Fellow MyDigitalLife community members, especially those within the European Union, I'm writing to bring to your attention a pressing concern that affects us all: the reliability and accessibility of voice communications in Europe. As some of you may know, the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks is underway, and the lack of standard 4G VoLTE or 5G VoNR support during roaming among European telecom operators is causing significant disruptions to voice communications. The situation is further complicated by the fact that some carriers are restricting the freedom to enable VoLTE, forcing customers to purchase phones from them or sign contracts. This not only limits the freedom of prepaid users but also creates a barrier to accessing reliable voice communications. I've been in touch with the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), and they've acknowledged the concerns. However, more needs to be done to address these issues. BEREC plans to organize an expert-level workshop in this year (2025) to discuss the phaseout of 2G and 3G networks, and I believe it's essential that we, as a community, make our voices heard. We need to ensure that the regulators understand the impact of these shutdowns on our daily lives and the importance of maintaining reliable voice communications. I urge you all to join me in calling for action. We need to: Ensure that at least one of the legacy networks (2G or 3G) is kept active to maintain voice communications for devices or roaming that do not support 4G VoLTE or 5G VoNR standards; Encourage telecom operators to expedite the implementation of 4G VoLTE or 5G VoNR support during roaming; Promote public awareness campaigns to inform users about the ongoing changes in voice communication technologies and the importance of upgrading their devices to support 4G VoLTE or 5G VoNR; Ensure that carriers cannot restrict VoLTE support to specific phone models sold by them, but instead must support a wide range of devices available in stores, allowing users to choose their preferred phone without being tied to a specific carrier. Furthermore, the EU must enforce interoperability standards among carriers, ensuring that devices are compatible across different networks, so that users can switch carriers without having to change their phone. Let's work together to make our voices heard and ensure that the regulators take our concerns seriously. Share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions in this thread, and let's make a collective effort to improve the state of voice communications in the European Union. What can you do? Share this thread with your friends and family who may be affected by these issues; Contact your local telecom operator and express your concerns about the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks and the lack of VoLTE support; Participate in the discussion and share your thoughts on how we can work together to address these issues. Let's make a difference and ensure that our voices are heard.
I'd like to add to the discussion, specifically, the concerns about emergency calling. As we're all aware, many users, including those who travel or are in roaming, rely on 2G networks to make emergency calls. If 2G is shut down simultaneously with 3G, these users may be left unable to communicate in critical situations, especially in areas with limited or no 3G coverage. Furthermore, roaming agreements allow users from different networks to access local infrastructure. 2G has proven to be reliable for emergency calls, requiring less bandwidth and being able to connect calls even in areas with weak signals. Removing this network could result in an increase in failed or delayed emergency calls. I propose that a phased approach be considered for the 3G shutdown, keeping the 2G network operational for an additional period. This would allow users, especially those who haven't upgraded their devices, to continue making emergency calls without interruption. Some potential points to consider when discussing emergency calling with regulators and telecom operators include: Ensuring that emergency services are available and accessible to all users, regardless of their device or network; Implementing a system for emergency calls that can function with minimal bandwidth and weak signals; Providing clear information to users about the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks and the potential impact on emergency calling; Offering alternatives or solutions for users who may be affected by the shutdown, such as providing devices that support 4G VoLTE or 5G VoNR; Conducting thorough testing and evaluation to ensure that emergency calling systems are functioning correctly and reliably before shutting down 2G and 3G networks. It's essential that we, as a community, emphasize the importance of emergency calling and ensure that the regulators and telecom operators take the necessary steps to mitigate any potential risks. I urge everyone to share their thoughts and concerns on this critical issue. Let's work together to ensure that the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks does not compromise the safety and well-being of EU citizens. Edited for additional clarity. P.S.: It's worth noting that making emergency calls over VoLTE without a SIM card is possible, thanks to the 3GPP standard for "Emergency Call over IMS" (eCall over IMS) and the "Unauthenticated Emergency Session" feature. This allows devices to establish an emergency call session with the network, even without a valid SIM card or subscription. However, not all devices or networks may support eCall over IMS. Additionally, some networks may require a SIM card to be present in the device, even if it's not authenticated, to make an emergency call over VoLTE. It's essential to ensure that all devices and networks support this feature to ensure seamless emergency calling.
It really does worries me that they want to get rid of 3G, and especially 2G, as my cell phones (or as youngsters call them 'dumbphones') only support that, because I DO NOT NEED some stupid 'smart' phone that is, first of all, inconvienent to carry around in my pocket due to most of them being too big and is always at higher risk of falling out then a small cell phone that sits deeply in my pocket and rarely will fall out. My trusty Nokia 1600 and 3510i models have been very reliable and only needed replacement batteries after many years in service(good luck trying to change a battery on a 'modern' 'smart' phone)and does everything a phone is supposed to do: receive and make calls, maybe sometimes get a text message or text someone, but that's really something girls do and making a call is just faster. And why everything does need to have some crappy 'app'. Computers or a simple sheet of paper is not trendy or 'innovative' anymore? Sure, that's just my opinion, but I will continue to use real cell phones and advocate against this decision until the very end... After that sad day, probably going to 'upgrade' to landline, but all hope is still not lost...
