How to migrate from 2G to LTE-M

The 2G sunset is underway in Spain and the rest of the EU. If your IoT fleet runs on GPRS, you have a window between 2026 and 2030 to migrate, depending on carrier. This guide orders the process so you do not get caught with stuck devices.

1. 1

   Inventory the current fleet

   List by ICCID, IMEI, model, location, and average usage. Flag those already on marginal 2G coverage: they go first.

   Tip: Cross your inventory with the carrier's sunset calendar per region.

2. 2

   Audit the hardware: which modules?

   If modems are 2G-only (Quectel M66, M95, etc.), they must be replaced. If they are old multimode 2G/4G, confirm they support LTE-M or NB-IoT via firmware update.

3. 3

   Pick the target tech

   Static indoor with low traffic: NB-IoT. Moving, voice, or low latency: LTE-M. General purpose with bandwidth: Cat-1 bis. Document the choice per device family.

4. 4

   Select the replacement module

   For LTE-M pick NB+M multimode with Cat-1 fallback if your country needs it. Confirm your carrier supports the tech in both indoor and outdoor coverage.

5. 5

   Update firmware to support the new radio

   TCP/IP stack, AT drivers, PSM/eDRX handling. Bench-test with attenuators to force handover and drops.

6. 6

   Run a 50-100 unit pilot

   One month gives you real usage, attach failures, latency, and battery. If clean, scale by geographic batch.

7. 7

   Block old SIMs once 95% migrated

   Avoid blanket blocks earlier: unmigrated SIMs cost residual fees but at least keep reporting until replaced.