Spain to phase out 2G and 3G networks as Europe accelerates switch-offs

Spain has launched a public consultation to retire its 2G and 3G networks, aligning with broader European plans to enhance 4G and 5G services, while addressing the social and technical challenges of transitioning from legacy systems.

Spain has begun the formal process to retire its 2G and 3G mobile networks, initiating a public consultation intended to shape a gradual migration towards 4G and 5G. The Ministry for the Transformation Digital and of the Public Function has invited operators, administrations and other stakeholders to submit proposals as the government seeks to phase out legacy systems it says are costly to maintain, less secure and energy‑inefficient compared with modern mobile technologies. ^[1]

The government argues the retirements will free valuable spectrum in the 900 MHz and 2100 MHz bands for reuse to improve coverage and capacity for 4G and 5G services across Spain. Officials have stressed they want an orderly transition that preserves critical services, including emergency call routing (112), and addresses the needs of vulnerable users and sectors that still rely on older networks. No definitive switch‑off dates have been set; the consultation remains open until January 2026 and will inform the final schedule. ^[1]

Operators are already moving at different paces. Vodafone began dismantling 3G capacity in 2022 and is viewed as the most advanced in its network evolution in Spain, while Movistar (Telefónica) and MásOrange (Orange/More Orange) are listed among the main participants in the coming changes. The Spanish timetable will reflect national usage patterns and the outcomes of the ministry’s review. ^[1][5]

International operators are setting broad timetables that underline the wider European trend away from 2G/3G. Orange has announced a Europe‑wide plan to phase out 2G by 2025 and 3G by 2030, while it has also published country‑level schedules that see 2G retirements later in some markets, for example in France where Orange plans a phased 2G switch‑off through 2025–2026 and 3G closures by 2028. The company said these moves aim to improve network resilience, performance and energy efficiency and that specific national dates will be tailored to local contexts. ^[2][4][7]

Industry overviews point to a variety of national timetables and operator strategies across Europe. Independent summaries show planned switch‑off windows for Spain ranging broadly, Movistar has cited a target period around 2026–2027, illustrating that technical, commercial and regulatory factors will determine precise dates in each market. Industry reporting also highlights the practical challenges for Internet of Things deployments, vehicle eCall systems, alarm panels, lifts and legacy geolocation devices that still depend on 2G or 3G connectivity. ^[3][5]

Consumer and civil society responses underline the social dimension of the transition. A petition circulating in the EU has called for protections against forced upgrades and for guarantees of affordable, reliable voice services for all citizens, reflecting concern that some users could lose essential communications capability if migrations are rushed or inadequately supported. The Spanish consultation explicitly acknowledges such vulnerabilities and signals a preference for mitigation measures rather than abrupt cutovers. ^[6][1]

For consumers the immediate practical implication is to check device compatibility and to anticipate operator communications about migration plans. Industry data and operator statements suggest the mass of smartphone users already have 4G or 5G‑capable devices, but businesses and public services should audit equipment that may still rely on 2G/3G and plan upgrades or alternative connectivity. The consultation period to January 2026 will be the key juncture for deciding the precise timetable and the safeguards that will accompany the shutdowns. ^[1][2][5]

📌 Reference Map:

##Reference Map:

• ^[1] (htcmania forum copy of Spanish lead article) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 6, Paragraph 7
• ^[2] (Orange press release) – Paragraph 4, Paragraph 7
• ^[3] (Whereversim overview) – Paragraph 5
• ^[4] (Orange “What’s up” France update) – Paragraph 4
• ^[5] (1ot overview of 2G/3G sunsets) – Paragraph 3, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 7
• ^[6] (Change.org petition) – Paragraph 6
• ^[7] (DataCenterDynamics reporting) – Paragraph 4

Source: Fuse Wire Services