So many automated services still rely on 2G
this post was submitted on 04 Aug 2026
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Someone I know got screwed over when 3G shut down. Their business used an alarm system with a 3G modem (using a cheap data-only SIM card).
The "updated" version requires subscriptions, an app, and goes through manufacturer's servers, so more expensive, and several more points of failure.
I have an older EV that used 3G for app access and maybe other stuff I haven't noticed. It still runs but I can't do things like tell it to preheat/cool the cabin from my phone. Its not an issue for me personally, the car has a timer function, and I can just set it to cool down at x time.
But its interesting seeing abandoned protocols.
You can get an updated modem from Nissan if you wanted. My boss did that, but I don't remember the cost.
The Android Auto still works, but to be completely and embarassingly honest, I have had a car with bluetooth for ten years and I think I have only used it once. I'm just weird like that. I just put some tunes on a USB and its good enough.
Like what
I think things like commercial and high end home automation. And security stuff. I might be mistaken tho.
And it might sound like that’s old and out of date. But it stuck around cuz it was reliable.
I’d think this is a good thing then for that, less interference
They’ve been phasing it out for years.
Yeah, for sure. But I think we both know how some technology manages to stick around surprisingly long.
Even so, this is different. Spectrum use is a different animal from fax machines, COBOL and Windows CE.
eCall, alarm systems, elevators and many types of sensors.
2G should die though. You can use the frequencies for 4G/5G to get better reception.
And if the thing depending on 2G has the space for it (like a car or an elevator) then the thing can be upgraded with hardware that supports 4G/5G.
...Unless the manufacturer is a dick and wants you to buy a whole new thing. I suspect that this will happen a lot.
Just when some people are getting interested in reviving old dumbphones
The dumbphones being released now should all work on modern networks. The connection being 4G / 5G doesn't mean the phone must have an internet browser and an app store.
If I can't use my Nokia N-Gage, what's the point?
Yes, but they're new phones, not old phones revival
I have a dumb phone that works on 4G and uses voiceover LTE for its calling, so you can still use a dumb phone.
Just because the underlying network is 4G or 5G doesn't mean you have to have a web browser and all the smartphone stuff.
I have a dumb phone that works on 4G and uses voiceover LTE for its calling, so you can still use a dumb phone.
Of course you can, but buying new isn't the same as reviving the old ones
Yeah, fair enough
I had no idea that 2G worked til just now. Damn. I had to reluctantly mothball my 3G phone some years ago, but maybe there was a way to keep using it on 2G until now.