The 2G and 3G blackout threatens the SOS button on millions of cars in Europe

The gradual decommissioning of 2G and 3G networks in Europe is beginning to show consequences that go beyond old phones: millions of cars could be left without the automatic emergency call system, eCall. The European Commission has analyzed the impact of shutting down these networks on vehicles relying on outdated mobile connectivity to contact 112 after an accident, and the figures are significant: around 64 million vehicles might be affected.

This issue is particularly delicate because eCall is not a fun feature or a supplementary service. It is an essential safety system in new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles since 2018. When a severe collision is detected, it automatically initiates a call to 112 and transmits basic data such as location, time of the accident, and direction of travel. It can also be activated manually via the SOS button installed inside the vehicle.

The problem lies in the fact that many of the eCall systems installed in recent years were designed to operate over 2G and 3G networks using circuit-switched voice technology. When those networks disappear, the vehicle’s module might lose the ability to establish the emergency call, even if the vehicle is fully operational and the driver’s mobile phone has 4G or 5G coverage.

A planning oversight in an obligatory technology

The paradox is clear. Europe promoted eCall as a tool to reduce response times and save lives, but the first generation of the system was tied to networks with an already approaching end-of-life. The regulatory update came later: the European framework now considers eCall over 4G and 5G networks, but compliance requirements for new vehicle types start in 2026, and all new vehicles from 2027.

This leaves a large pool of vehicles on the road with outdated eCall technology. They were sold conforming to the regulations at the time, but now risk becoming obsolete due to decisions by operators and spectrum regulators. This isn’t a mechanical failure or user error; it’s a case of poorly resolved technological dependency.

Updating modules also doesn’t seem straightforward. Estimates cited during European debates suggest around 360 euros per vehicle to replace or adapt the system. Multiplying this by tens of millions of cars would involve enormous costs, likely making widespread upgrades unpopular. Many owners might be reluctant to pay for a safety feature that came standard and was legally mandatory.

Brussels’ more pragmatic alternative is to keep at least one 2G or 3G network active per country until 2030. Since eCall can use any available mobile network to call 112, it wouldn’t require all operators to maintain these technologies. Instead, having at least one operator with sufficient coverage retain an old layer of signal for a few more years would be enough.

Old networks shutdown isn’t just about phones

For operators, shutting down 2G and 3G makes technical and economic sense. It allows spectrum reuse for more efficient networks, reduces maintenance costs, simplifies infrastructure, and enhances 4G and 5G capacity. In particular, 3G has been losing relevance for years compared to more modern mobile technologies.

However, many devices that aren’t updated as often as smartphones still depend on these old networks. Alarms, elevators, POS terminals, meters, telemetry systems, industrial equipment, and connected vehicles may still rely on 2G or 3G. In some cases, the replacement cost is low; in others, it involves reviewing entire fleets, contracts, certifications, and hardware designed to last over a decade.

Vehicles are a prime example of this tension. A car can stay on the road for 15 to 20 years. Its physical components are designed for longevity, but its communication modules depend on evolving networks, standards, and commercial timelines. The automotive industry now sells connected systems that age with the pace of mobile technology, not just engines and chassis.

In Spain, the timeline may somewhat align with European recommendations. Movistar plans to decommission their 2G and 3G networks around 2027, while Orange has announced it will keep 2G active until 2030, though they will also phase out 3G. If a 2G network with adequate coverage is maintained, older eCall systems could continue operating during the transition.

Road safety, technological sovereignty, and digital debt

The eCall case provides a broader lesson for the tech industry: any mandatory and critical service must be designed with real lifecycle considerations, not just the technology available at approval. A car isn’t replaced every three years; neither are alarms, industrial meters, or embedded systems. When the supporting connectivity disappears prematurely, technical debt surfaces.

It also highlights that network modernization requires a transition policy. We can’t indefinitely sustain 2G and 3G, but we can’t shut them down without inventory, communication, and solutions for emergency services either. Operator efficiency must be balanced with public safety and the costs borne by citizens and businesses.

Automakers have an important informational role. Many drivers don’t know which network their car’s SOS button uses, or if their vehicle supports eCall over 4G or 5G. Some brands have started to communicate about the impact of 2G/3G shutdown on connected services, but the information remains inconsistent and heavily depends on the country, model, and manufacturing year.

Regulators face an uncomfortable message: transitioning to newer technologies must anticipate impacts on existing systems. It’s not enough to update standards for new cars if millions of vehicles still depend on legacy systems.

The SOS button in a car is rarely used until needed, which is why it must work reliably. Keeping a minimal 2G or 3G network active until 2030 might seem inelegant, but it could be the most reasonable way to prevent a modernization decision from removing a critical safety layer from millions of vehicles.

Shutting down old networks not only frees spectrum but also reveals which parts of the digital economy are built on fading technologies. eCall is the most visible example, but it won’t be the only one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eCall?
eCall is the European automatic emergency call system installed in vehicles. It activates after a severe accident or manually via the SOS button.

Why does the shutdown of 2G/3G affect eCall?
Because many cars use first-generation eCall modules that only work over 2G or 3G networks for emergency calls.

How many cars might lose SOS calls?
European estimates suggest around 64 million vehicles could be impacted by the complete shutdown of 2G and 3G.

What solution does Brussels propose?
To keep at least one 2G or 3G network operational per country until 2030, allowing older eCall systems to continue contacting 112.

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