It has been known for some time that the old mobile networks – called 2G and 3G – will be phased out for a two -year period, from 2025 through 2027.
This is to release capacity to the new 4G and 5G networks, which are the networks that newer technology uses.
But this also means that some gadgets, which only support the older mobile networks, will no longer work the way it should. These objects include older mobile phones and some robotic lawnmowers or alarm systems.
Already in March last year, the Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) and the Consumer Agency went into a joint letter to inform about the measures taken for the old mobile networks to be closed down in a “responsible way”.
In addition to mobile operators informing their customers about the shift, PTS and the Consumer Agency also wrote that dealers of technology products must inform customers in cases where goods only work with 2G and 3G networks and which can thus stop working as they should when the old networks are discontinued.
It is not forbidden to sell technology gadgets that will no longer work with the newer mobile networks. On the other hand, you are obliged to inform customers about the situation – something that it is neglected, according to the Swedish Consumer Agency.
– This generally applies to everyone, whether we have contacted them or not. Companies should provide clear information to consumers, which shows that this product will stop working. It is by law, says Linnéa Fernströmlawyer at the Consumer Agency, to Sweden’s radio.
According to Fernström, as a customer, you have three years to complain if you bought a product that stops working.