Movistar, Spain: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
Movistar plans to switch off 2G in 2027 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 Spain.
2G and 3G status at Movistar
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | Planned | 2027 | low | roams.es, wirelesslogic.com Press (May 2026) reports Telefonica set end of 2027 as the deadline to switch off both 2G and 3G (disclosed with Q1 2026 results; no Telefonica document opened). Conflict: Wireless Logic's tracker says Movistar told IoT customers (July 2026) it will keep 2G as an IoT safety net until 2030. The EU also asked operators to keep one circuit-switched network until 2030 (eCall). |
| 3G | Planned | 2027 | medium | roams.es, xatakamovil.com Phase-out in progress: Telefonica confirmed with its Q1 2026 results that the 3G switch-off has begun; by Aug 2026 several areas already had no 3G, final switch-off expected in 2027. Earlier 2025 target was missed. Wireless Logic's tracker gives 31 Dec 2027 for national completion. |
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 Movistar
- 2G devices keep working until the shutdown (2027). Replace 2G-only devices before that date; once the network closes, they lose service on Movistar.
- 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 Spain: permanent roaming is governed by the EU roaming regulation, which generally allows it under wholesale agreements between operators. Details on the Spain 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 Spain
| Operator | 2G | 3G |
|---|---|---|
| MasOrange | Planned, 31 December 2030 | Planned, 31 December 2027 |
| Vodafone Spain | No plan announced | Switched off, 2024 |
All operators and both rules for Spain: IoT connectivity in Spain. Every country: 2G and 3G shutdown dates by country and operator.
Frequently asked questions
When does Movistar switch off 2G in Spain?
Movistar plans to switch off 2G in 2027. Press (May 2026) reports Telefonica set end of 2027 as the deadline to switch off both 2G and 3G (disclosed with Q1 2026 results; no Telefonica document opened). Conflict: Wireless Logic's tracker says Movistar told IoT customers (July 2026) it will keep 2G as an IoT safety net until 2030. The EU also asked operators to keep one circuit-switched network until 2030 (eCall).
When does Movistar switch off 3G in Spain?
Movistar plans to switch off 3G in 2027. Phase-out in progress: Telefonica confirmed with its Q1 2026 results that the 3G switch-off has begun; by Aug 2026 several areas already had no 3G, final switch-off expected in 2027. Earlier 2025 target was missed. Wireless Logic's tracker gives 31 Dec 2027 for national completion.