2G5G

2G5G is a term used in telecommunications to describe approaches that integrate and coexist 2G (GSM/EDGE) networks with 5G networks during the transition from legacy technology to fifth-generation systems. It is not an official standard, but a label used by operators and vendors to discuss strategies that preserve legacy services while enabling 5G capabilities.

Common patterns associated with 2G5G include non-standalone deployments where 5G data services run over a 2G/4G control plane for compatibility, and dual connectivity that allows devices to maintain connections to both 2G and 5G networks. Service continuity mechanisms may route voice and messaging through 2G or 4G when 5G is unavailable or lacks certain features. Some 2G5G architectures also support legacy SMS and circuit-switched services or implement interworking gateways to translate between 2G signaling and 5G signaling.

Use cases for 2G5G include rural or remote areas with partial 5G coverage, devices that do not support 5G, and operator strategies to extend network lifetimes by maintaining 2G for legacy services or for IoT devices that rely on established 2G infrastructures. The approach is also relevant in markets where a rapid transition to full 5G is constrained by device availability, spectrum, or cost.

Benefits and challenges: The main benefits are a smoother transition, reuse of existing spectrum and equipment, and potential cost savings. Challenges include increased network complexity, security considerations, the ongoing cost of maintaining 2G infrastructure, and regulatory or business pressures to sunset 2G.

Standards status: There is no formal 2G5G standard. 3GPP specifications cover 5G NSA/SA and interworking with legacy networks, but the use of “2G5G” is largely descriptive or marketing terminology rather than a defined technology. As networks migrate to 5G, 2G services are increasingly decommissioned in many regions.