As 5G rolls out, need for 2G persists in UK

Oct. 21, 2019

2 min read

With 5G rolling out (look for our December 2019 report on the topic) and 6G research getting underway, who cares about 2G? Several constituencies, at least in the UK, writes Sarah Wray, editor of SmartCitiesWorld, in an article titled “Not so fast: 2G switch-off could impact smart meters, the elderly and critical services.” She cites a report from independent advisory firm Real Wireless developed for the UK Spectrum Policy Forum showing that elderly users in rural areas and M2M applications such as smart meters still rely on 2G.

John Okas at Real Wireless comments, ”With potential impacts for the elderly, rural users, and M2M applications, the need for 2G services is likely to continue into the 2030s….” The report notes that while it might be relatively easy to migrate elderly users who don’t want a smartphone with a touchscreen, M2M systems present more of a challenge. He cites the ongoing deployment of smart meters with 15-year life expectancies that rely on 2G/3G communications as well as the EC-mandated eCall system that connects vehicles to emergency services via 2G/3G networks. He also notes that the general industry view is that 3G services will be turned off before 2G services.

Wray cites several issues arising with regard to 2G network shutdowns outside the UK. “The San Francisco Muni bus and train system experienced significant issues lasting several weeks when AT&T shut down its 2G network in 2017,” she writes. At the time, sfbay.ca elaborated on the problems with NextMuni, which predicts when passengers can expect the arrival of the next bus or train.

EMnify, a software-as-a-service company focusing of cellular IoT applications, reports that after 2020, there will be no 2G service in the U.S. Version Wireless is expected to discontinue its CDMA service by the end of December 2019, and T-Mobile is expected to end its GSM service during 2020.

About the Author

Rick Nelson

Contributing Editor

Rick Nelson is a technical journalist who has served as executive editor of Test & Measurement World, chief editor of EDN, and executive editor of EE-Evaluation Engineering. He has also contributed to publications including Vision Systems Design and Electronic Design, and he has participated in many live panel discussions and webcasts. Rick has also held systems-engineering and product-development positions at General Electric and Litton Industries. He received his B.S.E.E. degree from The Pennsylvania State University.