The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is stepping up its campaign to phase out outdated mobile technologies, warning the public of serious security threats linked to 2G and 3G networks.
In a briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps, DICT secretary Henry Aguda said the agency’s push to eliminate 2G and 3G services is part of the government’s broader effort to protect consumers from scams and digital fraud.
“Our campaign to eliminate 3G and 2G is to protect the people from scams because 2G and 3G signals are no longer secure,” Aguda said.
He explained that 3G services have already been shut down by the country’s three major telecommunications companies, with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) now waiting for final confirmation of the deactivation.
However, Aguda cautioned that 2G networks remain vulnerable to interception through devices known as IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) catchers or “stingers” — portable signal interceptors that can mimic legitimate cell sites and capture sensitive information such as banking credentials or personal messages.
“If 2G is used as a connectivity, it’s dangerous. That’s what intercepts the signal of what we call stinger or IMSI catcher,” he said. “You might think that the bank or the government is messaging you, but they’re just pretending.”
The DICT chief particularly warned establishments that rely on mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) systems — such as those used in malls and retail outlets — to ensure their devices are not dependent on 2G connectivity.
“In malls where people use online payments and credit cards, I told the telcos they should prioritize removing 2G first,” Aguda added.
While 2G remains in use, especially in remote areas where digital transactions are rare, Aguda said the department is working with telecommunications providers on a phased transition plan to ensure that around 10 million remaining 2G users are not left behind.
“In remote areas, there’s no problem because there’s no online payment or credit card use,” he said. “The problem is when 2G is still used in malls and in Metro Manila.”
