Concerns Rise Over Inability to Call 112 After Sweden's 2G/3G Shutdown on December 1, 2025

Sweden is approaching a major telecommunications transition as the shutdown of its 2G and 3G networks is set to be completed by December 1, 2025. This shift aims to accelerate the use of modern technologies such as 4G and 5G, which provide faster and more reliable connectivity. However, this change has surfaced critical public safety concerns, particularly regarding mobile users' ability to contact emergency services via the number 112.

The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) has highlighted alarming reports indicating that numerous older mobile devices—even those capable of making standard calls over 4G—may lose the capability to place emergency calls after the shutdown. The issue stems from these devices lacking support for emergency calls over VoLTE (Voice over LTE), the protocol necessary for emergency communication on 4G networks.

PTS has urged telecom operators, including Tele2, Telenor, Telia, and Tre, to notify their customers about these potential risks and ensure users can still reach emergency services. Each operator's timeline for the network shutdown varies: most plan to complete it by December 1, 2025, while Telia will continue operating its 2G network until the end of 2027. PTS expects operators to cooperate closely, providing detailed customer information and communication plans by November 19, 2025.

This development has sparked concern about public safety, as users with incompatible phones could be cut off from emergency assistance precisely when it is most critical. The shutdown is driven by a need to optimize network efficiency and support emerging technologies. Still, the authorities emphasize the importance of managing the transition carefully to safeguard emergency accessibility.

As the December deadline approaches, the focus remains on ensuring comprehensive public awareness and technical readiness by mobile providers. PTS continues monitoring the situation closely and expects operators to take responsible action to protect citizens' ability to call 112 reliably even after the older networks are shut down.