Regulatory changes
Last July 2025, Thailand’s NBTC ordered AIS and True to phase out 2G and 3G by Q3 2026 and has already stopped approving imports of “2G/3G only” devices. Wait, we’re almost in 2026 and some people still use 2G and 3G? Yes, and maybe the main users are not the ones you think of.
For the general public
At the general public level this will affect some of the lower-income users, many of whom still rely on 2G handsets. In similar forced transitions, countries like Vietnam supported the shutdown by distributing 4G devices to accelerate adoption. Other countries in Asia like Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan have given up on 2G.
For companies
On the business side, for many companies, 2G and 3G may be slower but provide a cost effective way for IOT and tracking devices to communicate small data packets with the cloud. A lot of companies are still using such devices for industrial, services or mobility purposes.
Government motivations
From the government perspective, one key driver for that change is cybersecurity. Older 2G/3G networks are far more vulnerable to fake base stations (IMSI catchers), enabling SMS fraud, interception, and spoofing—attacks that are significantly harder to execute on modern 4G and 5G networks.
Benefits for telcos
For operators, the shutdown should free valuable spectrum. Repurposing 2G/3G bands for 4G and 5G should allow to increase bandwidth, lower network maintenance costs and drive revenue.
Commercial opportunities for hardware/software companies
In any case, where there are regulatory changes, there are commercial opportunities. The message is clear 2G/3G is no longer just obsolete, it is insecure and non-compliant.
For many hardware and software providers relying on 2G and 3G devices, this offer a business opportunity. Reachlane support companies with B2B outreach campaigns designed to generate new prospects or cross-sell your existing customers towards more modern solutions. Contact us for more information.
