As 5G connectivity becomes increasingly prevalent, a new report has raised concerns over the consequences of the UK’s impending 2G network switch-off.
The ‘Switching off 2G’ report, produced for the UK Spectrum Policy Forum (SPF) by independent wireless advisory firm Real Wireless, cautions that switching off – or ‘sunsetting’ – the UK’s three remaining 2G networks could have unintended impacts on elderly and rural users; as well as potentially affecting machine-to-machine (M2M) applications such as smart energy meters which currently rely on 2G connectivity. The report identifies key use cases, potential alternatives to 2G; and examines the issues which could arise from the future 2G network switch-off.
Tony Lavender, Chair of the Spectrum Policy Forum’s Steering Board, said: “We sometimes focus on technology without fully understanding the impact on services people rely on. Among other things, 2G enables smart metering and the mobile phones used by many vulnerable people in society. We need to think through the alternatives for these services before switching them off. This report was commissioned by the SPF to highlight to Government, Ofcom and operators just what services will be affected, and the potential implications of a premature switch-off.”
The report notes that a 2G network switch-off before at least the mid-2030s would be likely to cause significant issues for M2M devices, emergency networks and older generations of mobile phones; with the elderly and those living in rural areas most at risk.
John Okas, Strategic Wireless expert at Real Wireless, said: “With so many applications and at-risk users still reliant on the ageing 2G networks, including critical national infrastructure, it’s clear that the switch-off and migration is something that will need careful and considered management along with long term planning. It is also possible that new models could emerge whereby a single 2G network evolves to serve all of the M2M use cases, including smart meters and eCall. With the launch of this report Real Wireless and the SPF to provide insight to the Government, Ofcom and other stakeholders to help inform their future strategic planning.”
