The deployment of 5G coincides with the discontinuation of many old smartphones at Orange.
Are you eager to benefit from 5G near your home? Did you know that this new generation of telecommunications could well sign the end of millions of smartphones around the world? While several operators are still deploying antennas dedicated to true autonomous 5G (and not the one based on old 4G antennas), Orange has announced the shutdown of the network for multiple phones coming in 2025. We explain.
Building a network of telecommunications antennas is expensive. It is a very tedious and expensive process for operators, whether in France or not. Thus, the largest brands such as Orange, Bouygues Telecom, SFR or Free have long relied on old telecommunications antennas to allow their users to benefit from a reliable and efficient mobile network.
But time passes and technologies evolve. Our old 2G has gradually given way to 3G standards and then to 4G, now mainly used in France. Little by little, the new 5G is also being deployed. However, this involves the construction of new dedicated antennas, but not only: 5G can also pass through old antennas that already exist.
For operators, it is out of the question not to adapt. The oldest generations of telecommunications must therefore gradually disappear. This is why Orange has already confirmed its intention to eliminate maintenance of its 2G networks by the end of 2025 and 3G by the end of 2028. As a result, old phones that are only compatible with 2G will no longer be able to use a mobile network. In 2023, Orange estimated that less than 8% of its customers still relied on 2G and 3G networks, which would represent almost a million devices still in service.
While the vast majority of smartphones are still compatible with 3G or 4G, this is not necessarily the case for other infrastructures such as remote alarms for elevators or old vehicles on the market which may still depend on these old communication bands to function.
On the Government side, the Ministry of Digital Transition promised in 2023 that the State would remain vigilant regarding users who depend on 2G and that it would not leave anyone without a solution.
If you still have a very old smartphone, Orange’s planned 2G shutdown in 2025 may be a good indicator to upgrade to a newer model. Don’t hesitate to inquire for advice on the best device that will meet your needs.