Orange will cease transmitting on its 2G network across France on 20 October 2026, completing a phased shutdown that began in March 2026 in the southwest. The move will affect roughly 4 000 subscribers in the Rhône department – about 0.2 % of the local population – and a similar number region‑wide. Orange cites energy savings, as 2G accounts for 30 % of mobile‑network power consumption, and the high cost of maintaining legacy equipment. The decommissioning will free up antenna sites for denser 4G and 5G coverage, while the remaining 3G network is slated for retirement by the end of 2028. The transition aligns with France’s broader digital upgrade, which already saw the commercial closure of copper‑based ADSL services starting 31 January 2024 and a rapid rollout of fibre to 95 % of premises. Users with older 2G‑only phones are urged to switch to 4G‑ or 5G‑compatible devices to maintain service.
Entities
2G mobile network · 4G/5G networks · France · Orange S.A. · Rhône department