2G doesn't work everywhere yet, but waiting isn't a wise choice

Check now which units in your fleet still rely on 2G

The phase-out of the Dutch 2G network is proceeding differently than expected a few years ago. 2G has not yet been shut down by every provider, and some of the previously announced end dates have been pushed back. This may give the impression that replacing old fleet management units isn’t necessary for the time being.

But that’s a risky conclusion.

Odido has already shut down 2G. KPN will discontinue the old 2G network as of December 1, 2027. Vodafone still offers 2G in the Netherlands, but is explicitly focusing on modern technologies such as 4G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT for new Internet of Things applications.

For organizations with vehicles, machines, or objects that still rely on a 2G unit, the message is therefore clear: take inventory of your equipment now and plan the transition to 4G before the connection is lost.

Current status: July 2026.

Why is 2G being phased out?

2G was introduced in the 1990s and served as the foundation for mobile communication for a long time. It wasn’t just phones that used this network; many business applications were also equipped with a 2G modem.

Examples include:

• fleet management units;
• GPS trackers;
• on-board computers;
• alarm systems;
• vehicle tracking systems;
• remote tachograph solutions;
• track-and-trace equipment;
• payment terminals;
• other Machine-to-Machine and IoT devices.

Mobile spectrum is limited. Providers increasingly want to use the available capacity for faster, more stable, and more energy-efficient networks such as 4G and 5G. In addition, technologies such as LTE-M and NB-IoT are available for specific IoT applications.

Maintaining older networks consumes capacity, energy, and requires maintenance. The phase-out of 2G is therefore irreversible, even though the timeline and approach vary by provider.

What is the current situation for each provider?

Dutch network providers do not follow the same schedule. This explains why some 2G devices still work normally, while others have already lost their connection.

Odido: 2G has been shut down since June 1, 2023

Odido completely shut down its 2G network on June 1, 2023. Devices that can communicate exclusively via 2G no longer work directly on Odido’s mobile network.

Odido advises businesses to replace 2G M2M devices with hardware that is compatible with at least 4G. Depending on the application, LTE-M and NB-IoT may also be suitable alternatives.

KPN: The 2G network will be shut down as of December 1, 2027

KPN has postponed the previously planned shutdown of 2G. According to the latest information from KPN, the legacy 2G network will be shut down as of December 1, 2027.

This gives organizations more time, but it does not change the need to make the transition. The extra time is primarily intended to give users of older equipment the opportunity to replace their systems in a controlled manner.

Waiting until the final months of 2027 increases the risk of capacity issues among suppliers and installation partners.

Vodafone: 2G is still available, but modern IoT networks are the future

Vodafone still operates a 2G network in the Netherlands and has not published a specific end date on its current public Dutch network page.

For business IoT applications, Vodafone is now explicitly focusing on LTE-M and NB-IoT. LTE-M is cited, among other things, as a suitable technology for the automotive industry, Track & Trace, transportation, and logistics.

The fact that 2G is still available today does not mean that devices that communicate exclusively via 2G are future-proof. For new investments and replacements, 4G is the logical choice at a minimum.

Why can a 2G unit still function?

Which network a device uses does not depend solely on the brand name on the SIM card. Business and international IoT SIM cards can utilize multiple mobile networks and roaming partners.

As a result, an older unit can still connect via another available 2G network, even if the original provider has already shut down its own 2G network.

This makes the situation less straightforward. The fact that a vehicle is still transmitting data today only proves that a suitable 2G connection is currently available somewhere. It offers no guarantee for the future.

When conducting the inventory, you should therefore consider not only the provider, but also:

• the make and model of the unit;
• the built-in modem;
• the supported network technology;
• the SIM card used;
• national and international roaming capabilities;
• countries in which vehicles operate;
• the applications that depend on the connection.

What are the consequences of the phase-out of 2G?

A fleet management unit collects and transmits data from the vehicle to the online software. If the unit has only a 2G modem and can no longer find a compatible network, this communication will stop.

Depending on your setup, this may result in the loss of features such as:

• real-time vehicle locations;
• Track & Trace;
• automatic trip logging;
• odometer readings;
• vehicle and CAN bus data;
• communication with drivers;
• automatic recording of hours and activities;
• remote download of tachograph and driver card data;
• data integration with scheduling, administration, and TMS;
• reports for tax or business purposes;
• alarm notifications and asset tracking.

