2G Network Shutdown in Bangladesh: BTRC Plan and What to Do
Updated: November 2026. 2G is still working in Bangladesh today, but a shutdown is now planned. According to bdnews24 (6 November 2026), BTRC has presented a roadmap that would end 2G service for subscribers in December 2029. The roadmap was shared with operators and stakeholders, so dates can still change. If you use a button phone that does not support VoLTE, it will eventually stop making calls once 2G is switched off. Phones that support VoLTE should keep working.
The BTRC roadmap: key dates
bdnews24 reports that BTRC presented its 2G-end roadmap in October 2026. The reported timeline is:
| When | Reported step |
|---|---|
| December 2026 | No approval for new 2G phone models |
| 31 March 2027 | Manufacturing of 2G phones banned |
| June 2027 | Sales of 2G phones stop |
| December 2029 | 2G service ends for subscribers |
BTRC estimates that about 61.3 million SIM subscribers use 2G handsets, and most of those handsets do not support VoLTE. An April 2025 report had said BTRC was examining a 2G phase-out in the 2028 to 2029 window, so the plan has become more specific since then. Treat all dates as a proposal until BTRC issues a final directive.
What this means for feature-phone users
- Nothing changes today. Voice calls and SMS on 2G continue to work.
- 2G-only phones will stop working for calls when the 2G network is turned off, because voice is expected to move to VoLTE on 4G.
- VoLTE button phones keep working on the 4G network.
- New 2G phones come off the market first: the reported plan blocks new 2G models and ends their sale before the network itself closes.
The bdnews24 report also warns that elderly people and those not comfortable with touchscreens could struggle, and it says how so many handsets will be replaced is unclear. Industry voices quoted there suggested bundled voice-and-data offers and instalment plans to ease the move.
Is 2G tied to internet shutdowns?
In past government-ordered mobile internet shutdowns, operators said 2G voice and SMS stayed available while 3G and 4G data were blocked. That is why many people see 2G as a protected emergency layer. A 2G switch-off would change that pattern, which is one more reason the transition is being discussed carefully.
How to check whether your phone or SIM is affected
- Check the phone's network support. Look at the specs or the box. If it lists only GSM or 2G, it will not work after 2G ends. If it lists 4G LTE, check for VoLTE.
- Test VoLTE. On a smartphone, look in Settings for a VoLTE or HD Voice option. On a button phone, VoLTE support is usually printed on the box or listed on the maker's spec page.
- Check your SIM. Many older SIMs need a replacement to use 4G and VoLTE. Ask your operator's care centre. We cover the 3G-era version of this in our 3G network guide.
- Check coverage. 4G must be available where you live. See our 4G network guide and the operator guides for Grameenphone, Banglalink and Robi.
- Check the IMEI. Dial *#06# to see it. Handset registration rules are tightening, so avoid unregistered grey-market phones.
What to buy if you need to upgrade
bdnews24 quotes current button phones at roughly Tk 900 to 1,000 and notes the government's goal of locally made smartphones near Tk 4,000 to 5,000. If you buy a phone now, choose one with 4G and VoLTE. Brands with feature phones and entry-level 4G models in Bangladesh include itel, Nokia, Symphony and Walton. You can also browse phones in the under 5,000 taka range. Always confirm VoLTE support and the official warranty before paying.
Other things that depend on 2G
Not only phones use 2G. Worldwide, some machine-to-machine links such as meters and vehicle trackers still use 2G SIMs. Whether Bangladeshi systems will need migration before 2029 has not been confirmed in the sources we checked, so we make no specific claims about them here.
Should you upgrade now?
If your phone works and the shutdown is more than three years away, there is no emergency. But the reported stop on new 2G models and 2G sales in 2027 means replacement will gradually get harder to put off. Industry figures quoted by bdnews24 say 2G-only handsets typically last three to four years. Plan the switch to a VoLTE phone before 2029, especially for parents or relatives who rely on simple phones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Bangladesh announced a 2G shutdown?
BTRC has presented a roadmap that targets December 2029, according to bdnews24 on 6 November 2026. It is a plan, and final details may change.
Will my button phone stop working?
Only if it is 2G-only and the network is switched off. Button phones with VoLTE should continue working on 4G.
Can I still buy a 2G phone?
For now, yes. The reported roadmap would stop approving new models from December 2026, ban manufacturing from 31 March 2027 and stop sales from June 2027.
Do I need a new SIM?
Possibly. Older SIMs may not support 4G or VoLTE, so ask your operator.
Does this affect 3G users?
3G is on its own path of being phased out. Read our 3G guide for the current status.
Sources
Written by
Johirul IslamAbout Johirul Islam
