17 Oct 2019

Impact of 2G switch-off highlighted in UK SPF report

Despite the mobile’s industry’s current focus on 5G, the need for 2G services is likely to continue into the 2030s, given the extent to which they are relied upon by the elderly, rural users and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, according to a report by Real Wireless; which was produced for the UK Spectrum Policy Forum (SPF).

The report – The Potential Impact of Switching Off 2G in the UK – highlight that 2G networks are still used by the elderly (many of whom don’t want to use touchscreen smartphones), tourists, users in some rural areas where only 2G coverage is available. It adds that while migrating voice users off 2G may be relatively simple and could be achieved though the sort of marketing and awareness campaign that was used to support the switching off of the analogue television services in 2007-12, migrating M2M communications is much more complex.

This is largely due to the UK’s smart meter rollout, which is currently installing around 1 million meters every quarter, and is expected to be completed in 2024. As these meters rely on 2G/3G connectivity and are intended to have a 15-year life, 2G services will be needed until at least 2039. In addition, the EC-mandated eCall system which automatically alerts the emergency services if a vehicle deploys its airbag also relies on 2G/3G network and has been mandatory since April 2018. Assuming cars stay on the roads for an average of around 15 years, 2G/3G will be needed for eCall until at least the mid-2030s. The report warns that it could take 2-3 years or more to plan and execute the transition of M2M services off 2G/3G networks and would require the mobile network operators (MNOs) to work closely with all elements of the M2M value chain.