Understanding the 2G Sunset: Your Guide to Choosing the Right GPS Trac

⚡️ TL;DR The 2G Sunset - What you need to know

The mobile world is changing. Network operators are currently phasing out 2G networks to make room for faster 4G and 5G technology. This "2G Sunset" means that older tracking technology (e.g. Cobblestone & Cobblestone Pro) will eventually lose its ability to communicate.

The Timeline:

France: Phase-out has begun, expected completed in 2026
Sweden: Total phase-out by end of 2027
The Netherlands: Total phase-out by the end of 2027
Czech Republic: Total phase-out by end of 2028
Germany: Begins in 2028 with total phase-out by 2030

*Sources: Onomondo | Smartviser | Telenor

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🔍 Choosing Your Tracker: Cobblestone vs. Gemstone

Feature	Cobblestone (2G)	Gemstone (4G / LTE-M)
Best For	Short-term projects (1-3 years)	Long-term security (5+ years)
Battery Life	Up to 4 years	Up to 6 years
Coverage	EU + UK (if 2G is still available)	150+ Countries (4G networks)
Durability	IP67 Waterproof	IP68 (Highest protection)
Key Advantage	Most cost-effective	Future-proof & Indoor WiFi tracking

💡 Which one should you buy?

Choose Gemstone (4G) if:

You want a "set-and-forget" solution for the next 5+ years.
You travel internationally and need worldwide coverage.
You need indoor tracking (WiFi-sniffing).
You want the most reliable, high-performance technology available.

Choose Cobblestone (2G) if:

You only need tracking for a short-term project (2-3 years).
You want a budget-friendly GPS tracker and need immediate updates.
You operate strictly within EU, in regions where 2G is still active

Packaging for Gemstone. 4G GPS tracker for locating vehicles and valuables.

Cobblestone packaging. GPS tracker for locating vehicles and valuables.

Gemstone GPS Tracker Cobblestone GPS Tracker

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What is the 2G Sunset?

Many mobile network operators suggest that 2G in Europe will remain until around 2030, mainly due to implications of M2M and IoT applications. But make no mistake, 2G is on the way out -- just look at Latvia, Portugal, and Norway, who have all already closed their 2G networks.

Now, in 2026, France begins its shutdown with many countries slowly following suit in the next 4 years to come.

But the big question, which often leaves consumers confused:

Why are networks being shut down?
Who decides that a 2G network is being shut down?

Why are 2G networks being shut down?

Think of the mobile network like a highway: 5G is a Ferrari, 4G is a modern lorry, and 2G is a older VW Golf. Right now, we trying to fit all of these onto the same road.

To make the highway faster and safer for everyone on it (internet users), the old VWs have to be retired. Even though the VW Golf is a stable and great car, it takes up space.

1. Speed and Capacity 📻

The "lanes" on the highway are radio frequencies, and these are limited. 2G technology is old and very slow, since it was built for text messages and calls. Through "sunsetting" 2G, mobile operators can take those same frequencies and give them to 4G and 5G.

Out with the slow, in with massive data speeds for video streaming, browsing etc.

2. Energy Efficiency ⛽️

The old VW is great, but it sure does use a lot of fuel -- unlike modern engines. In the same way, 2G hardware requires a massive amount of electricity to stay powered on. 4G and 4G towers are much more energy-efficient, helping network operators reduce their carbon footprint.

More powerful/modern technology = more energy-efficient.

3. Better Security 🛡️

2G was designed in an era before modern cybersecurity threats existed. It lacks the advanced encryption that 4G and 5G provides, giving your data and location protection from hackers.

No more optional airbags, they now come as standard.

Who decides that a 2G is being shut down?

The 2G sunset is an industry-wide transition driven by mobile network operators. To keep with our previous, mobile data = a highway, it's the companies building the cars. Ferrari (5G), modern lorries (4G), and old VW golfs (2G).

GPS manufacturers have no say.

We @CopenhagenTrackers, for example, choose which car to put into our GPS trackers, and the reason that Cobblestone uses 2G is because it's an older product -- slowing coming to the end of its life.

But we have something very special in the works for 2026...

New GPS tracker 2026 @CopenhagenTrackers