- The progressive deactivation of 2G and 3G networks in Spain and Europe puts eCall emergency communication systems in vehicles and SOS buttons in elevators at risk.
- Spanish and European regulations require bidirectional connectivity for emergencies, but many older devices rely on technologies that will disappear completely by 2030.
- Solutions such as migrating to 4G and VoLTE networks exist, although the cost of upgrading hardware poses an economic challenge for owners and manufacturers.
We sometimes take for granted that the technology around us will always work, but the reality is that the digital world evolves at a breakneck pace. Right now, Spain and the rest of Europe are experiencing a shutdown of 2G and 3G mobile networks , something that seems irrelevant to most because we already use Android phones and their modern features , but which is a real headache for thousands of devices that aren't phones.
The real problem isn't the mobile phone in your pocket, but those invisible safety systems that save lives in critical situations. We're talking about communication modules integrated into vehicles and elevators that, because they rely on outdated frequencies, could go completely silent when we most need to call for help, turning a safety tool into a mere plastic ornament.
The hidden danger in the elevator car
Many people think that if 3G disappears, the elevator will stop working, but that's far from the truth. The problem is that the emergency SOS button , the one we use when we're trapped, is usually connected to a central station via older GSM modules. If the device uses 2G or 3G networks, the two-way communication could be cut off, leaving the user without any way to communicate.
In Spain, this is a serious issue, as there are approximately 1,2 million elevators under maintenance , according to FEEDA data. The law is very clear on this matter: Royal Decree 203/2016 mandates that all elevator cars have a system that allows contact with rapid intervention services, even in the event of a power outage. Furthermore, the new ITC AEM 1 standard (Royal Decree 355/2024) requires elevators that do not yet have this system to install it after passing their technical inspection.
The tricky part is that the law requires a connection, but doesn't specify which technology to use. For years, 2G mobile gateways have been installed, and now that operators are shutting down these antennas, residents' associations must ask their building managers or maintenance companies if their system is vulnerable. The solution lies in migrating to more current technologies, such as 4G or VoLTE , to prevent the emergency button from becoming useless.
Cars at risk: The eCall system and the SOS button
In the automotive sector, something very similar is happening with the eCall system. This device, mandatory in new passenger cars since 2018, automatically alerts emergency services (112) after a serious accident, sending vital data such as the exact location and direction of travel. However, a huge number of vehicles—an estimated 64 million across Europe—could lose this function due to the obsolescence of 2G and 3G networks.
There's an important distinction here: it's not that the car stops working or that you can't make calls with your own phone, but rather that the module integrated into the chassis stops functioning. This is especially critical in cars manufactured between 2018 and 2023, as many have hardware designed for the "language" of older networks. For these vehicles, a software update isn't enough; the problem is physical, since the hardware isn't capable of processing 4G or 5G frequencies.
- Vehicles prior to 2018: Very high risk, since most depend strictly on 2G/3G.
- Models between 2018 and 2020: Medium-high risk, depending on whether the module is hybrid or old.
- Cars from 2021: Low risk, as they usually integrate 4G and 5G standards.
The European Commission is trying to avert a logistical disaster. Updating each eCall module could cost around €360 per car , a figure many owners would be unwilling to pay for a system that was already certified. Therefore, the possibility is being considered of member states maintaining at least an active 2G network until 2030 , allowing these safety systems to remain operational while the vehicle fleet is naturally renewed.
Spain's shutdown schedule: When will it happen?
The shutdown of these networks is not a one-time event, but a gradual process that varies depending on the operator and geographic area. Vodafone, for example, has already phased out almost its entire 3G network. Movistar, meanwhile, is accelerating the withdrawal of these technologies to free up spectrum and improve the efficiency of 4G and 5G. In the case of Orange, the 3G shutdown is planned for the end of 2027 , although they plan to maintain 2G until 2030.
This time lag creates a confusing situation, where an SOS button might work in one town but stop working a few kilometers away if the local operator has made further progress in shutting down the system. It's a reminder that connected devices (IoT) have a much longer lifespan than a mobile phone, but they depend on an infrastructure that changes much more rapidly. Alarms, POS terminals, and smart meters are also on the same tightrope.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, the wisest course of action is to consult the vehicle's manual or visit an authorized dealership to inquire about any retrofit campaigns or updates to the telematics module. In the case of elevators, pressure should be placed on the maintenance company to present a clear migration plan. Ultimately, it's about understanding that connectivity is now a fundamental component of road and residential safety, and we cannot allow a simple antenna change to leave us unprotected.
The transition to faster networks is inevitable to improve internet capacity, but it has exposed the fragility of emergency systems based on older technologies. In vehicles and elevators alike, the key lies in identifying whether the installed hardware is compatible with 4G or 5G to prevent the SOS button from losing its signal. As governments and operators coordinate the final shutdown of 2G and 3G networks by 2030, the responsibility for verifying the operability of these systems now falls to owners and administrators, ensuring that technology designed to save lives does not become prematurely obsolete.