You've probably heard that older mobile networks are being phased out to make way for 5G, and you might think this only affects those who still use a phone with physical buttons. But nothing could be further from the truth. The real issue isn't the phones themselves, but the Internet of Things (IoT) , where a vast number of devices rely on these frequencies to function, and some of them are critical to our everyday safety.
One of the most critical aspects is the emergency communication system, that familiar SOS button found in elevators and on car roofs. If the module managing this call is outdated, the risk is that when the 2G or 3G antenna in the area goes down, we could be completely cut off from communication precisely when we need help the most, even if the device appears to be powered on and operational. To enhance this security, you can configure the SOS panic and emergency button on your Android phone.
The elevator drama and regulations in Spain
To clarify, the disappearance of 3G doesn't mean the elevator will be stuck between floors. The elevator will continue to go up and down without problems, but the two-way communication module , which connects the cabin to the emergency center, could stop transmitting a signal. This is a serious problem, since there are approximately 1,2 million elevators under maintenance in Spain, making it one of the countries with the most installations of this type in Europe.
Looking at the law, Royal Decree 203/2016 is very clear: it is mandatory for any elevator car to allow communication with a rapid intervention service, even in the event of a power outage . Furthermore, the new ITC AEM1 standard (Royal Decree 355/2024) requires the installation of these systems in elevators that do not yet have them after passing inspection. Interestingly, the law doesn't specify which technology to use; it only requires an effective connection , which leaves the responsibility for the migration to the building management and maintenance companies.
When do these networks actually shut down?
This won't happen all at once across the country; it's a gradual process that depends on the operator and the region. For example, Vodafone has already practically phased out its 3G network in Spain, and Movistar is following suit at an accelerated pace. On the other hand, MasOrange has been more flexible, setting the 3G shutdown for the end of 2027 and maintaining 2G support until 2030. This difference in timelines is key, since there are far more devices locked to 2G than to 3G.
If you're a president of a homeowners' association or a property manager, the wisest course of action is to not rest on your laurels. You should ask the maintenance company directly if your elevator's SOS button relies exclusively on 2G or 3G . If the answer is yes, it's urgent that they present you with a migration plan to modern technologies like 4G or VoLTE-based systems.
The SOS button in the car: the eCall system in danger
In the automotive world, something very similar is happening with the eCall system, mandatory in new vehicles since 2018. This system automatically alerts emergency services (112) after a serious accident, sending the location and time of the impact. The problem is that millions of cars were certified with modules that only understand the language of older networks. Brussels estimates that some 64 million vehicles in Europe could be left with a purely ornamental SOS button if a coordinated solution is not found.
Unlike elevators, upgrading a car is a real headache. Replacing the communication module could cost around €360 per car, a price many drivers wouldn't be willing to pay for a system that was already legal when they bought the car . To avoid this chaos, the European Commission is considering maintaining at least one active 2G or 3G network per country until 2030, allowing older systems to continue operating while the vehicle fleet is naturally renewed.
Technical solutions and the future of connectivity
The definitive solution is the so-called NG-eCall (Next Generation eCall), which uses 4G and 5G networks via IMS architectures, very similar to current smartphone voice calls. For cars already on the road, there are three options: over-the-air (OTA) updates for those with compatible hardware, free module replacement by the manufacturer (unlikely due to the cost), or the use of external hardware, which is technically very complex due to its integration with the vehicle's sensors.
This scenario teaches us an important lesson about technological obsolescence. An engine can last 30 years, but a SIM card and an antenna depend on spectrum licenses and regulatory decisions that change every few years. It's not just a matter of network efficiency for 5G to take off, but also of public safety , since connectivity has become a fundamental component of road and building safety.
The transition to phasing out legacy networks is inevitable to optimize the radio spectrum, but it requires a coordinated timeline that doesn't leave people unprotected. Whether in apartment buildings or along highways, the key lies in conducting a thorough inventory of installed equipment and migrating to modern standards like 4G and VoLTE before legacy antennas are permanently decommissioned around 2030.