The End of 2G and 3G in Poland: Switch to Fast 4G/5G with Lyca Mobile

2G and 3G are old news! 

What was once the pinnacle of cellular technology is now being slowly phased out. 

They’re being replaced by the more advanced 4G and 5G. 

In fact, the 2G and 3G switch-off in Poland is rapidly gaining pace, with major network operators asking their customers to upgrade their devices to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. 

If you’re still on a 2G/3G connection, then the time has come for you to buy a smartphone with 4G/5G connectivity.

The sections below discuss this topic in detail. It talks about the reasons for the end of 2G and 3G in Poland, the impact the shutdown will have on the users, why Lyca Mobile is the best upgrade option available, and more! Head right in. 

Why 2G/3G Networks Are Shutting Down in Poland 

Let’s first talk about the reasons why 2G and 3G are coming to an end in Poland. There are four major reasons, which are discussed below. 

2G/3G Is Outdated 

2G was introduced in 1991. 3G has been around since 2001. 

This means that 2G is over 30 years old and 3G is over 20 years old. It’s a surprise that a piece of technology even survived this long, considering the pace at which the world is moving. 

In 2026, it simply doesn’t make sense to use 30- or 20-year-old technology, especially when faster, cheaper, and more efficient alternatives exist. 

Spectrum Reallocation to 4G/5G 

Spectrum reallocation is when the existing frequency bands are reallocated for efficiency purposes. In this case, the existing 2G/3G bands are being reallocated to accommodate the more advanced 4G/5G bands. 

As mentioned earlier, the older technology has to go, especially when it comes to frequency bands. This is because the radio spectrum is a limited resource, and cellular operators have to make smart decisions to make the best use of what’s available. 

Low Efficiency and High Operating Costs 

2G and 3G are what one would call legacy technology. They’re on their way out, as there are better replacements available. 

In a situation like this, it wouldn’t be a smart move to invest resources in legacy systems, especially when you consider the small number of people who still rely on 2G and 3G in Poland. 

Then there’s the talk about efficiency. 2G and 3G don’t even come remotely close in terms of efficiency and speed offered by 4G and 5G. The lower efficiency and higher operating costs make the 2G and 3G shutdown in Poland a reasonable decision. 

EU-Wide Modernization Trend 

Poland is not the first country to bring an end to 2G and 3G.  

Telecom operators in other European countries have already shut down 3G and are in the process of shutting down 2G. 

Countries like Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Ireland have already pulled the plug on 3G and have proposed deadlines for 2G shutdown. 

This modernization trend is fast catching up with other countries in the EU, including Poland. Some operators have initiated the 3G switch-off in Poland. 2G shutdown in Poland, on the other hand, is expected to take slightly longer due to its role in legacy IoT, machine-to-machine communication (M2M), and backup voice services. 

What Will Be the Impact on Users? 

This section isn’t meant to scare you. But the end of 2G and 3G in Poland will have undesirable consequences. Here are a few of them. 

• Older Phones may Become Non-Functional: Older models, especially feature phones that support only 2G/3G SIM cards, may become non-functional, interrupting mobile connectivity. 
• Interruption to Emergency Calls: This is a serious concern. A phone with only 2G/3G support becomes useless in situations where users would like to contact emergency services. 
• Reduced Internet Speeds: 2G, at 50 kbps, is the slowest when it comes to internet speeds. 3G fares slightly better at approximately 8 Mbps. Neither of these speeds is remotely close to 4G/5G technology that offers upwards of 50 Mbps. 
• Disconnected Mobile Data: If you have a phone that supports only 2G/3G, then you risk being disconnected from the internet when 2G/3G networks shut down in Poland. 
• Dropped Calls: The number of dropped calls also increases as the older 2G/3G frequencies get replaced with the newer 4G/5G technologies. 

How to Check if Your Phone Supports 4G/5G & VoLTE 

You might be wondering whether your phone will work after the 2G and 3G shutdown in Poland. 

Well, the answer to that depends on whether your phone supports 4G VoLTE and 5G. 

But how do you find that? 

Most modern devices come with 4G and 5G support. Meaning a simple device upgrade solves this issue. 

But if you still aren’t sure, here are the steps to check whether your device supports 4G/5G. 

iOS 

Step 1: Open the Settings app. 

Step 2: Tap on Cellular/Mobile Service. 

Step 3: Tap on Mobile Data Options. 

Step 4: Tap on Voice & Data 

If you have the option to switch between 4G and 5G, then your iOS device will survive the 2G and 3G shutdown in Poland without any issues. 

Android 

Step 1: Open the Settings app. 

Step 2: Tap on Connections/Network & Internet. 

Step 3: Tap on Mobile Network. 

Devices that support 4G/5G will have the relevant options under Preferred network type or Network mode menu. 

Why Lyca Mobile Is the Best Option After the Shutdown 

Now it’s time to talk about the upgrade! 

Don’t be caught in a situation where you’re left with a 2G/3G phone without connectivity. 

The end of 2G/3G in Poland presents the perfect opportunity for you to upgrade to a better device. 

And if you’re upgrading to a smartphone, then you must get a Lyca Mobile connection. 

Why, you ask? 

Lyca Mobile has some of the best prepaid plans in Poland.  

Here’s a look at Lyca Mobile’s prepaid plans. 

 In addition to the exceptional value you get, here are some benefits you get to enjoy when you buy a Lyca Mobile 4G/5G plan + SIM/eSIM bundle. 

• Lyca Mobile supports 4G LTE/5G by default. It swaps between the two based on network availability. 
• Those who buy the To All L prepaid plan can get up to 21000 GB extra. The To All M and To All M Plus gets you up to 1800 GB and 2400 GB extra. Read the plan’s terms and conditions for more information. 
• Lyca Mobile’s plans follow the prepaid model. Just pick a plan, pay for it, and enjoy the benefits for 30 days. 
• Lyca also supports eSIMs, which are activated digitally and instantly. This is a great option for travelers who’re visiting Poland and want a local connection quickly. 
• Lyca Mobile’s SIM cards work on all unlocked devices that support 4G/5G. Lyca’s eSIMs work on compatible devices. Check device compatibility before purchasing a Lyca Mobile eSIM. 
• You’re assured of exceptional coverage when you partner with Lyca Mobile. 
• Lyca has some of the best prices for prepaid plans in Poland. 

Is the Upgrade a Future-Proof Solution? 

Yes, 4G/5G is the future of cellular technology. It will be mainstream until the commercial deployment of 6G, which isn’t expected until 2030. 

Many countries in Europe, including Poland, are in the process of shutting down 2G and 3G. It’s recommended that you make the switch to avoid connectivity disruption. 

It doesn’t make sense to still stick with 2G/3G in 2026. Upgrade your device as soon as possible. 

And along with your new device, make sure to get a Lyca Mobile prepaid plan + SIM/eSIM bundle. Lyca is ready for anything, even if 5G becomes the norm tomorrow. 

Upgrade your device today to enjoy uninterrupted connectivity even after the end of 2G and 3G in Poland. You’re missing out on the speed and efficiency of 4G/5G by sticking to an older device. 

Visit the eSIM page if you already have a SIM card and are wondering how to upgrade to a Lyca Mobile eSIM.