Vodafone Germany has confirmed that it will shut down its 2G network by September 2028.

In an announcement, the telco said that it will deactivate 2G services for residential and business customers in September 2028.

The carrier noted that its 2G network will remain open for “particularly critical IoT applications until the end of 2030 to ensure a smooth transition to new technologies.”

According to Vodafone, the frequencies used for its 2G network will be repurposed for its LTE and 5G networks.

The available bandwidth from the freed-up 2G spectrum will provide a capacity gain of around ten percent, noted Vodafone.

Vodafone stated that the last remaining network areas only covered by 2G will receive 4G or 5G coverage before the 2G network is phased out.

“We’re sending the outdated 2G technology into well-deserved retirement in September 2028. This will free up additional capacity to make our LTE and 5G networks even better and faster, especially for people in rural areas,” said Tanja Richter, chief technology officer at Vodafone Germany. 

“We are ensuring a seamless transition from 2G to modern networks – both for mobile phones and for the Internet of Things. The vast majority of customers already use 4G or 5G cell phones.”