Introduction
Currently, there is a global and increasingly rapid expansion of mobile networks to 5G. The old standards GSM (2G) and UMTS (3G) are therefore increasingly being replaced by either the expansion of the existing LTE network (4G) or the construction of new 5G networks.
The speed at which old standards are being phased out varies greatly from country to country, and within those countries, it also depends on the provider. In the US (with AT&T and Bell) and in parts of Asia, 2G is already a thing of the past. The situation in Europe is more varied.
Who switches off and when (as of 2025)
Germany 2G: Telekom and Vodafone plan to shut down their 2G (GSM) network in Germany, while Telefónica (O2) does not currently plan to do so. Telekom is expected to shut down its 2G network on June 30, 2028, and Vodafone plans a gradual shutdown by the end of 2030. O2 has not yet provided a specific shutdown date for 2G and intends to continue operating the network for the time being.
Germany 3G Mobile carriers Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 have gradually switched off the 3G network (UMTS) in Germany by the end of 2021. The freed-up frequencies will be used for the expansion of LTE (4G) and 5G.
Switzerland 2G 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.
Switzerland 3G: Both Swisscom and Sunrise will phase out their 3G networks by the end of 2025 to free up resources for more powerful technologies like 4G and 5G.
Belgium 2G (Orange, Proximus, Telenet): available at least until the end of 2027.
Belgium 3G: Proximus switched off the 3G network at the end of 2024 [VRTTelenet/Base began shutting down in September 2024VRTOrange is phasing out its 3G network zone by zone between February 2024 and 2025.
Netherlands 2G Odido (formerly T-Mobile): 2G is finally no longer available since June 2023 [L'AvenirKPN: Switch-off on December 1, 2027L'Avenir] (originally planned for the end of 2025, but was postponed). Vodafone Ziggo: The 2G network will remain available until at least the end of 2026.
Netherlands 3G Vodafone switched off UMTS (3G) completely in January 2020 [BiptKPN has already switched off 3G as of March 31, 2022.L'AvenirOdido plans to shut down the 3G network on August 1, 2026.
For Stromer, this means upgrading the Omni-C to at least LTE (4G). However, this challenge doesn't just apply to Stromer. Many providers of IoT (Internet of Things) devices are affected – e.g., cars (including BMW with ConnectedDrive), alarm systems, or tracking systems with 2G and 3G.
What happens to older Omni C models with 2G/3G?
Since February 2022, Stromer has been delivering its models with the Omni C 4G LTE-M. For the Omni C with a 2G/3G module, an upgrade will be necessary – depending on the schedule of the 2G/3G shutdowns in individual countries.
In May 2020, Stromer wrote the following in response to a customer inquiry 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
Starting in August 2020, Stromer offered a trade-in program for the ST1x, ST2, and ST2S models with monochrome displays for the Swiss and US markets. This was due to the shutdown of the 2G network by Swisscom and Salt. Sunrise followed in early 2023. The „Omni C Display Kit Aktion 2G/3G CH“ was available at a special price (CHF 390.– including 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 informs Swiss customers that the 3G mobile communications standard will be switched off at the end of 2025. This means that all customers with the old Omni C 2G/3G will need an upgrade if they don't want to lose connectivity, anti-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?
The Stromer models ST1, ST1X, ST2, ST2S, ST3, and ST5, produced until the end of 2021, are affected. The following Omni displays are affected:
„SN 403470...
„CON“ with RHL85xx... (starting)
„SN“ with the digits 401023...
After the 3G technology is switched off, connectivity via the mobile network is no longer possible.
ST1 with OMNI BT (Bluetooth only) is not affected by 2G/3G failures.
Function comparison table 3G | 4G
The following table provides information on how the functionality of the 3G-Omni changes after the shutdown of 3G compared to a 4G-Omni. Those who do not wish to retrofit a 4G-Omni can continue to use it, but will lose all functions that require a mobile network connection (locking/unlocking via OTA, OTA firmware updates, anti-theft protection, etc.). Locking/unlocking via Bluetooth will continue to work – at least as long as Bluetooth Classic or Legacy is still supported in the Omni.
Has Stromer been asleep?
Until about 2020, the IoT (Internet of Things) in cars, alarm systems, tracking systems, etc. worked with 2G/3G. The successor technology 4G LTE-M, which Stromer currently uses, was only widely available throughout Europe from around 2021. Expansion in Switzerland was very rapid, but started about 1.5 years later than in Germany.
- End of 2012: 26 cities and municipalities were connected. [nPerf]
- Mid-2013: Already over 300 locations
- 2014: 91 % cover [nPerf]
- By the end of 2024, LTE coverage reached almost 100 % of the population [emnify]
Thus, by 2014, near-universal availability was already present. Swisscom announced the shutdown of 3G in March 2022, and it occurred at the end of 2025/beginning of 2026. Sunrise was the pioneer in June 2025; Salt is currently holding on to 3G for the time being.
In this context, one could criticize that Stromer switched to 4G too late. On the other hand, it is a fact that Stromer has been equipping all new models with 4G LTE-M since Swisscom's announcement of the 3G shutdown (March 2022).
Who pays for the 4G upgrade?
Stromer is not liable for the failure of external telecommunications networks. However, the impact on Swiss owners is significant. Important functions advertised by Stromer are no longer available. To cushion the changeover, Stromer offered the new Omni at a greatly reduced price during a transition period.