What is happening to 2G?

A major network change is already underway across Europe, and it could disconnect your vehicle tracking without warning. At radius we are here to guide you through the transition.

Mobile network operators across Europe are permanently decommissioning 2G networks. This is a permanent switch-off of 2G networks, not a temporary outage, and it will impact a significant number of telematics devices currently in use.

This decision sits entirely with network operators and, in some cases, national governments. It is not something Radius or any other telematics provider can prevent. What is within your control is how prepared your fleet is when the switch-off reaches your region.

When is it happening?

For cross-border operators the risk is compounded. A vehicle transmitting data reliably on a domestic route may lose connectivity entirely the moment it crosses into a market that has already switched off. For some fleets, this is already happening today.

Timelines vary by country and by operator:

• Switzerland: 2G switched off (beginning of 2023)
• Germany: Deutsche Telekom is planning to switch off by 30 June 2028 / Vodafone assumes a gradual switch-off by the end of 2030 / O2 Telefónica has not yet given a specific date and will retain 2G for the time being
• Austria: No switch-off planned (currently)
• Sweden: Switch-off expected at the end of 2027
• France: Switch-off expected at the end of 2026
• Norway: Switch-off expected from 2026
• Netherlands: Switch-off expected at the end of 2027
• Belgium: Shutdown expected at the end of 2030
• Slovakia: Shutdown expected at the end of 2030
• United Kingdom: Shutdown expected at the end of 2033
• Italy: No shutdown planned (currently)

(Correct at time of writing, we cannot guarantee how regularly this information is updated).

What happens if you do nothing

When a 2G device loses connectivity, visibility disappears instantly. Vehicles go dark, journey data stops, and critical insights like driver behaviour and idling are lost.

For tachograph operators the risk goes further. Remote download systems rely on the same cellular connectivity as telematics hardware. If that connectivity fails, driver hours data cannot be transmitted, compliance records cannot be maintained, and your exposure to infringement risk increases materially.

What the upgrade involves

A managed 2G to 4G transition is straightforward when planned in advance. Radius will schedule device replacements at a time that suits your operation. Your historical data, driver records, and reporting configurations are all retained. Newer 4G hardware also brings faster data transmission and improved location accuracy.

Optimise your setup

A planned hardware transition is one of the most practical opportunities a fleet has to assess how your fleet technology is supporting your business. Many customers use this moment to add dash cams for incident protection and driver behaviour coaching, or to introduce asset tracking for trailers and equipment that currently sits outside their platform visibility.

Making these improvements during a planned upgrade is a simpler, more cost-effective approach and avoids the need for future disruption. Dashcams and asset tracking provide opportunities for increased efficiency, safety and profitability.

If you believe your business may be affected, we recommend speaking with your account manager.