The end of 2G and 3G: why it’s time to change your car GPS tracker from 2024?
2G and 3G were the first two generations of mobile networks that enabled the development of mobile telephony and Internet. Today, these technologies have become obsolete in the face of the rise of 4G and 5G, which offer much higher speeds and performance. That’s why mobile operators have decided to rationalize their networks, phasing out 2G and 3G in favor of next-generation networks.
But what about GPS trackers that use these technologies and communications? GPS trackers are devices that enable real-time tracking of the position of a vehicle, object or person. They use mobile communication technologies to transmit location data to a server or mobile device. If your GPS tracker uses 2G or 3G technologies, it’s time to change it to ensure it continues to work properly in the future.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the discontinuation of 2G and 3G technologies, the consequences for GPS trackers and how to choose a new GPS tracker compatible with newer technologies.
What is 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G technology?
2G, 3G, 4G and 5G are the successive generations of mobile networks that have enabled the development of mobile telephony and the mobile Internet. Each generation is characterized by different technical standards, frequencies used, data rates and services offered.
The 2G network
The 2G network is the first mobile network to use digital technology, which is more reliable and higher-performance than analog 1G. It appeared in France in the 1990s and operates on the 900 and 1800 MHz frequency bands. It enables the transmission of voice calls and text messages (SMS), as well as low-speed data (up to 9.6 kbit/s). There are several 2G network standards, the most widespread of which is GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). The 2G network has also evolved with the advent of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which have increased data rates up to 171 kbit/s.
The 3G network
The 3G network is the first mobile network to offer high-speed Internet access. It appeared in France in the 2000s and operates on the 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz frequency bands. It enables the transmission of voice calls, text and multimedia messages (MMS), as well as high-speed data (up to 384 kbit/s). There are several 3G network standards, the most widespread of which is UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). The 3G network has also evolved with the advent of HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) and HSPA+, which have increased data rates up to 42 Mbit/s.
The 4G network
The 4G network is the first mobile network to offer very high-speed Internet access. It was introduced in France in 2010, and operates on the 700, 800, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz frequency bands. It enables the transmission of voice calls, text and multimedia messages, as well as data at very high speeds (up to 150 Mbit/s). There are several 4G network standards, the most widespread of which is LTE (Long Term Evolution). The 4G network has also evolved with the advent of LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro, which have increased speeds up to 1 Gbit/s.
The 5G network
The 5G network is the latest mobile network to promise ultra-high-speed Internet access. It has been rolling out in France since late 2020 and operates on the 700, 2100 and 3600 MHz frequency bands. It enables the transmission of voice calls, text and multimedia messages, as well as data at ultra-high speeds (up to 10 Gbit/s). There are several 5G network standards, the most widespread of which is NR (New Radio). The 5G network is also characterized by low latency and high capacity.
The end of 2G and 3G
Reasons for discontinuing 2G and 3G technologies
The discontinuation of 2G and 3G technologies is motivated by the technological evolution towards higher-performance technologies such as 4G and 5G. Telecoms operators are investing in these technologies to offer their customers increasingly optimized quality of service. 4G and 5G technologies make it possible to optimize the efficiency of freed-up frequency bands, reduce network energy consumption and improve the quality of service delivered.
This technological evolution is not specific to a single operator or a single country. It is part of a natural trend towards network modernization on a European and global scale. Several countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore and the United States have already closed their 2G or 3G networks.
As operators, telecommunications companies deliver an essential service for businesses: broadband connectivity. To provide customers with the best possible service, they are constantly adapting their infrastructures and investing in the latest technologies. This technological evolution also enables operators to contribute to the decarbonization of the network by reducing energy consumption.
Shutdown dates for 2G and 3G technologies in France
Operators in France have announced switch-off dates for 2G and 3G technologies. Orange was the first to announce its timetable for phasing out 2G and 3G. According to the Group’s Director of Innovation and Technology, Michaël Trabbia, the 2G network will be shut down by the end of 2025, while the 3G network will be shut down by the end of 2028. This choice is explained by the fact that national 3G coverage is historically higher than 2G coverage in France, and that voice over 4G (also known as 4G VoLTE) offers unrivalled voice quality for communications.
Bouygues Telecom has scheduled the shutdown of its 2G network for the end of 2026, and that of its 3G network for the end of 2029.
These shutdown dates are important to know for users of GPS trackers using 2G or 3G technologies. It’s time to change your GPS tracker to ensure it continues to work properly in the future.
The phasing out of 2G and 3G technologies will also enable operators to improve their current connectivity by reusing freed-up frequency bands on higher-performance networks such as 4G and 5G . This will optimize the use of the frequency portfolio to meet customer needs.
