2G Network Shutdown in Europe
The 2G mobile network (also called GSM) is being phased out in many European countries because operators need the frequencies for 4G (LTE) and 5G. Devices that communicate exclusively via 2G lose their connection after the shutdown in their country and can no longer send or receive data.
Which Models Are Affected?
All I LOCK IT models with a 2G module:
- C2-04-S1 (GPS 2G Standard)
- C2-04-S2 (GPS 2G Premium, incl. S2a/S2b variants)
- Legacy PRO models with the
DB…main variant (e.g. DBD, DBF)
These models are no longer officially offered. The 4G successor models (DE… series) are the recommended alternative for all new projects — see the Lock Model Overview.
Not affected: pure Bluetooth models (no SIM card, no GPS module) — the Alarm and Essential Editions continue to work without restrictions.
What Happens After the Shutdown?
For a 2G lock operated in a country where 2G has been switched off:
- Bluetooth keeps working. Opening and closing via smartphone app over Bluetooth is unaffected.
- GPS tracking stops. The lock can no longer transmit position data or theft alerts to the backend.
- No upgrade possible. A hardware upgrade from 2G to 4G is technically not possible — replacing the device is the only solution.
Shutdown Timeline by Country
| Country | Planned / completed 2G shutdown | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Switched off since early 2023 | ✅ Completed |
| France | Orange: end of 2026; SFR & Bouygues: end of 2026 | ⚠️ Imminent |
| Spain | Movistar/Orange: 2026–2027 | ⚠️ Imminent |
| Norway | Telia: August 2025 (completed); Telenor: end of 2027 | ✅ Partially completed |
| Netherlands | Odido: already switched off; KPN: Dec. 2027 | ✅ Partially completed |
| Germany | Deutsche Telekom: 30 June 2028; O2: 2nd half of 2028; Vodafone: from Sept. 2028 | ⏳ Planned |
| Austria | A1: May 2028; Magenta: 2030 at the earliest | ⏳ Planned |
| Belgium | End of 2030 | ⏳ Planned |
| Poland | End of 2030 | ⏳ Planned |
| United Kingdom | Expected end of 2033 | ⏳ Planned |
Source: network operators and national regulators, as of June 2026. Dates can change — check the current announcements of your network operator.
What Should You Do?
If you still operate 2G GPS locks:
- Check when your country switches off 2G (table above).
- Plan the migration early to 4G models of the
DE…series. - Contact our sales team for a quote on current 4G models and possible migration paths — see FAQ & Support.
- In Switzerland (2G off since 2023): GPS tracking with 2G locks no longer works today.