EENA’s response to the BEREC draft report on managing copper network switch-off emphasised the need to use the lessons learned during the copper switch-off process to protect access to emergency communications during the 2G and 3G switch-off.
While much attention has been paid to the 2G and 3G switch-off due to its impact on access to emergency communications, the copper network switch-off has also been ongoing in recent years. One of the issues that national regulatory authorities faced during this process was how to avoid forced network switch-offs, where users dependent on the copper network lose their connection without receiving access to a new alternative connection. EENA believes that the lessons learned from this process could help ensure that the 2G and 3G switch-off does not impact access to emergency services. Therefore, EENA called on BEREC to consider these lessons in future switch-offs in its response to the draft BEREC report on managing copper network switch-off.
A key finding of the draft BEREC report was that proactive communications with alternative network operators and end users were effective in avoiding active connections being cut. This communication ensured that users were aware of impending changes to their connection, and could collaborate with alternative network operators to ensure continuity of service.
Ensuring effective communications during the 2G and 3G switch-off is particularly critical as its consequences can be less apparent compared to the copper switch-off. While someone using a copper connection would understand that the services which they use this connection for will cease to function once the network is shut down, people using mobile network connections might not be aware of the specific frequencies that their device uses. In addition, people might not be aware that certain services on 4 and 5G capable devices, such as eCall in vehicles, require a 2G and 3G connection to function.
Other lessons identified from the copper switch-off by BEREC to protect users included the need to ensure that alternative network products are available, and the need to provide a sufficient notice period before the switch-off took place. It appears clear that national regulatory authorities should, in addition to communicating with legacy users, ensure that next-generation devices, such as NGeCall have been on the market in sufficient numbers for a reasonable period so people have time to migrate to next-generation networks.
In all, it is clear that the lessons learned from the copper switch-off would be invaluable in future switch-offs, including for 2G and 3G networks. Ensuring these lessons are disseminated and built on will be vital to not only save costs for network operators by ensuring a more efficient switch-off but more critically, by ensuring continued access to emergency communications.