March 31, 2026, marked a subtle yet significant turning point in France: Orange initiated the deactivation of its first 2G antennas in the Bayonne-Anglet-Biarritz region. This move, which largely went unnoticed by the general public, officially signals the beginning of the end for a technology that revolutionized mobile communications in the 1990s. The 2G network, once ubiquitous and responsible for putting mobile phones in nearly every pocket, is slated to be completely dismantled across metropolitan France by December 31st. This extensive shutdown poses a considerable challenge, as it still threatens to impact millions of legacy devices that rely on this network.
France’s 2G Network Shutdown Begins: Millions of Devices at Risk
By Rupert Blackwood
Investigative journalist based in Sheffield, focusing on technology's impact on society. Rupert specializes in cybercrime's effect on communities, from online fraud targeting elderly residents to cryptocurrency scams. His reporting examines social media manipulation, digital surveillance, and how criminal networks operate in cyberspace. With expertise in computer systems, he connects technical complexity with real-world consequences for ordinary people