Imagine you’re cruising down a country road in a horse-drawn carriage. The pace is slow, the ride is bumpy, and you know that faster, smoother options exist. That’s what 2G feels like in today’s world—a network that once changed communication is struggling to keep up with the demands of modern life. But the landscape is changing, and it’s time to shift gears and accelerate into the future. 

Understanding how mobile connections have developed and what this change means for companies is crucial as Europe gets ready for the 2G network closure. From 1G to 5G, let’s travel through the past of mobile networks and see how Ruptela’s 4G-compatible devices are designed to lead the way—more than just a technical update. 

• 1G (1980s). The first generation of mobile networks, 1G, was like taking the first steps in mobile communication. It was analog, providing only basic voice calls with limited capacity, much like walking before we had the tools to move faster. 

• 2G (1990s). The introduction of 2G was a significant leap forward, akin to moving from walking to a horse-drawn carriage. It brought digital voice calls and SMS, marking the beginning of mobile data, but as the demand for faster and more data-heavy applications grew, 2 G’s limitations became clear. 

• 3G (2000s). 3G technology allowed faster speeds and the ability to handle more data-intensive applications, such as web browsing and video calls. It was like upgrading to a reliable car, improving the mobile experience, and paving the way for our data-driven world today. 

• 4G (2010s). 4G technology marked the start of the high-speed mobile internet era. Comparable to driving a sports car, 4G provides the speed and reliability necessary for real-time data processing, HD video streaming, and the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT). This is the technology that businesses must transition to as 2G networks are phased out. 

• 5G (2020s). Looking to the future, 5G promises even faster speeds, lower latency, and the capacity to support a massive number of devices. It’s like moving from a sports car to a rocket ship, opening new possibilities in connectivity and automation. 

Maintaining competitiveness in today’s fast-paced, data-driven environment depends on the crucial move from 2G to 4 G. Most European countries, including Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Ireland, and Norway, are scheduled to shut down their 2G networks by the end of 2025, while others like UK, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania, and Slovenia will follow later, with shutdowns extending in between 2028 and 2033.

Schedule of 2G shutdown in Europe:

🇦🇱 Albania – 2025
🇩🇪 Germany – 2025
🇭🇺 Hungary – 2025
🇮🇸 Iceland – 2025
🇮🇪 Ireland – 2025
🇲🇹 Malta – 2025
🇳🇱 Netherlands – 2025
🇳🇴 Norway – 2025
🇵🇹 Portugal – 2025
🇸🇪 Sweden – 2025
🇫🇷 France – 2026
🇦🇹 Austria – 2027
🇲🇪 Montenegro – 2027
🇧🇪 Belgium – 2028
🇧🇬 Bulgaria – 2028
🇭🇷 Croatia – 2028
🇨🇿 Czech Republic – 2028
🇩🇰 Denmark – 2028
🇪🇪 Estonia – 2028
🇫🇮 Finland – 2028

🇮🇹 Italy – 2028-2030
🇱🇻 Latvia – 2028
🇱🇹 Lithuania – 2028
🇱🇺 Luxemburg – 2028
🇵🇱 Poland – 2028-2030
🇷🇴 Romania – 2028-2030
🇸🇰 Slovakia – 2028
🇸🇮 Slovenia – 2028
🇪🇸 Spain – 2028-2030
🇬🇧 UK – 2029-2033
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina – no planned date
🇨🇾 Cyprus – no planned date
🇬🇷 Greece – no planned date
🇽🇰 Kosovo – no planned date
🇲🇰 Macedonia – no planned date
🇲🇩 Moldova – no planned date
🇷🇸 Serbia – no planned date
🇺🇦 Ukraine – no planned date
🇱🇮 Liechtenstein – switched off
🇨🇭 Switzerland – switched off

* info is subject for change

Still, the route to 5G is still under development, and 4G is the necessary technology that will propel your company ahead right now. Ruptela’s 4G devices guarantee you leave them in the dust rather than merely keep-up with the competition. 

1. Higher Data Speeds and Bandwidth

2G networks were designed for basic communication with limited data capabilities. As telematics evolved, the need for faster data speeds to support real-time applications like GPS tracking, video streaming, and diagnostics grew. 3G and 4G networks provide significantly higher data transfer rates, enabling smooth real-time transmission of large amounts of data. 

