More and more providers want to phase out the 2G network and that has major consequences for a mandatory button in your car. That’s how it is.
2G network is going to stop
There have been many developments in the field of mobile networks in recent years. The 5G network has now become the standard, meaning that old networks are being used less and less. There is little reason for providers to keep these networks active. The 3G network has therefore largely been phased out in the Netherlands, only Odido will keep the network active until August 1, 2026.
The 3G network is newer than the 2G network, but was phased out much earlier. While that network has already largely been scaled down, this does not apply to the 2G network. This is not without reason, because the 2G network is still widely used for certain systems. For example, many smart meters, alarm systems and cars are still dependent on the 2G network. The phasing out of the 2G network is a major problem, especially for cars, because the mandatory SOS button no longer works in many cars without the network.
SOS button in cars
All cars in Europe are now equipped with an SOS button, also known as eCall (Emergency Call) named. With this button you can automatically make an emergency call to the emergency number in the event of serious accidents. The European Union has made the eCall system mandatory in all new cars manufactured since April 1, 2018. This way, drivers should always be able to make an emergency call, even if they do not have a phone at hand.
The SOS button is mandatory in newer cars, but is in danger of becoming unusable soon. In the first models, the eCall system works with the 2G network. If providers decide to phase out this network, you will no longer be able to make an emergency call in many of the first cars with an SOS button. This is now leading to discussion in several European countries, because in certain countries the eCall system is included in the car inspection.
Update should provide a solution
Many cars that have the first generation of the eCall system are still dependent on the 2G network. A new generation of this system is now under development, which is called Next-Generation eCall (NG eCall). This system is not dependent on the 2G or 3G network, but works with more modern networks. Car manufacturers are also trying to bring the new version of the eCall system to previous cars with updates.
Unfortunately, not all cars have support for the more modern networks, so the SOS button in these cars remains dependent on the 2G network. This has to do with the hardware in these cars, which is not equipped for the newer 4G or 5G network. Do you have an older car with an eCall system? Then pay attention, because there is a good chance that the SOS button will soon become unusable in your car.
End of 2G network
The European Union obliges car manufacturers to equip new cars with an eCall system, but has no regulations (yet) on what should happen if that system becomes unusable. The same applies to the Dutch MOT inspection, where a working eCall system is not mentioned as an inspection requirement. So you can continue to use your car, even if the 2G network is turned off.
This does not alter the fact that the phasing out of the 2G network will have major consequences for many cars made around 2018 and 2019. You have probably never used the SOS button, but it is very important if you do need the system. Vodafone is the first provider to phase out the 2G network, which will happen at the end of 2026. Providers may continue to support important systems such as the SOS button temporarily, even after the 2G network has been scaled down. Would you like to stay informed about this? Then sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter so you don’t miss any news!
Download the iPhoned app
