The shutdown of the 2G network in Germany means that devices relying solely on GSM mobile communications will no longer be able to transmit location data via the mobile network. Functions such as Bluetooth connections and alarm functions will generally remain available. Modern systems therefore already utilize 4G or other IoT mobile communication standards.

In this article we explain what the 2G network shutdown in Germany means for bicycle GPS trackers and what solutions we offer our users.

Why the 2G network is being switched off in Germany

The so-called 2G networks (GSM) are among the oldest mobile communication standards. They were originally developed for simple voice and data services. Today, many applications require significantly higher data rates and more efficient networks.

Therefore, mobile network operators are planning to repurpose old frequencies and switch off the 2G network in the long term.

Deutsche Telekom explains:

"The shutdown of 2G creates additional capacity for modern mobile technologies and ensures a more powerful network in the long term."

Consumer organizations also point out that numerous devices still rely on GSM. According to the Verbraucherzentrale on the 2G shutdown, many IoT devices continue to use this technology – such as alarm systems, elevators, or GPS trackers.

The reason is simple: Frequencies are limited. If old technologies continue to operate, they block capacity for more modern networks like 4G or 5G.

Impact on GPS trackers for bicycles

The 2G shutdown affects bicycle GPS trackers that rely exclusively on GSM for data transmission. This may lead to long-term limitations in functions such as:

  • Transmission of location data
  • Live tracking outside of Bluetooth range
  • Alarm messages via mobile network

Other functions often remain usable, for example:

  • Bluetooth connection to smartphone
  • Alarm functions
  • App control of the lock

The extent to which a device is affected depends on which mobile communication technology is installed .

2G shutdown in Germany – the most important facts

  • 2G (GSM) is a mobile communication technology from the 1990s.
  • Network operators will use these frequencies for 4G and 5G in the future.
  • Devices with only a 2G connection may be affected.
  • This includes, in some cases , GPS trackers, alarm systems, and IoT devices.

Modern devices increasingly rely on 4G or other IoT standards.

How does the 2G network shutdown affect I LOCK IT locks?

We developed a new product generation early on, which reliably makes life easier for our customers now and in the future.

Our models I LOCK IT PRO and I LOCK IT PRO lite already use a modern 4G mobile module and are thus optimally prepared for future mobile networks.

For precisely this reason, we no longer offer the former model I LOCK IT GPS. It used 2G technology for transmitting location data and alarm messages when there was no Bluetooth connection to the smartphone.

Our solution for owners of the former I LOCK IT GPS model

If you already use an I LOCK IT GPS model, you can rest assured for now. After a complete 2G shutdown in Germany, only GPS tracking transmission via mobile network will no longer be possible.

All other functions will remain usable, including:

  • Smartphone control of the lock
  • acoustic theft alarm
  • alarm messages within Bluetooth range
  • logbook functions

Furthermore, we will offer our customers several solutions in due course:

  • Upgrade offers for owners of the former I LOCK IT GPS model
  • Conversion of certain I LOCK IT PRO variants to 4G
  • Discounts or exchange programs

This way, we ensure that our users have a long-term solution even with technological changes.

Do you own an I LOCK IT GPS model and have questions about the 2G shutdown? Then contact our support.
We will find a solution for you.

Mobile network connectivity is important for GPS trackers

A GPS tracker basically works with two technologies:

1. GPS satellites
 They determine the position of the bicycle.

2. Mobile communications
 It transmits the location data to the smartphone app.

The process typically looks like this:

  1. The device determines its position using GPS satellites.
  2. The position is transmitted via mobile network
  3. The app shows the location of the bicycle.

If a device only supports 2G mobile communications , a 2G network shutdown in Germany could have a long-term impact on data transmission.

Modern systems are therefore increasingly relying on 4G mobile communications or special IoT networks .

What mobile communication technology do modern GPS trackers for bicycles use?

Most GPS trackers for bicycles transmit location data via mobile network. This often involves the use of an integrated SIM card that sends the position data to an app.

Older devices often still use 2G (GSM) for this. Modern bicycle trackers, on the other hand, increasingly rely on 4G mobile networks or other IoT standards because these will remain available in the long term.

This technological shift is one of the reasons why many manufacturers are currently adapting their products to new mobile communication standards.

More information about GPS tracking for bicycles

If you want to understand how GPS trackers for bicycles work technically , we recommend our detailed guide:

→ GPS tracker for bicycles – functionality and theft protection explained

In it we explain, among other things:

  • How GPS trackers determine location data
  • how mobile communications enable position transmission
  • which technologies modern bicycle trackers use.

FAQ

Questions & Answers about the 2G shutdown for bicycle GPS trackers

When will 2G be switched off in Germany?

The shutdown will be carried out gradually by the mobile network operators. Many network operators plan to replace GSM networks with 4G and 5G technologies in the long term.

Which devices are affected by the 2G network shutdown?

Affected are devices that exclusively use GSM mobile communications , for example:

  • older GPS trackers
  • Alarm systems
  • industrial IoT devices
  • networked security systems

Will GPS trackers for bicycles still work after the 2G shutdown?

That depends on the specific device.

If a GPS tracker uses only 2G for data transmission , the transmission of location data via mobile networks may be limited in the long term.

However, Bluetooth functions or local alarm functions often remain available.

Can the former I LOCK IT GPS model still be used after the 2G shutdown?

Yes. Our lock still functions as a smart bicycle lock with app control and alarm function .

Only the transmission of GPS position via the mobile network would be affected in the long term.

Do GPS trackers for bicycles work without a SIM card?

A classic GPS tracker for bicycles without a SIM card can determine its position, but cannot transmit it via the mobile network.

That means:

  • GPS determines position via satellites
  • Without mobile network coverage, the location cannot be sent to an app.

Therefore, most GPS trackers for bicycles use an integrated mobile network connection to transmit location data and alarm messages.

What solution does I LOCK IT offer for existing users?

At I LOCK IT, we offer several options:

  • Upgrade to the current I LOCK IT PRO model
  • Conversion options for certain devices
  • Price reductions or exchange programs

This ensures that future-proof bicycle safety remains possible even with new mobile communication standards.

What technology will future bicycle GPS trackers use?

The future of GPS trackers for bicycles lies in modern mobile communication standards.

Many new devices rely on:

  • 4G mobile communications
  • special IoT networks
  • energy-efficient data transmission

These technologies ensure that trackers remain compatible with future mobile networks in the long term.