2. Increased Coverage and Reliability

3G and 4G networks provide superior coverage and more reliable connections than 2G, particularly in areas where signal strength was limited with older technologies. These newer networks enhance connectivity in rural, remote, or underdeveloped regions, which is vital for industries such as logistics, agriculture, and fleet management that rely on dependable telematics systems across vast geographic areas. 

3. Advanced Functionality and Applications

Modern telematics solutions frequently incorporate advanced features such as video telematics, real-time traffic updates, live fleet tracking, driver safety alerts, and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. These applications demand higher-speed networks, which 3G and 4G deliver more efficiently than 2G. Additionally, 4G supports the Internet of Things (IoT), facilitating more complex interactions between telematics devices and smart systems, including smart cities and traffic management. 

4. Enhanced Security

4G networks provide stronger encryption and more advanced security protocols than 2G, crucial for safeguarding sensitive telematics data like vehicle diagnostics and location information. Since telematics is widely used in industries where security is vital (e.g., transporting hazardous materials), transitioning to more secure networks helps defend against cyber threats and data breaches. 

5. Scalability and Future-Proofing

As 2G becomes obsolete and 3G is phased out in some areas, transitioning to 4G and 5G ensures that telematics systems remain future-proof and can accommodate advancing technologies. 4G and 5G provide scalability, enabling businesses to expand their telematics networks, integrate additional devices, and manage growing data demands as their operations evolve. 

6. Improved Latency for Real-Time Applications

Lower latency in 4G, and even more so in 5G, enables faster response times for real-time applications such as emergency services, collision avoidance systems, and remote vehicle control. In telematics, where swift data transmission is essential for decision-making, safety, and efficiency, low-latency networks are crucial. 

The shift from 2G to 3G, 4G, and beyond in telematics is driven by the need for faster data speeds, improved coverage, enhanced security, and the capability to support more advanced and data-heavy applications. As older networks are retired, telematics providers are upgrading to ensure that their solutions are reliable and future-proof, meeting the needs of modern connected vehicles and fleets. 

At Ruptela, we understand that you need the right tools to thrive in this fast-paced world. Our 4G-compatible devices are designed to keep you ahead of the curve, offering both speed and reliability. 

The Eco5 is a basic and very cost-efficient device, ideal for real-time monitoring of fleets and cargo, motorcycle and EV tracking, driver behavior monitoring and education, eco-driving, and ensuring the safety and security of drivers, vehicles, and cargo.

The Plug5 is a versatile tracking device that’s easy to install, making it ideal for quick deployments. It uses 4G connectivity to provide real-time tracking and monitoring, and CAN data reading, ensuring your assets are always visible.

This flagship device is designed for heavy commercial vehicles and offers advanced features such as real-time tracking, driver behavior monitoring, tachograph data reading, remote .ddd file download, CAN data reading, and comprehensive reporting. With 4G connectivity, the HCV5 ensures seamless data transmission, making it a powerful tool for fleet management.

A compact version of the HCV5, the Lite model provides essential fleet management features in a smaller, more affordable package. It includes tachograph data reading, remote .ddd file download, CAN data reading, and is perfect for businesses that need reliable 4G connectivity without all the bells and whistles of the full HCV5.

Tailored for light commercial vehicles, the LCV5 combines 4G connectivity with fuel monitoring, driver identification, route optimization features, and CAN data reading. It’s designed to help businesses maximize efficiency and reduce operational costs.

The Pro5 is an advanced GPS tracker specifically designed for different types of vehicles including heavy-duty industrial fleets and specialized machinery such as trucks, buses, and agricultural equipment. Built with 4G connectivity and 2G fallback, the Pro5 ensures reliable data transmission, even in remote areas, while it offers advanced capabilities such as reading on-board computer data (CAN). The Pro5 is not just a fleet tracker—it’s a performance-optimizing solution for industries requiring precision and robust monitoring under the most demanding conditions.

The 2G shutdown in Europe is a chance for improvement and a way to welcome the future with tools capable of managing the needs of contemporary connectivity. Ruptela’s 4G-compatible devices can be your pass to faster, more efficient operation and a smoother running system. Additionally, we are working on a 5G device — an Asset Tracker — that will be released in 2025. This device will ensure that your business stays ahead in the race towards the future. Thus, avoid being behind in the horse-and- buggy era, and discover our range of products.