The Israeli Ministry of Communications has officially announced that the process of shutting down second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) cellular networks, which began in 2021, is entering its final stages and will be completed by the end of 2025.

This decision is part of a national strategy aligned with a global technological trend, which seeks to optimize and modernize the country's communications infrastructure by reallocating resources and strengthening fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G) networks.

The measure aims to free up frequencies used by older networks for the development and expansion of more advanced services, particularly given the significant growth in demand for mobile connectivity and high-speed data transmission in Israel. Starting in 2026, only cellular devices that support 4G and 5G technologies and have VoLTE (Voice over LTE) calling capabilities, as well as machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems that can operate on these modern networks, will remain in operation.

WHOM DOES IT IMPACT?

The direct impact is on users of older mobile phones, businesses and services that use M2M systems, mobile operators and service providers, and consumers.

CONCLUSION:

This is a high-impact measure due to its national scope, its cross-sector impact, the need for immediate technological renewal, and the potential risks to connectivity and security if not properly implemented.