The end of the 2G network in France: what you need to know

2G is experiencing its last moments in France. After more than 30 years of service, operators have started to switch off this old mobile network, before tackling 3G in the coming years.

Contrary to what one might think, this disappearance does not only concern the old flip phones that are lying around at the bottom of our drawers.

Since its launch in the 1990s, 2G has been installed in many everyday devices. Some alarm and remote monitoring systems still use it, as do remote assistance devices for the elderly or certain agricultural equipment.

It is even found in elevators, to allow certain emergency buttons to contact a assistance center when a person becomes stuck. According to the Elevator Federation, around 230,000 elevators were still equipped with a remote alarm operating in 2G at the end of 2025.

And they are far from the only devices affected. At the end of June 2026, Arcep, the regulatory authority for electrical communications, still had 1.7 million terminals operating only on 2G in mainland France.

Simultaneously maintaining four generations of mobile networks (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G) has become less and less relevant for operators, while the majority of our uses have now switched to the most recent technologies. The shutdown of old networks makes it possible to reuse certain frequencies for 4G and 5G, which are more efficient.

For consumers, this transition must also make it possible to move to more secure networks. 2G and 3G present more flaws, likely to facilitate certain number theft or fraudulent calls.

The extinction has already begun. Orange first cut its 2G network in several departments in the South-West before gradually extending the operation to the rest of France. Final objective: by October 20, its 2G network will be completely shut down. SFR and Bouygues Telecom will follow by the end of the year. 3G will benefit from a little more respite: its extinction is planned between 2028 and 2029 according to the operators.

For recent smartphones, don't worry: they already use 4G or 5G. It is especially old phones and certain connected devices, installed several years ago, that need to be checked.

For a phone, it is possible to consult its technical characteristics or inquire directly with its operator to check its compatibility with 4G.

Same reflex for an alarm, a remote assistance device or another connected device: it is better to contact the manufacturer or the company responsible for its maintenance. Some operators also offer to take back old phones and, in some cases, grant a discount for the purchase of a 4G compatible model.