After more and more countries and regions are planning to shut down their 2G and 3G networks in the coming years and in a number of places networks have already been shut down, the time is now to think about alternatives and new future-proof technologies.
SIMCom, as one of the leading mobile module manufacturers, leads the way in this domain as well. Together with SIMCom, we support you in making your IoT products future-proof and supply you with the right products already now.
In Germany, the three major network operators Telekom, Vodafone and O2 have already switched off their 3G networks. The 2G networks will follow in the coming years. Shutdowns are also already planned or underway in other countries in Europe and around the world. In the USA, for example, most 2G networks have already been switched off. 3G networks will follow this year.
Emnify has created an extensive up-to-date list for many countries and presented their status for the shutdown of the 2G/3G networks clearly by region:
In principle, the following alternative mobile communications standards should be mentioned here:
Depending on the application, either one or the other standard is better for the task.
In the meantime, there is a large network coverage for NB-IoT and LTE Cat-M worldwide, which is constantly increasing. The GSMA as the organization for the worldwide harmonization of GSM standards gives an overview in this
The dates for the shutdown in Europe of 2G/3G networks are ahead.
So the time is now to review existing applications and to upgrade them. The appropriate modems are available, and the network coverage has already been implemented almost completely.
SIMCom offers modules for moderate data rate applications for NB-IoT as well as LTE Cat-M. Currently recommended products are
Modules like the A7676E are interesting for customers in the smart metering sector because these SIMCom modules offer LTE450 support.
Customers who already use a SIMCom module will be supported by the standard form factors
form factor
30.0mm x 30.0mm
24.0mm x 24.0mm
17.6mm x 15.7mm
old generation
SIM5320 (3G)
SIM800F (2G)
SIM800C (2G)
upgrade path
SIM7600 (LTE Cat.1) , SIM7600X-H (LTE Cat.4)
SIM7060 (NB-IoT), SIM7070 (NB-IoT, Cat-M), A7672(LTE Cat.1)
SIM7022 (NB-IoT), SIM7080 (NB-IoT, Cat-M),
A7682E (LTE Cat.1, slightly bigger footprint)
supported on the hardware side during the migration. Migration Notes significantly simplifies the upgrade of an existing application.
Contact us for more information about SIMCom’s future-proof IoT solutions. The 2G/3G networks will be switched off – that’s for sure!