What You Need To Know About 2G Network Sunsetting

By Cheryl Knight, contributing writer

With carriers announcing plans to discontinue 2G service within the next few years, how should you and your customers with M2M (machine-to-machine) systems plan for this now?

In 2012, AT&T announced plans to sunset its 2G network by approximately January 1, 2017. A statement on AT&T’s website explains, “The higher speeds of the upgraded network will enable our M2M customers to deliver enhanced applications and solutions, which will benefit their customers and employees. For example, our advanced networks will support video cameras for real-time streaming and driver dash cameras for fleet trucks. These enhancements would not be possible on the 2G network.”

In an article for Field Technologies Online, Normal Miglietta of KORE Telematics points out as 2G networks are discontinued, companies seem to have key misconceptions about the sunsetting of 2G:

• Misconception 1: With the shutdown not happening until the end of 2016, there is plenty of time to switch over to 3G and 4G. While this might be true for some markets, companies such as AT&T plan on freeing up some of their 2G spectrum between now and the deadline date. This could lead to the company closing down some of its territories sooner than the current deadline.
• Misconception 2. Someone will step in to keep 2G networks alive for some M2M applications. While this might be true with utility companies and logistics providers, which have invested in large-scale 2G uses, the likelihood of qualifying for grandfathering in will be difficult to meet for private enterprises.
• Misconception 3. Migrating before you have to is a waste of money. While 2G might meet the needs of many of your clients, upgrading to 3G can help future proof a company. Not only does it ensure seamless operations for your clients, but upgrading allows you to more easily implement new services, such as steaming video, as they become available.

In a Security Info Watch article, Dwayne Salsman, the product manager of alternate communicators & C24 communications for Tyco Security Products, adds you need to consider the impact on you as well: “With the actual date seemingly far in the future, it is easy to have a false sense of security; however, the impacts of the pending sunset are becoming more apparent with each passing day. Many dealers cannot afford to wait to address the 2G sunset or they may be faced with too many systems to switch over and not enough time/resources to complete them before service to customers is impacted.”

Salsman suggest talking with manufacturers about swap-out programs, rebates, credits, or other upgrade incentives. He also says it could be beneficial to bundle upgrades from 2G with renewals of monitoring contracts to help offset costs or to swap equipment in conjunction with service calls to avoid scheduling it at a different time. He adds, “Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of communicating to your customers the need to upgrade their alarm system’s communicator — and what it means to them.”