As 4G and 5G mobile internet connectivity have been deployed globally the retirement of 2G and 3G networks is imminently upon us, with 3G due to shut down this year. As many telecare devices rely on 2G and 3G networks, it is time for users to upgrade, replace or decommission to remain connected. This is especially important for those with mobile network connected telecare equipment.
The dates
The four major operators, EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 have informed users when they will be switching off 2G and 3G.
| Network | 2G date to be turned off | 3G date to be turned off | Reference |
| EE | 2033 | Phasing out 3G network towards the end of 2023 but switching off entirely in 2024. | https://ee.co.uk/3g-switch-off |
| Vodafone | 2033 | Turn off 3G by December 2023. Plymouth and Basingstoke areas will be the first places to see 3G switch off in February. | https://www.vodafone.co.uk/help-and-information/3g-switch-off |
| Three | Doesn’t have a 2G network. | Turn off 3G by the end of 2024 | https://www.three.co.uk/support/network-and-coverage/our-plans-to-switch-off-3g |
| O2 | 2033 | Not announced. Will still be offering 3G network services by 2025. | https://streetwave.co/digital-strategy/when-will-3g-be-shut-down-in-the-uk/ |
The affects
For those on EE, Vodafone and O2 networks with an older device working on 3G, they will still be able to use it providing it has a 2G fallback option, as they will be transferred to the 2G network until it is switched off in 2033. The network is therefore predicted to become congested with the sharp and sudden increase in service users. This will be making the 2G network slower and less reliable; it may not be possible to make calls if the network becomes very congested including to the emergency services.
However, individuals on a Three network will need to upgrade urgently as 2G is not available.
Those using older mobile connected telecare devices will not be able to raise emergency alarms, putting themselves at risk. Any alarm systems on the 3G network will need to be replaced or upgraded.
People on a roaming SIM will also be impacted when this shut off occurs as they do not have a direct customer relationship with a UK mobile provider. As shown in the chart above, one provider might switch off the network earlier than another, however making relevant parties aware of this will be a challenge.
The reason
In 2021, the Government announced that they would be working with mobile network operators, to make 35% of the UK’s mobile network traffic to be carried over open and interoperable Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture. The reason for this is to enhance security and resilience of the networks we currently rely on. For this to be achieved, it is integral to shut off 2G and 3G networks and introduce 4G, 5G and beyond.
Now is the time to enhance our technological advances and upgrade areas to better network coverage.
Three also reported that the number of people using 5G had quadrupled in 2021. However, as 2G is still widely used, on older featured phones, internet of things devices (IoT), such as smart meters etc. it was decided to keep the network running to allow people time to upgrade their devices.
The statistics
As we are a world reliant on the internet, for online banking, communication, working etc. making sure that people have access to high-speed internet is crucial. That is why the move to 4G and 5G is essential due to its technological advances. To understand the differences, take a look at the chart below.
| 2G | 3G | 4G | 5G | |
| Data Speed | 64 Kbps | 2 Mbps | 20 Mbps (High speed, high capacity and low cost per bit). | 400 Mbps |
| Bandwidth | 364 Kbps | 3 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 10 Gbps |
| Use cases | • Digital signals instead of analogue. • Enabled SMS and MMS services. | • Send/receive large emails. • Video communication. | • Support interactive multimedia, voice, video. • Ad hoc and multi-hop networks. • Support for previous wireless technologies • Uses same fibre cables as 3G • Improved security • Internet service: Ultra Broadband | • High speed. • High resolution video streaming. • Internet service: Wireless World Wide Web. • Cloud storage. |
The above chart shows the many advantages of having 4G and 5G networks. For those who have telecare devices built for 2G or 3G you will need to switch as these networks will be disconnected. In the case of 3G this is also happening very soon and therefore 2G will become more congested and possibly unstable as a result, making these telecare devices redundant or unreliable.
Transferring to a 4G or 5G device, will set individuals up to be fully linked to the most reliable network, keeping them safe and connected.