Shutdown of 2G and 3G technologies worldwide
The shutdown of 2G and 3G is not unique to France. Many European countries, such as Switzerland, Germany and the UK, have already begun or are planning to dismantle these networks. In the USA, operators AT & T, Verizon and T-Mobile have announced 3G phase-out dates for this year, while AT & T has already begun to switch off its 2G network in 2017. This global movement in the telecoms industry is driven by the need to optimize resources and frequencies to meet customers’ growing data needs.
Consequences for GPS trackers
GPS trackers using 2G and 3G technologies
You’ll need to check that connected objects that use 2G or 3G to transmit data are suitable for next-generation networks. This is particularly true of GPS trackers, which can be used to locate vehicles, animals or people.
GPS trackers are devices that are attached to an object or worn on the body, and regularly send their geographical position via the mobile network. They can be used to find a lost or stolen object, track an itinerary, keep an eye on a child or elderly person, or monitor a fleet of business vehicles. There are different types of GPS tracker to suit different needs: stand-alone, battery or cigarette-lighter powered, with or without SIM card, with or without subscription…
With the end of 2G and 3G, GPS trackers that use these networks will gradually lose their functionality.
They most often use mobile communication technologies to transmit location data to a server or mobile device. Many GPS trackers use 2G and 3G technologies to transmit this data.
These technologies have been widely used in the past due to their availability and low cost. However, with the technological evolution towards more powerful technologies such as 4G and 5G, telecoms operators have announced the discontinuation of 2G and 3G technologies.
The consequences of the discontinuation of 2G and 3G technologies for GPS trackers
The discontinuation of 2G and 3G technologies will have consequences for GPS trackers that use these technologies. If your GPS tracker uses 2G or 3G technologies, it’s time to change it to ensure it continues to work properly in the future.
It’s important to note that the shutdown dates announced by operators may be extended. However, it is advisable to change your GPS tracker for a model compatible with newer technologies such as 4G or 5G to ensure that it continues to work properly in the future.
New technologies such as 4G and 5G offer benefits such as better quality of service and faster data transmission speeds. By upgrading your GPS tracker to a model compatible with these technologies, you can benefit from these advantages.
Replacing your GPS tracker
2G GPS tracker obsolescence
Some brands may be offering attractive prices for their GPS trackers and subscriptions while hiding a 2G offering that will become obsolete in a few years’ time. With the gradual disappearance of 2G, these GPS trackers will become unusable, and consumers will have to buy new equipment compatible with newer networks. It is therefore important for consumers to check whether the low-cost GPS tracker offers proposed by certain brands are compatible with newer networks.
Consumers are therefore advised to be vigilant when buying GPS trackers, and to check whether they are compatible with newer networks. This will enable them to avoid buying equipment that will become obsolete in the near future.
The advantages of a 4G or 5G GPS tracker
4G and 5G technologies offer advantages over 2G and 3G. By using a GPS tracker compatible with these technologies, you can benefit from better quality of service and faster data transmission speeds.
4G and 5G technologies also enable better network coverage, which means your GPS tracker will be able to operate in areas where 2G and 3G technologies are not available. This can be particularly useful if you’re using your GPS tracker in rural or remote areas.
By using a GPS tracker compatible with 4G or 5G technologies, you can also benefit from advanced features such as real-time geolocation and motion alerts. These features can help you track the position of your vehicle, object or person more precisely.
How to choose a new GPS tracker
It’s time to change your GPS tracker now, to take advantage of the latest 4G LTE technology. 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a mobile network standard offering speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G, and providing better coverage and quality of service. With a GPS tracker compatible with 4G LTE, you’ll be able to locate your object with greater precision, speed and reliability, even in areas where the signal is weak or congested.
There are also many GPS tracker models compatible with 5G technologies. To choose the best model for your needs, you’ll need to consider several criteria such as size, weight, battery life and functionality.
It’s also important to check the GPS tracker’s compatibility with your mobile device and telecommunications operator. You can consult online comparisons to help you choose the best model for your needs.
When choosing a new GPS tracker, it’s also important to consider the cost of ownership. Make sure you choose a model that suits your budget.
At Capturs, we pride ourselves on selling GPS trackers that use the latest technology. This guarantees the longevity of our products and ensures superior quality for our customers. We are determined to provide our customers with a satisfying experience by supplying reliable, long-lasting products. Our commitment to innovation and quality is reflected in our range of GPS trackers, designed to meet the needs of our customers. We are constantly looking for new innovations to improve our products and offer our customers the best possible solutions.
When you choose a GPS tracker from Capturs, you can be sure of getting a product that will meet your needs. Our new range of GPS trackers includes multi-operator SIM cards to ensure that our customers benefit from the best network coverage in the world. This includes a combination of GSM (2G/3G/4G) and 5G IoT LTE-M / NB-IoT networks.