The tachograph itself continues to function, but automatic remote reading and transmission may stop if these processes depend on the 2G unit.

The risk, therefore, isn’t just the loss of a dot on the map. A lost connection can affect multiple administrative and operational processes at once.

A new SIM card does not make a 2G unit compatible with 4G

A common misconception is that only the SIM card needs to be replaced. However, the network technology is also determined by the modem in the unit.

A unit with a modem that supports only 2G cannot communicate via 4G—not even if you insert a modern 4G or IoT SIM card into it.

In that case, the hardware must be replaced. This involves assessing:

• what functions the current unit performs;
• which connections are available;
• whether vehicle data is read via CAN bus;
• what peripheral devices are connected;
• what software and reports are used;
• whether existing integrations need to be retained;
• which type of 4G unit is the best fit.

This will help you prevent valuable functionalities or data flows from being lost during the migration.

Which Rietveld units require special attention?

Since 2022, Rietveld has been supplying only new units with 4G connectivity. Units delivered prior to that date may still have a 2G modem.

That does not mean every older unit must automatically be replaced. It does, however, mean that a check is necessary.

You can determine which network technology the hardware supports using the unit, serial, or IMEI number. Rietveld can then work with you to determine:

• which units are already 4G-compatible;
• which units still communicate exclusively via 2G;
• which vehicles need attention first;
• how best to plan the replacement;
• which existing functions and integrations will be retained.

Why switch now when 2G still works?

As long as data is still coming in, postponing the switch seems appealing. Yet now is actually the best time to organize the migration in a controlled manner.

Avoid a sudden interruption

A timely replacement prevents tracking, trip logging, tachograph downloads, or other processes from stopping unexpectedly.

Schedule the installation around your operations

Units must be physically removed from vehicles and replaced. By planning early, this can be coordinated with maintenance, downtime, or quiet periods.

Avoid a rush right before the end date

As a decommissioning date approaches, demand for hardware and technicians increases. Starting early gives you more flexibility in planning.

Check the entire fleet

Fleets often consist of vehicles of varying ages. Some units are already 4G-ready, while others still operate on 2G. An inventory check prevents unnecessary replacements and unexpected outages.

Make your connection more future-proof

4G offers greater capacity, faster data transfer, and better support for modern fleet management applications. Think of more comprehensive vehicle data, software integrations, and video telematics.

A practical approach for your fleet

A careful transition from 2G to 4G consists of five steps:

1. Inventory all connected devices
   Identify fleet management units, onboard computers, trackers, alarm systems, and other M2M devices.
2. Check the network technology
   Determine for each unit whether it supports only 2G or can also communicate via 4G.
3. Determine which processes depend on the unit
   Look beyond vehicle tracking and also check tachograph downloads, trip logging, time tracking, and software integrations.
4. Create a replacement and installation schedule
   Coordinate the migration with vehicle availability, maintenance schedules, and your organization’s planning.
5. Test the data flows after installation
   Verify that vehicle data, reports, tachograph downloads, and integrations are functioning correctly after the transition.

Rietveld helps your fleet make a controlled transition

The transition to 4G involves more than just replacing a device. The unit may be part of multiple processes and integrations within your organization.

That’s why Rietveld works with you to identify:

• which vehicles and machines still have a 2G unit;
• which functions and systems depend on them;
• what 4G hardware is needed;
• how the work can be scheduled efficiently;
• how to preserve existing vehicle data and integrations.

Installation, configuration, testing, and support are handled by our own specialists. This ensures the continuity of your fleet management.

Don’t wait until the connection disappears

2G has not yet completely disappeared in the Netherlands. However, Odido has already shut down its network, KPN will discontinue service as of December 1, 2027, and other providers are also shifting their focus to modern 4G and IoT technology.

The fact that 2G is still available is therefore no reason to wait. It simply gives you extra time to properly organize the migration.

Check your units

Not sure if there are still 2G units in your fleet?

Have Rietveld check your current hardware and request a proposal for a phased transition to 4G.

This way, you’ll prevent critical data flows from unexpectedly stopping and ensure your fleet stays connected.

Together, Skilled, Moving forward >