2G and 3G switch-off in Japan
Quick answer
2G in Japan: Off, 2010 to 2012. 3G is off (2022 to 2026). 2G is off (2010 to 2012).
3GOff, 2022 to 2026
2GOff, 2010 to 2012
Operators
Checked 30 October 2026.
Dates are set by each operator and can change. Check with us before you plan around them.
| Operator | 3G | 2G |
|---|---|---|
| NTT docomo | Off, 31 March 2026 | Off, March 2012 |
| KDDI (au) | Off, 31 March 2022 | Off, 22 July 2012 |
| SoftBank | Off, 31 July 2024 | Off, March 2010 |
| Rakuten Mobile | Never had | Never had |
Details
- NTT docomo 3G. FOMA (3G) and i-mode ended on 31 March 2026; remaining FOMA contracts were cancelled automatically. NTT docomo
- KDDI (au) 3G. KDDI and Okinawa Cellular ended CDMA 1X WIN 3G on 31 March 2022; 3G and non-VoLTE handsets stopped working from 1 April 2022. KDDI
- SoftBank 3G. 3G ended everywhere except Ishikawa on 15 April 2024 (delayed by the Noto earthquake) and in Ishikawa on 31 July 2024. SoftBank Corp.
- NTT docomo 2G. docomo's company history records that its mova (PDC) and DoPa 2G services ended in March 2012; its 2009 notice had set 31 March 2012 as the end date. NTT docomo
- SoftBank 2G. SoftBank's company history says it ended its 2G (PDC) mobile service in March 2010; SoftBank Mobile had set 2:00 am on 31 March 2010 as the end. SoftBank Corp.
- KDDI (au) 2G. cdmaOne (C-series) and CDMA 1X handsets stopped working on 22 July 2012, when KDDI moved off the old 800 MHz band; KDDI's 2013 annual report confirms it stopped using the old 800 MHz facilities in July 2012. KDDI / Okinawa Cellular
- Rakuten Mobile 3G. Rakuten Mobile has never had a 3G or 2G network. Rakuten Mobile
What this means for your devices
Each SIM profile has its own page, showing where it works and what it supports.
Common questions
When does 2G switch off in Japan?
Off, 2010 to 2012.
Is 3G still working in Japan?
Off, 2022 to 2026.
Sources
- 「FOMA」および「iモード」サービス終了のご案内 (FOMA and i-mode service end), NTT docomo
- 3G携帯電話向けサービス「CDMA 1X WIN」終了のご案内 (updated 1 April 2022), KDDI
- 2024年7月31日（水）をもって、3Gサービスの提供を終了しました。, SoftBank Corp.
- 会社の沿革 (Company history): 平成24年3月「mova」サービスおよび「DoPa」サービスの終了, NTT docomo
- History (Mar. 2010: Terminated the second generation mobile phone service), SoftBank Corp.
- 「CDMA 1X」などのサービス終了およびご利用中のサービスへの対応方法のお知らせ〈参考〉 (handsets that can no longer be used, including all cdmaOne C-series models), KDDI / Okinawa Cellular
- Rakuten Mobile FAQ, Rakuten Mobile
Checked 30 October 2026. Dates move, so check the operator’s own notice before you plan a change.