A million Israelis face mobile blackout as 2G, 3G shutdown looms

A million Israelis could lose mobile phone access by year’s end as cellular companies prepare to axe second- and third-generation (2G and 3G) networks on December 31. The move, set after four years of planning, threatens communication chaos—especially for Haredi, elderly, and low-income users—amid war and tech transitions.

Shutdown Details: A Million at Risk

The Ministry of Communications estimates 1.5 million mobile lines still rely on 2G and 3G, with a million in personal hands and 500,000 tied to devices like gates and medical equipment. A study leaked to Israel Hayom warns that the December cutoff could sever phone service for these users, disrupt data, and disable critical systems—think elevators or defibrillators. “Leaving a million people without cellular in wartime is unthinkable,” a senior official said, citing Germany’s week-long outage after a similar switch.

These aging networks, offering voice-only service, serve Haredi users with “kosher” phones, religious Jews avoiding smartphones, seniors wedded to button devices, and poorer households unable to upgrade. Companies, spending millions to maintain them, will drop 2G and 3G simultaneously to avoid competitive losses, per Ministry orders.

Hurdles: From Kosher to Cash

The shift to 4G and 5G—where over 90% of Israel’s devices already operate—hits roadblocks. Low-income users lack funds for new phones, Haredi communities need rabbinical approval for “kosher” smartphones, and the elderly face tech adoption woes, risking scams. Cellular firms eye profits, planning cheap Chinese models (up to 1,000 shekels) to replace a million units, but affordable, approved options lag. A Ministry media blitz, including Haredi papers, aims to spur demand and solutions.

Beyond Phones: Data and Devices

The fallout extends past calls. Data-driven gates will fail, requiring fixes, while medical devices on 2G/3G prompted alerts to Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah. Companies see a windfall—selling phones and upselling 5G or internet—but spam laws curb SMS outreach, complicating the transition.

Ministry’s Take

The Ministry insists it’s on track: “This multi-year shift aligns globally. Most devices are 4G/5G-ready, and we’re working with providers to upgrade the rest by December.” Yet, with no clear fix for a million users, disruptions loom.

Israel Hayom contributed to this article.