Status 9/2023
A worldwide and increasingly rapid expansion of mobile networks to 5G is currently underway. The old GSM (2G) & UMTS (3G) standards are therefore increasingly giving way to either the expansion of the existing LTE (4G) network or the development of the new 5G networks.
The speed at which the old standards are being phased out varies greatly in almost every country - and in turn depends on the provider. In the USA (with A&T and Bell) and parts of Asia, 2G is already history. In Europe, the situation is different.
2G: Germany: Telekom and Vodafone are planning to switch off their 2G network (GSM) in Germany, while Telefónica (O2) is not planning to do so for the time being. Telekom plans to switch off its 2G network by June 30, 2028, while Vodafone is planning a gradual shutdown by the end of 2030. O2 has not yet announced a specific shutdown date for 2G and would like to continue operating the network for the time being.
2G Switzerland: Swisscom switched off its 2G network at the beginning of 2021, while Salt did the same at the end of 2020. Sunrise was the last major provider in Switzerland to switch off its 2G network on January 3, 2023.
3G Germany: The mobile network providers Telekom, Vodafone and O2 have gradually switched off the 3G network (UMTS) in Germany by the end of 2021. The freed-up frequencies will now be used for the expansion of LTE (4G) and 5G.
3G Switzerland: Both Swisscom and Sunrise will gradually deactivate their 3G networks by the end of 2025 in order to free up resources for more powerful technologies such as 4G and 5G.
For Stromer, this means upgrading the OMNI-C to at least LTE (4G). However, this challenge does not only apply to Stromer. Many providers of IoT (Internet of Things) are affected. This includes the automotive industry, such as BMW with its 'Connected Drive'.
What happens to older Omni C models with 2G/3G?
Stromer has been supplying its models with the Omni C 4G LTE-M since February 2022. An upgrade will be necessary for the Omni C with 2G/3G module, depending on the 2G/3G shutdown schedule in the individual countries.
In May 2020, Stromer wrote the following in response to a customer request regarding the 2G shutdown in Switzerland:
Our development team is constantly working on further developing the software and hardware. Until 3G is switched off, there is an adequate solution for all electric riders. The slightly older bikes are still based on 2G technology and this is expected to be switched off at the end of 2020. Since 2018, it has been possible to upgrade to the OMNI C, which runs on 3G. It will be similar with 3G if it is then switched off. You don't have to worry, we will definitely offer a solution.
Thank you for your understanding and stay healthy.
Upgrade Action 2020 - CH/USA
From August 2020, Stromer offered an exchange campaign for the ST1x, ST2 and ST2S models with a monochrome display for the Swiss and US markets. This was due to the shutdown of the Swisscom and Salt 2G network. Sunrise followed suit at the beginning of 2023 and the 'OMNI C Display Kit Promotion 2G/3G CH' was available at a special price (CHF 390.- with installation) until July 31, 2021. Since then it has cost the regular price of CHF 649, excluding installation.
Upgrade Action 2025 - CH
With Letter dated May 1, 2025 Stromer announces to Swiss customers that the 3G mobile standard will be switched off at the end of 2025. This means that all customers with the old Omni C 2G/3G will have to upgrade if they do not want to lose connectivity and theft protection, etc.

As with the 2020 update campaign, a special price of CHF 390 (instead of CHF 649) was offered up to and including the end of July 2025.
Which Stromer models are affected?
Affected are the Stromer models ST1, ST1 X, ST2, ST2 S, ST3 and ST5, which were produced until the end of 2021. To find out exactly, check the following in OMNI Interface C under "MENU > SYSTEM > ABOUT" under SUI. If the designation at "CON" starts with RHL85xx.... or the designation with "SN" begins with the digits 401023 or 403470, the OMNI C interface is not 4G-compatible. After the 3G technology is switched off, connectivity via the mobile network is no longer possible.

Function comparison table 3G | 4G
The following table shows how the functionality of the 3G Omni changes after 3G is switched off compared to a 4G Omni. If you do not want to retrofit an Omni 4G, you can still drive but will lose all functions that require a mobile connection (locking/unlocking via OTA; OTA FW updates; theft protection...). Locking/unlocking via Bluetooth is still possible, at least as long as Bluetooth classic or legacy is still offered in the Omni.
