SK Telecom, South Korea: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
SK Telecom switched off 2G in July 2020 and plans to switch off 3G in 2027, 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 South Korea.
2G and 3G status at SK Telecom
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | Switched off | July 2020 | medium | ddaily.co.kr, koreaherald.com 2G (CDMA) service ended July 2020. |
| 3G | Planned | 2027 | medium | news.bizwatch.co.kr, newstomato.com WCDMA (2.1 GHz). New 3G sign-ups stopped 20 Aug 2026; SKT targets ending 3G by end of next year (i.e. end-2027), gradually and subject to MSIT approval it has yet to request. Not a final date. emnify also lists 31 Dec 2027. |
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 SK Telecom
- 2G devices no longer connect to SK Telecom. Trackers, alarms and meters that only speak GSM/GPRS need a 4G-based replacement, or a SIM that roams onto another network in South Korea still running 2G.
- 3G works until the shutdown (2027). Devices that rely on 3G should move to 4G before then.
- For new devices, choose 4G-based technologies: LTE Cat-1 bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where the network offers them.
- Foreign SIMs in South Korea: permanent roaming of foreign IoT SIMs is allowed with conditions. Details on the South Korea 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 South Korea
| Operator | 2G | 3G |
|---|---|---|
| KT | Switched off, March 2012 | No plan announced |
| LG Uplus | Switched off, June 2021 | Switched off, June 2021 |
All operators and both rules for South Korea: IoT connectivity in South Korea. Every country: 2G and 3G shutdown dates by country and operator.
Frequently asked questions
When did SK Telecom switch off 2G in South Korea?
SK Telecom switched off its 2G network in July 2020. 2G (CDMA) service ended July 2020.
When does SK Telecom switch off 3G in South Korea?
SK Telecom plans to switch off 3G in 2027. WCDMA (2.1 GHz). New 3G sign-ups stopped 20 Aug 2026; SKT targets ending 3G by end of next year (i.e. end-2027), gradually and subject to MSIT approval it has yet to request. Not a final date. emnify also lists 31 Dec 2027.