Almost 20 years ago, the 3G network paved the way for the era of mobile internet. Today, however, this once pioneering generation of mobile communications is considered outdated and has been replaced by the more powerful 4G and 5G networks. According to Swisscom, only 1.1 percent of mobile data traffic runs on 3G today, while the outdated network still occupies a good 9 percent of antenna capacity. And this is limited.

To create capacity, 3G will be switched off nationwide by the end of the year. Although Salt has not yet announced a date, Sunrise took the step back in June 2025, and Swisscom will follow by the end of 2025. As of 31.12.2025, many old, still 3G-based EC devices will no longer function. This affects smartphones and tablets as well as Kartenlesegerät.

Your company could also be affected by this step. Especially if your POS terminal has been in use for a while, you should check whether it will still be operational in the future. If not, you need to quickly arrange for a replacement device, otherwise you risk a payment failure and corresponding loss of revenue. But don't worry – Payrexx will help you!

How can you tell if the 3G shutdown affects you?

First things first: Only those devices that are connected to the mobile network are affected – in other words, those that have an integrated SIM card. However, if your Kartenlesegerät runs purely over the WLAN network or another connection, it does not need to be replaced. In some cases, a switch may be worthwhile here as well, because older devices are usually no longer updated by the manufacturer and can have corresponding security gaps.

You can check whether your current Kartenlesegerät (with SIM card) is based on the 3G network using the following points:

• Check the network display on your device: As with mobile phones, this is usually displayed at the top right corner of the screen. If it constantly shows 4G, LTE or 5G, your terminal is not affected.

• Check the network settings of your device: By default, these can be found in the settings under menu items such as “Connections” or “Mobile networks”. Here it should be clear whether your device uses 3G, 4G, or 5G.

• Look on the back of your device: On most devices, you will find a sticker here showing, among other information, such as the serial number and barcode, the network. Attention, look closely! The text is often written in very small print.

• Consult your manufacturer or check their website. Most terminal providers have clearly communicated which of their devices will no longer function in the future. And if you do not immediately find this information, a support request or phone call is recommended.

Thanks to the integrated SIM card, the POS devices run smoothly, anywhere, via the 4G network.

What should you do if your device is affected?

If your current Kartenlesegerät is using the 3G network, you have to act quickly! If you do not replace the device by the end of 2025, you risk a payment failure in 2026. Your device will simply no longer function and will not be able to process payments. Therefore, make sure to quickly find a new device.

If your current terminal is a rental device, you should return it to the provider as soon as possible. Otherwise, there is a risk that they will eventually refuse to take it back and you will be stuck with unnecessary costs. Depending on the provider, delivery can also be delayed. Therefore, you should order as early as possible so that the new device arrives on time.

All of these are inconveniences that you can avoid with Payrexx. If you order your POS terminal from the leading Swiss payment provider for SMEs, it will arrive completely ready for operation within a few working days. You only have to turn it on and can immediately receive payments, securely and reliably over the powerful 4G network.

Currently, you also benefit from the exclusive introductory price: You only pay 9 instead of 25 EUR per month for your POS terminal!

Learn more about Payrexx POS devices ➜

What should you do if your device is affected?

As the leading Swiss payment provider for SMEs, Payrexx is committed to simplifying payments for businesses of all sizes – whether online or on-site. The Payrexx Nexgo POS terminals are not only powerful and reliable in payment processing, but they are also easy to handle and order.

With Payrexx, you can order a new device in just 3 steps:

1. Create a Payrexx account: Register yourself or your business with Payrexx, complete the verification process, and acquire the standard subscription.

2. Order your POS terminal: Select your new terminal in your Payrexx account and provide all the necessary information for the order.

3. Receive your device: Within a maximum of 10 working days, your device will arrive fully operational. And you can start receiving payments.

Create an account ➜

With Payrexx, you get more than just a Kartenlesegerät: The all-in-one solution includes a range of useful e-commerce tools that optimise your online presence. For instance, you can generate donation forms, create simple webshops, or send invoices via payment link – all fixed components of your Payrexx account, without hidden extra costs.

Comerciantes on site benefit from the Payrexx Power Package: Besides POS terminals, payments can also be accepted via QR-Code or with Tap to Pay. The latter app turns your smartphone into a Kartenlesegerät, providing you with maximum flexibility. You can receive payments wherever, whenever, however, and under any conditions: the perfect solution for every situation.

The Payrexx Power Package: Tap to Pay, Payrexx POS-Terminals, and Payrexx QR Pay.