William Eichler 18 December 2023

Parking meters face disruption from 2G switch off

Parking meters face disruption from 2G switch off image
Image: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com.

Parking meters, alarm systems and telecare devices risk facing disruption when 2G and 3G mobile networks are switched off, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.

All mobile operators will switch off 2G and 3G networks by 2033 as their services are being replaced by faster 4G and 5G technologies.

A survey by the LGA of 53 councils found that the majority are preparing for the switch off but almost two thirds said they are still using devices reliant on 2G and 3G networks to at least a small extent.

Over half (57%) of respondents said their highways, transport and parking services were still reliant on the older networks, with parking meters the main area which needs upgrading.

Environment and waste services were the second most impacted (45%), with refuse collection vehicle in-cab displays among the devices affected.

The third most impacted were housing services at just under 40% still reliant on the old networks. Telecare safety devices were also referenced in the survey as needing to be replaced.

The LGA warned that a lack of adequate 4G and 5G coverage, particularly in rural areas, will hamper efforts to move on from the legacy networks.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, LGA digital connectivity spokesman said: ‘Councils want to do all they can to minimise the impact of the 2G and 3G network switch off but cannot do it alone. We need Government and telecoms leaders to work together to raise awareness of the transition and what it means for those at the sharp end, including on how best to manage the move to the latest technology.

‘Older, legacy infrastructure ranging from parking meters and payment machines to emergency auto diallers and sensors in social housing, may need upgrading or replacing to work on new, faster 4G and 5G networks. Time is running out if we are to avoid the fallout from the big switch off.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Financial Assessment Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£30,510 - £45,564 per annum
Financial Assessment Officer
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

HDRC Partnerships Officer

Essex County Council
£26786.00 - £31512.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
HDRC Partnerships OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£26,786 to £31,512 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Delivery Lead

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Lead the daily operations of our SEN service, ensuring every child receives the support they deserve. Working as an SEN Delivery Lead means being at t England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Complex Case Officer (SEN)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Support children and young people with complex needs, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time. Working as a Complex Case Officer in ou England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Events Officer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £18.28 per hour
Events Officer- Harlow District CouncilHarlow, Essex Full time, Temporary £18.28 per hour PAYE Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner