text messages from July 1st, 2029.

Proximus will continue 2G service until July 1st, 2029, so there is still plenty of time to change your smartphone.
On the other hand, you might already use a 4G or 4G/5G device for calls, text messages and internet access, as most of our customers do.

However, be aware that not all 4G/5G smartphones currently available on the market – even new ones – already support emergency calls without a 2G connection.
So, make sure your (new) 4G/5G device has this capability.

In the coming months, Proximus will publish more information, so have a regular check. All smartphones sold through Proximus Shops and on the Proximus website since 2022 have been tested and are all 4G and/or 5G compatible, including for calls to emergency services.
Explore the Proximus smartphone rangeOpens a new window and choose a device with or without a subscription.

If you have a recent device, you are probably already using the 4G and/or 5G network. Your device automatically connects to the best available network, switching between networks without you noticing.

If mobile internet is included in your subscription, you can browse wherever mobile coverage is available. You can use our network maps to check the 4G coverage or 5G coverageOpens a new window in your area.

You can check this in your phone settings. Please note that the settings menu may differ depending on the manufacturer. Follow the steps below to check whether your mobile phone supports 4G:

• iOS (Apple): Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data. If you see 4G/LTE or 5G, your mobile phone supports 4G and 5G.
• Android devices: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode. If you can select a 5G/4G/LTE mode, your phone supports 4G and 5G. For example, you may see 5G/LTE/3G/2G. Or go to Settings > Mobile network > SIM1 > Preferred network type. If you can select a 5G/4G/LTE mode, your phone supports 4G and 5G. For example, you may see 5G/4G/3G/2G.

LTE stands for Long Term Evolution and is commonly known as 4G. If your device supports LTE, it supports 4G.

Your company may use the 2G network for data, M2M or Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Devices that only work with 2G technology will need to be replaced in time. We recommend choosing equipment that supports newer technologies such as 4G, Narrowband IoT, etc.

Proximus collects and recycles old smartphones and devices, including phones and M2M devices, in an environmentally friendly way. Up to 90% of the materials can be reused. We work with specialised partners such as Brainscape to make this possible.
More information is available here: Return your old smartphone or device and earn moneyOpens a new window .
If you need a new smartphone, you can explore the Proximus smartphone range, with or without a subscriptionOpens a new window .

As in Belgium, operators in other European countries and beyond are gradually phasing out their 2G and 3G networks. Some have already switched off one or both technologies, while others are still preparing their phase-out plans. The choices and timelines of foreign operators are separate from the phase-out of the Proximus network in Belgium. When you travel abroad, you can only use the mobile network technologies that are still available on the local operator’s network. If an operator has already switched off 2G or 3G, your device will need to support a newer available technology, such as 4G or 5G, to make calls, send text messages or browse the internet.

4G coverage, and soon also 5G coverage, is equivalent to 2G coverage. We therefore do not expect any loss of coverage. You can use our network maps to check the 4G coverage or 5G coverageOpens a new window in your area.

The phase-out of older mobile networks such as 2G does not happen everywhere at the same time. Each operator decides when and how to phase out this technology, based on its own network strategy and national regulations. For Belgium, you can find the latest information about mobile networks and operators on the BIPT website:
BIPT phase-out of 2G networkOpens a new window .
For other European countries, we recommend checking the website of the operator concerned or the national telecom regulator. This will help you find the most accurate and up-to-date information for the local situation.