“The real solution lies in stronger cybersecurity, public education, and coordinated action”
In a world moving fast toward 5G and beyond, the Philippines faces the tough challenge of phasing out its aging 2G network.
For many, this might seem like a no-brainer. After all, countries like the US, Singapore, and Australia have shut down their 2G networks to make room for faster, more efficient technology.
But in our case, it won’t be that simple.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology recently raised the idea of retiring 2G to crack down on text scams that exploit the old system. It’s a valid objective—no one wants to be spammed with fake messages or fall victim to all sorts of scam tactics—but the fix isn’t as easy as flipping a switch.
The reality is there are still an estimated 10 million mobile subscribers on 2G devices who could lose their main way to connect with the world if these networks were abruptly shut down.
For many of these users, upgrading to a smartphone isn’t just a matter of preference—it’s a matter of cost.
Do a quick online search of the local smartphone market and you can find some devices below P5,000. But this is still a steep price for people in marginalized communities or rural areas where 2G remains the only reliable signal.
And it’s not just about owning a smartphone; it’s about knowing how to use it and having access to stable mobile internet. That’s a lot to ask all at once.
Other countries have dealt with this in different ways. Vietnam, for example, launched a massive effort to help people transition.
The government and major telcos handed out free 4G feature phones to the poor, went door-to-door in remote areas, and rolled out cheap data plans.
It worked: in less than a year, their 2G user base dropped from 18 million to just 143,000. But it wasn’t magic—it was deliberate, well-funded, and inclusive.
South Africa and India have taken a different path.
Both recognized that millions still rely on 2G, especially the elderly, rural populations, and low-income groups.
They hesitated to set firm deadlines for shutdowns, aware that moving too fast could lead to even greater digital exclusion. Even in the US, while most networks have moved on, T-Mobile kept its 2G service alive longer than expected because not everyone was ready.
Hence, what we need here in the Philippines is carefully phased and inclusive approach. There’s no denying that 2G is outdated.
But the fact is there are millions of 2G users—these are workers, farmers, senior citizens, and small business owners who still rely on text and voice to stay connected, run errands, or reach family in emergencies.
Phasing out 2G won’t stop scammers either.
Fraudsters are already using social media, email, and messaging apps to spread malicious links.
Telcos have been actively fighting scams—blocking shady SMS messages, promoting safer channels for one-time passwords, and working closely with law enforcement.
The real solution lies in stronger cybersecurity, public education, and coordinated action—not just scrapping a network that still serves millions.
Let’s not forget the realities of our digital infrastructure. In many remote parts of the country, 2G is the only stable mobile signal available. Shutting it down without ensuring coverage parity on newer networks would be like closing the last bridge in town and telling people to swim across instead.
Technology will always push ahead—that’s a given.
But progress isn’t just about speed; it’s about inclusion.
If the shift to newer networks strands the very people who rely on connectivity the most, then we haven’t advanced—we’ve abandoned.
A truly connected Philippines doesn’t leave millions in the digital dust. It ensures that every Filipino, regardless of income or location, has a fair shot at moving forward.
The road to digitalization must not come at the cost of disconnection.
As we talk about shutting down 2G, let’s remember we’re not just retiring a network—we’re making choices that affect lives, livelihoods, and access.
The goal isn’t just to keep up with the world, but to build a future where every Filipino is part of it. Let’s move forward—but with everyone on board.