The 'four-generation coexistence' scenario in mobile communication networks—where 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G commercial networks operate simultaneously—can no longer keep pace with the demands of today's digital and intelligent society. This state of affairs has persisted since the commercial rollout of 5G in 2019. In recent years, regulatory bodies and telecom operators worldwide have accelerated efforts to decommission 2G/3G networks. However, progress has been sluggish, particularly for 2G networks, which face significant hurdles. A major obstacle lies in the large number of active IoT devices still reliant on 2G networks. Formulating and effectively implementing policies for IoT device migration and network transition is vital for achieving a holistic upgrade of mobile communication networks.

The decommissioning of the 2G network is a pivotal event with far-reaching implications for various production and daily life scenarios.

For the general public, 2G networks may seem like a relic of the past. In recent years, exposure to 5G products and applications has surged, with 6G, a cutting-edge technology, frequently making headlines. It appears that 2G holds little relevance for consumers today. However, the infrastructure built on this seemingly outdated technology continues to play a role, impacting our daily production and life. While users still relying on 2G phones are now rare, a significant number of IoT devices depend on the 2G network, many of which are deeply integrated into our daily routines.

For instance, in early 2025, Niu Technologies drew widespread attention after incidents where the partial functionality of their vehicles was compromised following the domestic 2G network sunset. The issue stemmed from certain Niu electric bicycle models being equipped with 2G modules in their central control units. As operators accelerated the 2G network sunset, some models experienced intelligent service failures, unable to power on or off. This placed Niu, a company proud of its intelligent features, at the center of a public controversy, briefly becoming a focal point of media scrutiny. Subsequently, with the intervention of market regulatory authorities and continuous media coverage, Niu announced a solution: users could upgrade their devices to 4G equipment, with Niu subsidizing 50% of the cost. However, this solution faced criticism from many users due to the direct cost increase of several hundred yuan.

The case of Niu electric bicycles is not an isolated incident. Several other electric bicycle manufacturers have also encountered similar issues with some of their models due to the impact of the 2G network sunset. These manufacturers have taken various measures to address the problem of intelligent functionality failures caused by network generation transitions.

The decommissioning of the 2G network has also affected some automobiles and motorcycles, particularly those with early-model onboard T-Boxes using the 2G standard. For example, a GAC Trumpchi model previously experienced connectivity issues with its in-car system. Meanwhile, CFMOTO, a motorcycle manufacturer, initiated a service assurance plan for T-BOX-equipped vehicles due to the 2G network sunset. This plan included disabling 2G T-Box top-up functionality, refunding prepaid fees, and committing to allowing owners to upgrade to 4G T-Boxes starting January 1, 2026.

The decommissioning of the 2G network is a complex issue that requires comprehensive consideration. If not managed precisely, it could lead to failures in supply chain terminals, utility grids, and payment systems. IoT users are characterized by long device lifecycles and the use of devices in critical production and operational scenarios across various industries. These characteristics necessitate continuous network services. However, when the original IoT terminals, which used the 2G network, have not yet reached the end of their lifecycles, switching to a different network requires replacing corresponding chips and modules, incurring significant costs. For instance, many 2G modules are embedded in devices or deployed in remote areas. Network migration is not as simple as changing a data plan; it involves substantial work akin to redeploying an entire IoT solution. This is why many existing users are reluctant to undertake such a transition.

Overseas, while multiple countries have successfully shut down their 2G or 3G networks, they have also paid a high price, and in some scenarios, traditional networks still cannot be phased out. For example, a recent British government report pointed out that the country's 2G network must maintain services at least until the 2030s. Besides the demand from a small number of mobile phone users for 2G networks, British smart meters and the EU-led eCall emergency response system rely on 2G network support. Taking smart meters as an example, the designed service life of British smart meters is at least 15 years. Changing and upgrading the communication standard for smart meters during this period would incur substantial costs.

Balancing the Trend of Retiring Outdated Assets with User Service Assurance

Firstly, from the perspective of technological development and optimal asset utilization, the decommissioning of the 2G network is an inevitable trend.

According to a monitoring report released by the GSA in July 2025, 278 operators across 83 countries and regions have completed, planned, or are in the process of advancing the decommissioning of 2G and 3G networks, compared to 77 countries at the end of 2024. Among these operators, 51 operators in 29 countries have completed the decommissioning of their 2G networks, 66 operators in 40 countries have formulated plans to decommission their 2G networks, and 14 operators in eight countries are actively advancing the decommissioning of their 2G networks.

