2G / GSM Overview

NOTICE - 2G network is discontinued in the United States as of October 1st, 2021.

The Light Phone operates on a 2G GSM network that is made possible by your region’s network coverage. To break things down into simple terms, GSM is a Global System for Mobile communications made up of different bands of information that are named 2G, 3G, and 4G. All of these bands of information have measurements of frequency; for example 2G traditionally has 850, 900 or 1800, 1900 Megahertz (MHz).

Learn more about its history: 2G on Wikipedia

Issues with 2G:
In less populated areas, the weaker digital signal deployed on higher frequencies may not be sufficient to reach a cell tower. 
 

Learn More About Your Region

Find out if your country has 2G GSM coverage here.
Then check if your local mobile provider has 2G coverage here.
Here are some interactive maps that show the coverage of your specific provider: Open Signal, Sensorly and nPerf.

List of Countries

We've tried to collect information regarding the carriers that support the 2G network in different regions around the world. If you do not see your region it does not mean that 2G is unavailable, it just means we have not yet explored that region ourselves, you can use the tools above to do so.
 

North America

USA
2G network is no longer available.

Canada
2G network is no longer available.
 

Europe

Austria
A1 Telekom, T-Mobile, 3 (Drei)

Denmark
TDC, Telenor, Telia

France
Orange, SFR, Bouyges Telecom

Germany
02, T-Mobile, E-Plus, Vodafone

Italy
TIM, Vodafone, Wind, 3 (tre)

Netherlands
KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange

Norway
Telenor, Telia

Russia
MTS, MegaFon, Beeline, Tele2, Yota, SMARTS

Spain
Movistar, Vodafone, Orange

Sweden
Telia, Tele2, Telenor, 3 (Tre), Comviq

Switzerland
Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt

UK
EE, 02, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile

Middle East

Israel
Cellcom, Partner, Golan, Hot Mobile

UAE
Du, Etisalat

Asia

Japan & Korea
Japan & Korea does not support GSM networks.
Please sign up to learn more about a future version.

China
China Mobile, China Unicom

Hong Kong
CMHK, SmarTone, 3, CSL

Taiwan
Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone, T Star, Chinghwa Telecom

Oceania

New Zealand
Vodafone,  2degrees

Australia
Australia does not support 2G network.
Please sign up to learn more about a future version.