The problem is that many smartphones advertised as 4G compatible are not supported by carriers for VoLTE, often due to artificial restrictions and carriers seeking to generate additional revenue. My carrier, for instance, only supports a limited subset of phones for the new voice technologies, and many EU carriers have their own distinct lists of supported devices. The issue is exacerbated by restrictions such as only enabling VoLTE for contract holders, not prepaid users. Furthermore, even on compatible devices, roaming support is often inadequate because foreign carriers within the EU do not adhere to the same specifications, leading to inconsistent and unreliable voice services. Currently, users can still fall back to 2G/3G networks (via Circuit Switched Fallback, or CSFB) when VoLTE is not enabled, but this workaround is only guaranteed to be available until December 31, 2025, as mandated by EU legislation. After that date, there's a risk that this fallback option may no longer exist, leaving users without a reliable means of making voice calls. This adds urgency to the need for carriers to improve VoLTE support and interoperability, and for regulators to ensure that users interests are protected. The same applies to 5G and VoNR.
As someone who's been following this issue, I'm frustrated with the lack of consideration for consumers who will be affected by this change. I'm also skeptical about the benefits of 5G. It seems like another marketing gimmick to get people to upgrade to newer devices and plans. And now we're already hearing about 6G? It seems the tech industry is creating a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) among consumers, rather than genuinely improving their lives. I think it's time for the EU to take a step back and consider the impact of their decisions on consumers. We need to make sure that people have access to reliable and affordable communication services, regardless of the technology used, and not leave anyone behind in the rush to adopt newer technologies. We must call on the EU to take a more consumer-centric approach to this issue, and we have to work together to find solutions that benefit everyone, not just the tech industry's bottom line. Vote with your wallet, support your values with your purchases. Reject monopolies. United, the people stand strong in their freedom against greedy corporations that seek to shackle consumers. My two cents.
How they can turn off both 2G and 3G networks at once without consulting the people who lives in the remote areas???
Portugal has already shut down its 3G networks, raising concerns about the potential future shutdown of 2G networks, particularly in rural areas. These communities often depend on older network technologies due to limited access to newer infrastructure, and the loss of 2G could leave many residents in remote areas without reliable mobile coverage. This situation is especially alarming in emergency scenarios where access to mobile networks is critical. Currently, it's unclear what specific measures have been taken by the Portuguese government or telecommunications companies to address the concerns of rural residents regarding a future 2G shutdown. It's essential for everyone in Portugal to stay informed about any future plans from NOS, MEO, and Vodafone, the country's major telecommunications providers, regarding the 2G network phase out. 2G remains a vital technology for many, especially in areas where newer infrastructure is not readily available. Reaching out to ANACOM, the Portuguese communications regulator, can be an effective way to express concerns and make our voices heard. ANACOM is responsible for ensuring that telecommunications services are available and accessible to all, and they may be able to provide guidance or intervene on behalf of affected consumers. It's also worth noting that ANACOM may have a formal process for submitting complaints or concerns, so it's essential to familiarize oneself with their procedures and guidelines. By collectively contacting ANACOM, people in Portugal can emphasize the importance of preserving 2G networks and advocate for alternative solutions that cater to the needs of rural communities. It’s crucial that we speak up for essential services, particularly in areas where they are most needed. Thank you for your attention, and I hope this information helps to raise awareness about the potential impact of a 2G network shutdown on rural communities in Portugal.
We, as a collective, should pay attention to any future announcements and push back on bad practices, which is the spirit I am trying to purse with these posts, so everyone is informed. I certainly can relate to your frustration. The state of the system in Portugal is one of the reasons I left the country many years ago to live and work abroad. You're welcome, I may look into it at some point. At the moment I am happy with the answers BEREC is giving me. Thank you. My two cents.
It's essential to continue pushing for greater transparency and accountability from carriers and the tech industry. This includes demanding clearer information about VoLTE support and interoperability, as well as advocating for more affordable and accessible communication services. The issue is further complicated by the fact that many 4G capable devices are not truly compatible with carriers networks, despite being advertised as such. In reality, only a select few brands, such as Apple, are guaranteed to work seamlessly with carriers VoLTE services. Even then, consumers are forced to check "compatibility lists" to ensure that their device is supported, which is a cumbersome and frustrating process. VoLTE compatibility and forced upgrades are more related to the lack of standardization and interoperability between different carriers and device manufacturers, rather than a technological necessity. This is why I believe that the EU must pass regulations to prevent carriers from forcing consumers to buy new phones every few years. Without such regulations, carriers will continue to exploit consumers by selling them devices that are not truly compatible with their networks, and then forcing them to upgrade to newer devices that are. This is a scam, plain and simple. The EU has a critical role to play in regulating the tech industry and ensuring that consumers interests are protected. By supporting consumer-centric policies and advocating for greater transparency and accountability, we can create a more equitable and sustainable approach to technology. It's time for the EU to take action and protect consumers from the predatory practices of carriers and the tech industry.
