Telcel, Mexico: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
Telcel has announced no date to switch off 2G and has announced no date to switch off 3G, 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 Mexico.
2G and 3G status at Telcel
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | No plan announced | none | medium | expansion.mx, xataka.com.mx Telcel keeps its 2G network because about 11% of the population still depends on it; Telcel says it is still reviewing the topic and no date is set for a final 2G/3G shutdown in Mexico. |
| 3G | No plan announced | none | medium | expansion.mx, xataka.com.mx 3G covers about 96% of the population; no defined date for switching off 3G; no national shutdown roadmap from the regulator (IFT replaced by new authorities). Conflict: Kore (May 2026) lists 31 Dec 2026 for Telcel 3G. |
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 Telcel
- 2G keeps running for now. Telcel has announced no closing date, so 2G fallback still helps devices that roam in Mexico, but new designs should not depend on it.
- 3G keeps running for now: Telcel has announced no closing date.
- For new devices, choose 4G-based technologies: LTE Cat-1 bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where the network offers them.
- Foreign SIMs in Mexico: no law we found restricts permanent roaming; mobile operators set the terms. Details on the Mexico 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 Mexico
| Operator | 2G | 3G |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Mexico | Switched off, March 2019 | No plan announced |
| Movistar Mexico | Switched off, January 2021 | Unclear |
All operators and both rules for Mexico: IoT connectivity in Mexico. Every country: 2G and 3G shutdown dates by country and operator.
Frequently asked questions
When does Telcel switch off 2G in Mexico?
Telcel has announced no date to switch off 2G, as of 26 October 2026. Telcel keeps its 2G network because about 11% of the population still depends on it; Telcel says it is still reviewing the topic and no date is set for a final 2G/3G shutdown in Mexico.
When does Telcel switch off 3G in Mexico?
Telcel has announced no date to switch off 3G, as of 26 October 2026. 3G covers about 96% of the population; no defined date for switching off 3G; no national shutdown roadmap from the regulator (IFT replaced by new authorities). Conflict: Kore (May 2026) lists 31 Dec 2026 for Telcel 3G.