Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Elisa Eesti announced on 14 October 2026 that it will switch off its Estonian 2G network during 2028. The closure will be phased by region, not carried out on one published nationwide day. Most 4G and 5G phones will continue working, but 2G-only handsets and long-lived connected equipment—such as alarms, meters, payment terminals and industrial controllers—may need replacement or upgrades.
When will Elisa turn off 2G in Estonia?
Elisa’s target is 2028. The operator has not published a single national cut-off date. Regional shutdowns will happen in stages, and the order of regions and exact dates were still being prepared when the announcement was reported. Treat 2028 as the transition year rather than a specific day on which every Elisa 2G connection will stop simultaneously.
The announcement concerns Elisa Eesti’s network. It does not establish shutdown dates for other Estonian mobile operators.
Why Elisa is retiring 2G
Elisa says its 2G service has been running for more than 30 years. The technology was designed when a mobile phone’s main job was calling and sending text messages. Newer 4G and 5G networks can provide safer, more reliable and more energy-efficient communications while using limited radio spectrum more efficiently, according to Elisa technology executive Toomas Polli.
#1 Best Overall
- Supported 4G carrier: T-mobile. Unsupported 4G carrier: Metro, Mint, Verizon, Sprint, Visible, Straight Talk, Boost, Xfinity, US Cellular, AT&T, Cricket, Consumer Cellular, Assur ance Wireless. T7 PrMx unlocked android phone features a 6.6-inch high-definition Incell screen that delivers clear, bright visuals for video watching, web browsing, reading and social media. With a lightweight and ergonomic body design, it fits comfortably in your hand and pocket. The stylish and durable build makes it an ideal budget smartphone for seniors, students, or as a reliable backup phone for everyday basic use.
- Powered by MTK6737 chip and running on Android 12 operating system, this 4G smartphone ensures stable and smooth performance for daily tasks like calls, messages, light apps and simple browsing. It comes with 4GB RAM + 32GB internal storage, and supports memory expansion up to 256GB via TF card, providing plenty of space for photos, music, apps and files to meet your daily storage needs.
- Equipped with a 5000mAh high-capacity battery, this cell phone offers long-lasting usage to reduce frequent charging, supporting all-day working, browsing and communication. It adopts Type-C charging port for faster and more convenient charging, which is durable and easy to use. The phone also supports OTG function, allowing you to connect external devices for data transmission or reverse charging easily.
- Capture your daily wonderful moments with the 16MP rear camera and 13MP front camera, taking clear photos and selfies for recording life. This unlocked smartphone supports face unlock, which helps you unlock your phone quickly and safely, protecting your personal privacy efficiently. Simple operation and sensitive recognition bring you a smarter and more convenient using experience.
- This 4G dual SIM mobile phone is designed with triple card slots, supporting 2 Nano SIM cards + 1 TF card at the same time, perfect for separating work and personal life. It supports multiple 2G/3G/4G bands for stable network connection. The package includes a full set of accessories: smartphone, charger, Type-C data cable, earphone, screen protector, protective case, SIM pin and English user manual, ready to use out of the box.
Elisa already completed its 3G shutdown in 2024. That left 4G and 5G as its modern network layers, while 2G remained available mainly for legacy voice and machine-to-machine connections.
Who is most likely to be affected?
Most mobile data and voice traffic already uses newer networks, and modern smartphones generally support 4G or 5G. The highest risk is equipment that was installed years ago and is expected to operate for a decade or more.
- 2G-only mobile phones: These will lose Elisa service after the local 2G layer is switched off.
- Security and alarm systems: Older alarm communicators may use a 2G modem to contact a monitoring centre.
- Electricity and water meters: Utility telemetry modules can contain embedded 2G radios even when the meter itself appears modern.
- Payment terminals: Portable or unattended terminals may rely on a 2G cellular link for authorisations.
- Industrial, building and property automation: Controllers, lift systems, heating equipment and other remote-management devices may have a 2G modem hidden inside a gateway.
A device that has Wi-Fi, Ethernet or a wired connection is not automatically safe: it may still use 2G as its backup or primary wide-area link.
Rank #2
- 4G Full Network Compatibility & Powerful Performance: Equipped with MTK6739 chipset and 4GB RAM + 32GB ROM, the T26Ultra supports 4G FDD/TDD, 3G WCDMA and 2G GSM networks,Stay connected worldwide—use dual SIM to separate work/personal lines.GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon.
- 6.6" Incell HD Display & Dual Camera: 6.6-inch Incell HD screen delivers clear visuals for streaming and browsing. 13MP front + 16MP rear dual cameras capture crisp selfies and vivid daily photos, easily preserving your precious moments.
