The Countdown to 2G and 3G Shutdown: What You Need to Know

As part of the implementation of the OpenRAN concept, 2G & 3G mobile phones will be phased out in the UK by 2033. This will affect users of mobile operators such as EE, Vodafone, Three, and Virgin Media O2 – they will stop supporting 2G devices as early as 2028. Ofcom estimates that more than 5.5 million UK users could be left without a mobile connection as a result.

The main reason for the shutdown is a lack of reliability in the face of challenges from personal data hackers and the development of more efficient communications technology. How to prepare for the 2g switch off in the UK, which devices will be switched off first, and how the transition from old to new telecoms will influence those living in rural areas – let’s go into all of this below.

Which Devices Will Stop Working

2G (second generation) mobile networks are a technology that has provided us with stable wireless connectivity for over 30 years. But with breakthroughs come new challenges. To stay competitive, mobile operators are introducing new wireless technologies – 4G and 5G. As the number of connected devices increases, the new telecoms address security issues as well as another problem – making the best use of a limited resource (radio waves). This refers to the increasingly valuable spectrum that mobile operators use. Overall, the revolution in communications technology is bringing to an end the era of the previous two generations of mobile communications and extends far beyond consumer devices.

The first to consign their 2G devices to the dustbin of history will be owners of old clamshell and push-button phones, especially those manufactured before 2010. Second in line for museum pieces are early machine-to-machine (M2M) applications designed exclusively for 2G or 3G connectivity. These are smart devices such as:

1. Smart electricity metres. 
2. Security sensors and tracking devices such as car emergency call systems. 
3. Financial touchpoints such as ATMs and payment gateways. 
4. Telecom alarms, security systems, fire alarms – the list is not exhaustive.

We will only grasp the full impact of turning off 2G and 3G networks in the UK when it actually happens. To ensure the consequences are not catastrophic, companies operating IoT devices should be planning for this transition now, ensuring seamless connectivity in a 4G and 5G world. The countdown is on, it’s time to adapt.

How to Prepare for the Transition

When unpleasant changes cannot be avoided, it is wiser to do everything to survive them with minimal impact. In the context of the transition from 2G and 3G to the next generations of mobile telecoms, users should consider two important aspects:

1. Compatibility of older devices with new types of connectivity: As a starting point, determine which network your current devices support. As a result of checking compatibility, you may find that you don’t need to buy new devices, just upgrade them. To do this, check the device specifications or contact the manufacturer or service provider for advice.
2. Replace old communication devices with new ones: If your devices support solely the 2G type of communication, you should quickly purchase devices that support innovative types of communication – 4G or 5G. If your equipment supports 3G, this is a short-term solution as it too is becoming obsolete.

The good news is that mobile operators offer discounts and exchange programmes for old phones for new ones. As a temporary alternative to replacing 2G during the transition, take advantage of VoIP (voice-over internet protocol).

Impact on Rural Areas

According to a Commons Library publication, more than 2.4 million rural residents in the UK use mobile devices that support 2G or 3G types of communication. In addition to voice and text messaging, 2G is used in non-cellular devices such as smart energy metres or for emergency calls. Therefore, an abrupt shutdown of the network under discussion in rural areas could be catastrophic.

According to experts at UCtel, under pressure from the OpenRAN (Open Radio Access Network) concept, operators are systematically investing in new technologies to extend 3G and 4G coverage to remote areas of the UK, although the transition process is costly in terms of time and money. As a temporary alternative, rural residents can replace 2G with satellite phone services. For the more advanced, they can consider OpenRAN technology. Some operators are already working with equipment suppliers such as Dell, NEC, and Samsung to deploy 4G and 5G networks in remote areas using this technology.

Comparison With Other Countries

Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Japan, and South Korea – this is an incomplete list of countries that have already switched off 2G. Europe is next, with Western European countries phasing out 2G and 3G completely by 2028. Although the transition will be smooth, there will be consequences.

The benefits of switching off 2G include:

1. Improved speed and reliability of connectivity. 
2. More options for users, such as digital government services, internet banking, remote working, and learning.
3. Freeing up the spectrum for more innovative networks.

The transition to 4G and 5G has its drawbacks:

1. The need for expensive equipment and infrastructure upgrades.
2. Difficulties for average users to select and configure new devices to meet the demands of digital technology.
3. Temporary loss of connectivity and the need for upgrades.

Pros and cons with lessons learned:

1. User support and transition programmes play a key role in a successful 2G turn-off in the UK.
2. User preparation and education are key to a painless transition.
3. A gradual switch-off and support for vulnerable populations, especially those in remote areas and need of an inclusive approach, should balance innovation with people’s access to emergency services.

Positive experiences from other countries that have already made the transition from legacy to innovative communication technologies show the transition leads to significant improvements in connectivity: 4G and 5G devices are more miniaturised, tamper-proof, and feature-rich. However, it is important to consider the needs of users to ensure a smooth transition for them.

Conclusion: A Future Without 2G

2G is a past that has paved the way for a future of faster and more reliable communications – 4G and 5G technologies. This transition brings a new level of efficiency to the way people communicate with each other and to the operation of autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and the Internet of Things – all areas where the need for fast and stable connectivity is critical. Let’s have a look at the two benefits of a future without 2G:

• Network evolution: Advanced networks such as 4G and 5G promise high data speeds and wider coverage. This allows us to share information faster and more securely, build smart cities more efficiently, and develop the Internet of Things (IoT). 
• Accelerating digital transformation: Switching off 2G is not an ordinary upgrade of telecoms. It is a revolutionary step towards a more connected and efficient society, opening up new opportunities for business, medicine, education, and personal development. Explore more of the pros and cons of innovative communications on the IBM blog.

Considering customer feedback received by UCtel experts, many users may encounter challenges related to hardware upgrades and temporary inconveniences. However, a future without 2G in the UK holds promise for increased opportunities and a more interconnected environment.