2G networks are weak when it comes to privacy
The EFF says “There are two main problems with 2G. First, it uses weak encryption between the tower and device that can be cracked in real time by an attacker to intercept calls or text messages. In fact, the attacker can do this passively without ever transmitting a single packet.”
As for the other issue, the EFF notes that “The second problem with 2G is that there is no authentication of the tower to the phone, which means that anyone can seamlessly impersonate a real 2G tower and a phone using the 2G protocol will never be the wiser.” And with some handsets still automatically connecting users to 2G, there is a legitimate threat to privacy that can be controlled by killing off handsets’ 2G connectivity.
Those who owned the OG iPhone might recall that the cellular service available for users was AT&T’s EDGE which was considered something along the lines of 2.5G. Users couldn’t be on a phone call and use the internet at the same time.
So why keep 2G around? That’s a legit question in countries like the U.S., Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan where the service is not being used. But European countries won’t end 2G service until 2025, the year after some South American firms turn off 2G. In South Africa, a 2G shutdown date has yet to be scheduled.
How to turn off 2G on your Android phone
2G signals cannot send data, although you might be able to send/receive SMS messages. Regardless, the 2G kill switch is a notable new feature on Android and shouldn’t impact the experience you are having with your Android device.