Domestically, the decommissioning of the 2G network has also been underway for several years, with clear policies and trends. During a press conference held in October 2019, Wen Ku, then the spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Director-General of the Department of Information and Communication Development, explicitly stated that the conditions for decommissioning 2G/3G networks in China's mobile communication network were gradually maturing. However, Wen also emphasized the need to fully consider user needs from their perspective. Mobile network decommissioning cannot happen overnight; a well-thought-out plan is necessary. User phone numbers and service content should remain unchanged, or faster, richer, and more convenient broadband services should be provided to create favorable conditions for users to willingly and happily transition away from 2G. Additionally, mobile network operators should plan and notify users early to allow sufficient time and psychological preparation for both users and operators to facilitate the decommissioning process.

In May 2020, the General Office of the MIIT officially released the 'Notice on Further Promoting the Comprehensive Development of the Mobile Internet of Things.' The notice explicitly proposed 'promoting the migration and network transition of 2G/3G IoT services' at the beginning, marking the first formal policy document clarifying the decommissioning of 2G/3G networks. In November 2021, the '14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of the Information and Communication Industry' also explicitly proposed 'accelerating the decommissioning of 2G and 3G networks and coordinating the development of 4G and 5G networks,' listing 2G/3G network decommissioning as a key task for network infrastructure during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

Secondly, from the perspective of consumer protection, the decommissioning of the 2G network will affect consumer rights.

As outdated mobile networks are gradually phased out, consumer protection has become a primary concern. Elderly populations, rural users, and IoT users are identified as groups facing the highest risk of service interruptions. Given the vast scale of IoT users, service assurance for them is a top priority.

As mentioned earlier regarding the challenges faced by electric bicycles due to the 2G network sunset, China News Service once published an article stating, 'As early as 2020, the MIIT issued a notice explicitly guiding the discontinuation of using 2G/3G networks for new IoT terminals. However, many manufacturers continued to launch models equipped with 2G modules. Nowadays, an increasing number of devices, from electric bicycles to smart home appliances, are connecting to networks. When purchasing any 'smart' product in the future, should we ask—who will be responsible for its 'future'? How can we protect the rights of these consumers?'

Some law firms have also stated that since relevant authorities have already implemented policies for the 2G network sunset, manufacturers who fail to clearly inform consumers during product promotion and sales that the 2G network will be gradually phased out and may affect product functionalities are suspected of infringing upon consumers' right to information. The decommissioning of the 2G network is not an unforeseeable or insurmountable factor.

From the perspective of consumer protection, a significant number of existing IoT terminals are connected via the 2G network. Although continuous notifications about the 2G network sunset have been made, it will still impose new costs on users. After all, some terminals have not yet reached the end of their lifecycles. Whether the manufacturers bear the cost of replacing 2G modules with 4G modules or the users do, further investment is required, and some investment costs are quite high. In certain scenarios, replacement is almost impossible, such as in harsh environments or continuous production settings, where replacing 4G modules would incur enormous overall costs or production losses.

According to MIIT data, by the end of November 2025, the number of cellular IoT users developed by domestic operators had reached 2.9 billion. Among this vast number of connections, 4G terminals account for the highest proportion, but a substantial number of 2G terminals still exist. Although official figures on the proportion of terminals using different standards have not been released, it is conservatively estimated that there are still several hundred million 2G terminals in operation.

For new cellular IoT users, there is no doubt that they will no longer choose the 2G network. However, for existing IoT users, operators must still provide services. Several hundred million IoT terminals remain connected to the 2G network, posing certain challenges to the decommissioning of the 2G network. In particular, it is essential to ensure the service and experience of IoT users still on the 2G network by providing cost-effective and feasible upgrade and replacement solutions. If some IoT users cannot accept the upgrade and replacement solutions, 2G connection services can only continue to be provided. The underlying approach is to minimize the frequency resources occupied by 2G until the terminals reach the end of their lifecycles or users voluntarily discontinue service.

In my opinion, when developing 4G and 5G users in the future, it is necessary to further learn from past lessons and consider the matching of terminal lifecycles with the lifecycle of mobile communication networks when selecting terminal network standards. Especially in situations where policies are clear and technological trends have emerged, the risk of obsolescence for the previous generation of mobile communication networks must be fully considered. A typical scenario is that, given the current trend of digitalization and intelligent development, devices with longer lifecycles should preferably choose 5G network access. For example, intelligent connected vehicles could consider adopting 5G RedCap technology in new car models launched in the coming years to ensure uninterrupted services throughout the vehicle's lifecycle of over a decade.

The retirement of outdated networks is inevitable, but user services and consumer rights cannot be overlooked. Against the backdrop of the comprehensive implementation of the 'Artificial Intelligence+' initiative, the generational upgrade of mobile communications serves as a crucial infrastructure for supporting an intelligent society. In the future, it is essential for regulatory authorities, the industry, and consumers to engage in thorough cooperation and communication to design more reasonable mechanisms and models for the phased-out replacement of mobile networks. This will ensure the continuous innovation of mobile communication technologies to comprehensively support an intelligent society while safeguarding consumer rights.