Phased 3G and 2G switch-off

All UK’s mobile network providers except Virgin O2 will switch off their 3G networks by the end of 2024. No plans have been announced yet on the timing of the 2G network switch-off. America and Germany have already switched off 3G.  This impacts on the parking sector and we are working with Ofcom, LGA, BT as well as members to ensure the phasing out of 3G and 2G is as smooth as possible.  It is important customers can continue to pay for parking at payment terminals and on their phones.

What devices are impacted in our sector?

1. ANPR devices
2. Payment machines
3. CCTV
4. Ticket machines
5. Electric vehicle chargepoints
6.  Also telemetry/tracker devices

Why switch off 3G?

By phasing out 3G and 2G it allows more capacity for the roll-out of the faster more reliable 4G and 5G networks.  3G takes up one third of the networks power but carries only 3 per cent of the data. 

What is the timetable for mobile providers switching off their 3G networks?

• Vodafone to complete the switch-off by end January 2024. 
• EE starting January 2024
• Three expects to switch-off 3G by December 2024
• Virgin O2 plans to switch-off 3G by December 2025

Virtual networks, such as Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Smarty, piggyback off one of the big four networks. As such, their 3G services will end in line with the parent network. See the Which? table on the virtual providers. So expect 3G to be declining from January 2024 through to 2025 when it will be switched off completely. 

No MNO in the UK has announced specific plans for their 2G network switch-off following 3G switch off. Three does not operate a 2G network.

Where has 3G been switched off already in 2023?
Vodafone switched-off 3G at Basingstoke and Plymouth (March 2023) and Glasgow, Hull and Oxford (July 2023).  BT/EE piloted a 3G switch-off in Warrington (July 2023). 

How has the switch-off gone?
Mobile UK the trade association for the mobile network report that there has been no real issues.  Plymouth for example, reported that with forward planning, the council were able to organise for its legacy terminals to have Vodaphone SIMs swapped to another mobile provider. Where the alternative provider’s network was not available a roaming SIM was used. 

What should be done to prepare for the switch-off?

• Audit your sites - check which networks are being used and if 4G/5G is available at the locations. Each mobile network provider has online coverage checkers that can be used.
• Audit devices - see what modules are being used by your connected devices.
• Possible solutions - routers and gateways could be a low-cost solution that avoids having to do a full device upgrade.
  
  Talk with relevant suppliers or service providers now, to see how many parking terminals will be affected.  Some devices may be able to operate on 4G already. If not, depending upon your service agreement, upgrades may be included in a maintenance plan.

For devices using SIMs on 3G networks that are going to be switched off first, you should check the SIM will continue to work with 2G or whether it requires upgrading to 4G. You may need to upgrade the software of terminals or you may consider removing some terminals, as ultimately all systems will need to be upgraded at some point to continue to operate.

More information is being made available to members as we receive it. Ofcom has also published advice on the switch offs.

Enquiries: consultations@britishparking.co.uk

Useful links

Ofcom - consumer advice
Ofcom - advice to Internet of Things and 3rd party device suppliers using 2G/3G networks 
Ofcom - What Ofcom expects of mobile providers
Ofcom - Customers that could lose 3G (not spot data) 
Which? - 3G switch-off advice
Government -Joint statement on closing of 3G and 2G networks