As we dive headfirst into the world of 5G, it's crucial to address the elephant in the room: the potential health effects of this emerging technology. Let's explore the scientifically proven facts about 5G's impact on our health. With the rollout of 5G, we can expect to see a significant increase in the number of cell towers and antennas. This is because 5G requires a denser network to provide faster speeds and lower latency. Operating on higher frequency bands, including millimeter wave frequencies, 5G signals have a shorter range and are more easily absorbed by the human body. Research has shown that exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), which include the frequencies used in 5G, can have biological effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines for RF-EMF exposure based on the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the human body, which measures the amount of RF energy absorbed. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the WHO, has classified RF-EMF as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" based on limited evidence from human studies. So, are we becoming chickens in a microwave? It's important to acknowledge the potential health effects of 5G. By understanding the scientifically proven facts and staying informed, we can make educated decisions about our exposure to RF-EMFs. Stay informed, stay safe, and remember: you're not a chicken in a microwave.
I'm frustrated by the pressure to upgrade to a new device every year or two just to keep up with the latest technology. This issue goes beyond the cost of a new phone; it’s about the environmental impact of constantly replacing devices. Electronic waste is a significant problem, and by extending the life of our phones, we can help reduce the demand for new, resource-intensive products. I’m doing my best to hold onto my current phone for as long as possible, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult. Carriers and manufacturers seem to be pushing us to upgrade constantly, showing little interest in supporting older devices. With the development of compatibility shims and multimode radios, there is no technical reason why legacy networks like 2G and 3G cannot continue to coexist with newer networks like 4G and 5G. In fact, many experts argue that shutting down legacy networks is more of a business decision than a technical necessity. This is just another example of how the constant push for upgrades can harm consumers and the environment. I believe it’s time for regulators to step in and take action to protect consumers from these predatory practices. We need greater transparency and accountability from carriers and manufacturers, as well as the assurance that consumers have the right to repair and maintain their own devices. Let’s keep this conversation going and work towards making some changes. Who’s with me?
hm. there is a reason for such misery.. unsurprisingly it is more money & profits for he Saintly Shareholders. is something low-tech and therefore low-cost? ditch it, and upgrade to something higher-tech and therefore costlier! meanwhile, i follow my own plan. i am not even worried about 2g, 3g, 4g, 5g, or any further g; for the simple reason that i have got no dumb-phone. i used to, because i had to have one when still had to work. i had a nice antique siemens dumbphone. no display to speak of, and everything worked, so long as you kept that low-capacity battery charged.it got pensioned off the moment i got pensioned off too.last year i bought a low-tech am-pocket radio. i use it when i am out of range of my keyboard. no display, so it keeps working on 2 aa batteries for almost 6 months now; no isp costs, or anything. it is FREE. [ as in free beer.] and you don’t have to clean any tracking cookies either. and i can still pick up the news,or the miserable weather report. for now. but they are going out of their way to switch off every am- transmitter too, btw. the alleged reason? right.you guessed it. the woke environment; am transmitters use up a lot of energy.and it warms up the planet, of course.and costs the wrong people money. so i will not be joining your just cause, dear cracker. i recommend that the consumers start using their brains instead of umpteen g.
As a consumer closely monitoring the 2G and 3G shutdowns, I feel increasingly frustrated by the disregard for individuals like myself. I've kept my phone for over five years, deliberately postponing an upgrade until the EU implements regulations to combat the anti-consumer practices of carriers and manufacturers. To extend my phone's lifespan, I've adjusted my charging habits, now typically charging from 20% to 80% or 90%, which reduces battery stress and slows degradation. Occasionally, I charge it to 95% for calibration, but I generally avoid full charges. Despite my efforts, I recognize that my phone has a limited lifespan. I'm particularly worried about how the shutdowns will affect my ability to make emergency calls, especially in rural areas with poor coverage. Additionally, I remain skeptical about the purported advantages of 5G, viewing it as a marketing strategy to push consumers toward newer devices and plans. I urge the EU to enact regulations that prevent carriers from compelling consumers to purchase new phones every few years. It's essential that we maintain access to reliable and affordable voice communication, regardless of the device or network. My choice to retain my phone stems from a desire to resist forced upgrades and planned obsolescence prevalent in the tech industry. Consumers should have the autonomy to decide when and how to upgrade their devices, free from pressure from carriers and manufacturers focused on sales rather than support. While I continue to modify my usage to prolong my phone's life, I understand it won't last indefinitely. Therefore, I call on the EU to take decisive action against practices that undermine consumer rights. I am prepared to wait for meaningful change, even if it means holding onto my phone longer. I hope others will share their experiences and advocate for consumer rights alongside me.