- Large Storage & Triple Card Tray: 32GB internal storage, expandable up to 256GB via microSD card (not included). Triple card tray supports 2 Nano SIM cards + 1 memory card simultaneously, realizing dual SIM standby and flexible storage expansion.
- Long-Lasting Battery & Convenient Features: 5000mAh large-capacity battery supports all-day use without frequent charging. Type-C charging port for fast and stable charging; supports Face Unlock for quick and secure access, plus OTG function for easy connection to external devices.
- Complete Package & User-Friendly: The package includes smartphone, charger, Type-C cable, earphone, screen protector, phone case, SIM card ejector pin, English manual and OTG adapter. Ready to use right out of the box, perfect for daily use and travel.
Will an old phone still work?
A phone that supports only 2G will not be a viable Elisa handset after the shutdown reaches its region. A phone with 4G LTE can continue carrying data, but voice calling also requires voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) support and operator compatibility. Check both specifications before buying a replacement.
| Phone capability | Expected position after Elisa 2G closure | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| 2G only | Calls and texts will stop on the affected Elisa area. | Replace the handset before the local shutdown. |
| 4G LTE without VoLTE | Mobile data may work, but normal voice calling is not assured. | Confirm VoLTE support, software enablement and Elisa compatibility. |
| 4G LTE with VoLTE | Practical replacement for a 2G voice handset. | Check the phone’s LTE bands used in Estonia and its SIM requirements. |
| 5G with VoLTE | Can use 5G data and 4G voice where coverage and plan support them. | Confirm VoLTE; 5G alone does not guarantee voice service. |
When comparing replacement phones, consider VoLTE certification, the LTE bands used in Estonia, battery life, accessibility features and the total cost of ownership—not just the headline 5G label.
What to do about alarms, meters and other equipment
There is no universal “2G switch” for embedded systems. The correct upgrade depends on the modem, network bands, SIM, antenna, software and the vendor’s support policy.
Rank #3
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
- Make an inventory. List every alarm communicator, meter, terminal, tracker, gateway and automation controller that contains a cellular connection. Record its location, model, serial number, SIM type and the service it supports.
- Identify the radio technology. Look for 2G, GSM or GPRS in the manual, management screen or installation record. Do not assume a device is 4G because it was installed recently.
- Ask the vendor or installer for a migration path. Confirm whether a 4G or 5G modem, a complete gateway replacement or a firmware change is required, and whether remote updating is supported.
- Check network compatibility. Verify the replacement’s LTE bands in Estonia, antenna and coverage requirements, SIM or eSIM format, carrier certification and any private-network or roaming restrictions.
- Test the service before the regional deadline. An alarm should reach its monitoring centre, a payment terminal should complete a transaction, and a meter or controller should report normally after the upgrade. Keep a rollback or on-site service plan for critical systems.
- Plan procurement early. Businesses should allow for site visits, configuration, certification and long replacement lead times. Record the vendor’s remaining support life so a new gateway is not stranded by another retirement.
| Migration question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Supported LTE bands | A modem can be labelled 4G yet lack the bands needed for reliable service in Estonia. |
| Antenna and coverage | New radios may need a different antenna, placement or signal assessment. |
| SIM or eSIM support | The physical format, provisioning and remote-SIM policy can differ from the existing installation. |
| Remote management | Remote diagnostics and firmware updates can reduce repeat visits to dispersed sites. |
| Installation effort | Critical equipment may require downtime, rewiring, recertification or a technician. |
| Vendor support life | A supported 4G/5G replacement reduces the risk of another forced migration soon. |
How customers will be notified
Elisa says it will contact affected customers in advance and provide instructions for updating devices and services. Keep account contact details current, but do not wait for a message if you operate critical equipment: regional dates are not yet published, and procurement or installation can take months.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuestions to ask before replacing anything
- Is the device genuinely 2G-only, or does it already support LTE?
- For a phone, is VoLTE enabled and supported on Elisa’s network?
- For an embedded device, which LTE bands, SIM type and antenna are required?
- Will the installer test the complete service, not only the modem’s signal?
- How long will the replacement receive firmware, security and technical support?
- What is the planned Elisa shutdown phase for the device’s region, and what contingency exists if installation is delayed?
Bottom line for 2028
Elisa Eesti’s 2G retirement is a regional, phased change scheduled for 2028. Owners of ordinary modern smartphones generally need only confirm 4G LTE and VoLTE support. Owners of alarms, meters, terminals and automation systems should start an equipment audit now, because each migration may involve a different modem, band, SIM, antenna and installation plan.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
