SoftBank, Japan: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
SoftBank switched off 2G on 31 March 2010 and switched off 3G on 15 April 2024, 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 SoftBank
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | Switched off | 31 March 2010 | medium | softbank.jp, tele.net.in PDC 2G service discontinued at 2:00 am on 31 Mar 2010 (SoftBank Mobile release). Tele.net confirms Japan's 2G networks were all shut by 2012. |
| 3G | Switched off | 15 April 2024 | high | softbank.jp, english.adnkronos.com 3G discontinued 15 Apr 2024; exception: Ishikawa Prefecture kept 3G until 31 Jul 2024 because of the Noto Peninsula earthquake. |
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 SoftBank
- 2G devices no longer connect to SoftBank. 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 SoftBank. 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 |
| NTT Docomo | Switched off, 31 March 2012 | Switched off, 31 March 2026 |
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 SoftBank switch off 2G in Japan?
SoftBank switched off its 2G network on 31 March 2010. PDC 2G service discontinued at 2:00 am on 31 Mar 2010 (SoftBank Mobile release). Tele.net confirms Japan's 2G networks were all shut by 2012.
When did SoftBank switch off 3G in Japan?
SoftBank switched off its 3G network on 15 April 2024. 3G discontinued 15 Apr 2024; exception: Ishikawa Prefecture kept 3G until 31 Jul 2024 because of the Noto Peninsula earthquake.