NTT Docomo, Japan: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
NTT Docomo switched off 2G on 31 March 2012 and switched off 3G on 31 March 2026, according to the sources we checked on 26 October 2026. The table gives each source and how far we trust it; the rest of the page says what this means for IoT devices in Japan.
2G and 3G status at NTT Docomo
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | Switched off | 31 March 2012 | medium | docomo.ne.jp, tele.net.in PDC network (mova and DoPa services) ended 31 Mar 2012 per Docomo's 2009 notice. Tele.net says Japan completed a full 2G shutdown in Sept 2012 (country-level date, not Docomo-specific). |
| 3G | Switched off | 31 March 2026 | high | docomo.ne.jp, itmedia.co.jp FOMA (W-CDMA) and i-mode ended 31 Mar 2026, as announced in 2019. ITmedia (2 Apr 2026) reports some 4G devices lost voice/data from 1 Apr, linked by Docomo to the FOMA end. Last 3G network in Japan. |
Confidence is high when the operator or the regulator states the date, medium when several independent sources agree, low otherwise. We recheck every month.
What it means for IoT devices on NTT Docomo
- 2G devices no longer connect to NTT Docomo. Trackers, alarms and meters that only speak GSM/GPRS need a 4G-based replacement, or a SIM that roams onto another network in Japan still running 2G.
- 3G fallback no longer works on NTT Docomo. Devices built for 3G (UMTS) or that fall back to it lose service; 4G devices with 2G fallback are not affected by this closure.
- For new devices, choose 4G-based technologies: LTE Cat-1 bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where the network offers them.
- Foreign SIMs in Japan: permanent roaming of foreign IoT SIMs is allowed with conditions. Details on the Japan page.
An M2M.global IoT SIM is not tied to a single network in a country, and its data can reach your cloud without the internet through private delivery.
Other operators in Japan
| Operator | 2G | 3G |
|---|---|---|
| KDDI (au) | Switched off, 22 July 2012 | Switched off, March 2022 |
| SoftBank | Switched off, 31 March 2010 | Switched off, 15 April 2024 |
All operators and both rules for Japan: IoT connectivity in Japan. Every country: 2G and 3G shutdown dates by country and operator.
Frequently asked questions
When did NTT Docomo switch off 2G in Japan?
NTT Docomo switched off its 2G network on 31 March 2012. PDC network (mova and DoPa services) ended 31 Mar 2012 per Docomo's 2009 notice. Tele.net says Japan completed a full 2G shutdown in Sept 2012 (country-level date, not Docomo-specific).
When did NTT Docomo switch off 3G in Japan?
NTT Docomo switched off its 3G network on 31 March 2026. FOMA (W-CDMA) and i-mode ended 31 Mar 2026, as announced in 2019. ITmedia (2 Apr 2026) reports some 4G devices lost voice/data from 1 Apr, linked by Docomo to the FOMA end. Last 3G network in Japan.