Nearly 20 years ago, the 3G network heralded the era of mobile internet. Today, however, the once groundbreaking mobile generation is considered outdated and has been replaced by the more powerful 4G and 5G networks. According to Swisscom, today only 1.1 percent of mobile data traffic runs over 3G, yet the outdated network still occupies about 9 percent of antenna capacity. And this capacity is limited.

To create capacity, 3G will be shut down nationwide by the end of the year. While Salt has not yet announced a date, Sunrise has already taken the step in June 2025, and Swisscom will follow by the end of 2025. As of December 31, 2025, many old EC devices still based on 3G will no longer function. This affects not only smartphones and tablets but also card readers.

Your company may also be affected by this step. Especially if your POS terminal has been in use for a while, you should check if it's still operational in the future. If not, you need to promptly arrange for a replacement device, or 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?

The most important thing first: only devices that are connected to the mobile network are affected – namely those that have an integrated SIM card. On the other hand, if your card reader purely runs via the WLAN network or another connection, it doesn't need to be replaced. Nevertheless, a change may also be advisable here, since older devices are usually no longer updated by the manufacturer and can exhibit security vulnerabilities.

Based on the following points, you can check whether your current card reader (with SIM card) is based on the 3G network:

• Check the network display on your device: Just like on a mobile phone, this is usually displayed in the top right corner of the screen. If 4G, LTE, or 5G is constantly displayed here, your terminal is not affected.

• Check your device's network settings: These are typically found in the settings under menu items like “Connections” or “Mobile Networks.” It should be visible here whether your device uses 3G, 4G, or 5G.

• Look at the back of your device: On most devices, you will find a sticker here, which, in addition to other information such as the serial number and barcode, also indicates the network. Be careful to look closely! Often the text is written very small.

• Ask 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 find this information immediately, a support request or phone call is recommended.

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

What must you do if your device is affected?

If your current card reader uses the 3G network, act quickly! If you don't 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 promptly take care of a new device.

If your current terminal is a rental device, you should return it to the provider as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk that this will eventually refuse the return 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 this are inconveniences you avoid with Payrexx. If you order your POS terminal from the leading Swiss payment provider for SMEs, it arrives completely ready for operation within a few working days. You only need to turn it on and can start receiving payments immediately, safely and reliably via the powerful 4G network.

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

Learn more about Payrexx POS devices ➜

What must you do if your device is affected?

As the leading Swiss payment provider for SMEs, Payrexx has made it its mission to simplify payment transactions for companies of all sizes – whether online or on-site. The Payrexx Nexgo POS terminals are accordingly not only powerful and reliable in payment transactions, 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 company with Payrexx, complete the verification process, and purchase the standard subscription.

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

3. Receive your device: Your device arrives completely ready for operation within a maximum of 10 working days. And you can start receiving payments.

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With Payrexx, you get more than just a card reader: The all-in-one solution includes a range of useful e-commerce tools that optimize your online presence. For example, you can generate donation forms, create simple web shops, or send invoices via payment link – all fixed components of your Payrexx account, with no hidden additional costs.

Merchants on-site benefit from the Payrexx Power Package: In addition to POS terminals, payments can also be accepted via QR code or with Tap to Pay. The latter app turns your smartphone into a card reader, giving you maximum flexibility. This way, you receive payments no matter where, no matter when, no matter how, and no matter the circumstances: the perfect solution for every situation.

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