The planned switch-off of 2G and 3G networks could cause significant disruption in some council services, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
It has published the results of a survey of local authorities to identify the impact likely from UK mobile network operators’ indication to the Government they do not intend to offer 2G and 3G networks past 2033 at the latest – with some saying they will end the services earlier.
The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, said this means that some older devices may no longer work, as almost two-thirds of the councils that responded are still using devices reliant on 2G and 3G to at least a small extent.
It identified adult social care, housing and environmental services among the areas that could be affected, particularly in rural parts of the country with patchy mobile coverage.
Key findings of the survey – which covered the views of 53 councils – include that 65% of respondents were aware of the upcoming switch-off, while only 32% were very confident of their authorities’ ability to manage the change with minimal impacts to their operations and services. 38% were fairly confident and 18% not very confident.
Over two-thirds (69%) said they would value support in managing the change from the LGA to some extent.
Most expect some costs from the switch-off, and most of those have either not yet estimated how much or have not secured funding.
Need for guidance
The LGA said greater guidance and awareness raising of the switch-off is needed from government and the telecoms industry to make sure any disruption to devices and services are kept to a minimum and to better help them prepare for the transition.
It called on the Government and regulator Ofcom to build on the findings and recommendations of the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, published earlier this year, to improve the quality of mobile coverage reporting data. This in turn would help improve understanding and awareness of overall mobile coverage across the country.
Local digital champions, working in councils, can also act as a central point of contact to help extend gigabit-capable broadband and mobile coverage across the country as quickly as possible and could help with managing the impact of the switch off locally. The LGA called for the digital champions to be extended to every local area, to help improve connectivity and reduce the digital divide.
Vital for services
Its digital connectivity spokesperson, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, said: “Mobile data is vital for running certain services which people use and rely on every day, whether it be for help in paying for parking or providing a vital helpline in social housing.
“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.”
