Potential risks of uncoordinated network shutdowns

Following the publication of the European Commission’s White Paper “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure,” Euralarm is highlighting the potential risks and challenges associated with an uncoordinated and premature shutdown of 2G and 3G networks.

The White Paper addresses the need to adapt spectrum management to meet the demands of the Digital Decade.

It discusses the coordinated shutdown of 2G and 3G networks while ensuring the continued support of essential legacy services, such as emergency and critical communications.

The importance of maintaining legacy services

As 2G and 3G networks are phased out due to their age or limited bandwidth, many products still rely on the 2G network.

To prevent unintended consequences, Euralarm recommends a gradual and coordinated shutdown.

They propose that at least one carrier in each Member State should maintain 2G or 3G until at least 2029-2030.

Euralarm notes that many EU Member States have not yet set an end date for the 2G network, allowing for a natural transition without risking lives and safety.

The EU should encourage Member States to implement a delayed and harmonised shutdown of these networks.

The need for a technological switch-off framework

Euralarm stresses the need for a technological switch-off framework for mobile networks.

The same issues faced with the 2G and 3G switch-off could arise again with 4G, 5G, and future mobile networks.

This European framework should address the challenges posed by mobile technology transitions for all users, including IoT, particularly for safety and security uses.

The framework should equip member countries with the tools to ensure a smooth technological transition and suspend it if the conditions are not met.

Full briefing available

The full briefing with Euralarm’s contribution to the European Commission’s White Paper can be downloaded from the Euralarm website.