IoT connectivity in Malaysia
Updated
In Malaysia, we have not yet found a reliable source on permanent roaming. Of the 3 mobile operators we track there, 0 have switched off 2G and 3 3G, as of 26 October 2026. Sources are listed below each table.
Permanent roaming
No reliable source found yet. See how we search in the permanent roaming guide.
2G and 3G shutdowns by operator
| Operator | Network | Status | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CelcomDigi | 2G | No plan announced | none | help.celcomdigi.com CelcomDigi help page (modified Feb 2025) says there are no current plans to shut down 2G, which still supports users and M2M devices. CelcomDigi = Celcom Axiata + Digi, merged in 2022. |
| CelcomDigi | 3G | Switched off | 31 December 2021 | help.celcomdigi.com, lowyat.net CelcomDigi says 3G was fully shut down by 31 Dec 2021 after a phased 2021 switch-off (Celcom and Digi networks, before their merger). MCMC said in Feb 2022 that the last national 3G sites would go by end of March 2022 (floods delayed some regions). |
| Maxis | 2G | No plan announced | none | hotlink.com.my Maxis/Hotlink network FAQ says Maxis maintains its 2G network for voice and SMS where 4G/5G is weak; no end date given. |
| Maxis | 3G | Switched off | December 2023 | hotlink.com.my, korewireless.com Maxis/Hotlink FAQ says nationwide 3G retirement is complete and dates it December 2023. Conflict: Kore lists 31 Dec 2021, matching the national JENDELA target (end 2021, last sites by March 2022); the 2023 date may reflect final decommissioning. |
| U Mobile | 3G | Switched off | December 2021 | myjendela.my, korewireless.com MCMC's JENDELA 3G sunset FAQ names U Mobile among operators retiring 3G by end of December 2021. Kore lists U Mobile's 3G shutdown as finished but gives 6 Oct 2023; national completion was reported for March 2022. Exact U Mobile end date unconfirmed. |
What it means for IoT devices in Malaysia
- 2G still runs on some networks, but plan new devices on 4G-based technologies (LTE Cat-1bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where available): 2G is being closed across the region.
- 3G is already gone on 3 networks: devices that fall back to 3G will lose service there.
- Private delivery works the same from Malaysia: device data reaches your cloud over private links. See private delivery.
Other countries in Asia-Pacific
Full tables: permanent roaming rules by country and 2G and 3G shutdown dates.
Frequently asked questions
When is 2G switched off in Malaysia?
Status by operator, as of 26 October 2026. CelcomDigi: no shutdown plan announced; Maxis: no shutdown plan announced.
When is 3G switched off in Malaysia?
Status by operator, as of 26 October 2026. CelcomDigi: switched off (2021-12-31); Maxis: switched off (2023-12); U Mobile: switched off (2021-12).