Interesting video about impending 2G/3G shutdown in Oz

[B. Diddy]

I like this techie YouTuber Hugh Jeffreys, who makes interesting videos about mobile devices focusing on repairability and sustainability. This recent video was particularly fascinating, discussing the impending shutdown of both 2G and 3G in Australia, and the implications for calling. The main issue is that with both 2G and 3G gone, phones will have to rely on VoLTE to make calls -- but VoLTE actually isn't a universal standard, so it's not a simple matter of "does my phone have VoLTE?" It may depend on the specific implementation of VoLTE that a carrier uses (some of them are proprietary), so a given phone might work on one carrier's VoLTE, but not another. Since most countries are also planning on sunsetting these older networks, it may be a preview of issues everyone will have to face at some point.

 

[Golfdriver97]

Makes me think of how US carriers are trying to roll out 5G when LTE doesn't seem to completely cover the US. I get there are some areas that are harder, like The Rockies or Appalachians, but you shouldn't have this big gap in say the middle of Nebraska.

 

[mustang7757]

Another thing that's small but most don't know , vending machines use 2g network so they probably have to get updated or new machines

 

[Golfdriver97]

Another thing that's small but most don't know , vending machines use 2g network so they probably have to get updated or new machines

How convenient....forcing a hardware upgrade to a vending machine....now your $1 candy bar will be $1.75.

 

[mustang7757]

How convenient....forcing a hardware upgrade to a vending machine....now your $1 candy bar will be $1.75.

Yeah lol

Only way I knew about vending machines was my brother-in-law sells them then I was thinking when on vacation in the Hotel they have them by the room

 

[ironass]

Here, in the U.K., 3G is already being shut down and 2G will follow by 2033.

The switch off of 3G has not been without its problems with smart gas/electric meters as well as medical alert bracelets and pendants stopping working, amongst other things.

To compound things, the copper wire landline home phones are being closed down and switched to VoIP. Needless to say, that landline usage is declining in the U.K. in favour of mobile/cell phones where calls are cheaper or free on inclusive plans.

 

[mustang7757]

Here, in the U.K., 3G is already being shut down and 2G will follow by 2033.

The switch off of 3G has not been without its problems with smart gas/electric meters as well as medical alert bracelets and pendants stopping working, amongst other things.

To compound things, the copper wire landline home phones are being closed down and switched to VoIP. Needless to say, that landline usage is declining in the U.K. in favour of mobile/cell phones where calls are cheaper or free on inclusive plans.

I'm surprised 2033 they will end 2g , do lot things depend on it in your region?

 

[ironass]

I'm surprised 2033 they will end 2g , do lot things depend on it in your region?

One benefit of being a tiny island is that we have currently got pretty good 4G & 5G coverage...

• "4G coverage
  According to Ofcom's 2023 Connected Nations report, 93% of the UK's landmass has 4G coverage from at least one operator."
  
  
• "5G coverage
  In September 2023, Ofcom estimated that 85 to 93% of UK premises could get 5G coverage outdoors from at least one operator."
  
  
  In the next 8 years or so, this should increase to near 100% for 4G & 5G but this is not without its challenges, as detailed, here...
  
  

  

  2G Network Shutdown in the UK [What You Need to Know] | UCtel

  Learn ▶️ more about the 2G switch-off in the UK. Discover what it means for your mobile devices and how to stay connected ✅ and smoothly transition from 2G networks.

  www.uctel.co.uk

  ​

  Of the 4 U.K. carrier networks, EE/BT, Vodafone, O2 and Three, the latter does not support 2G & 3G already.
  ​
  
  
  
  

 

[B. Diddy]

Update from Hugh: the carnage in Australia has begun.

 

[ironass]

Update from Hugh: the carnage in Australia has begun.

In the U.K. we call that an, "Omnishambles".

(Actually, there are other names that we use but I am too much of a gentleman to repeat them )

 

[B. Diddy]

In the U.K. we call that an, "Omnishambles".

(Actually, there are other names that we use but I am too much of a gentleman to repeat them )

I'd love to hear courtly and gentlemanly versions of foulmouthed cusswords (but maybe just as a PM)!

 

[ironass]

I'd love to hear courtly and gentlemanly versions of foulmouthed cusswords (but maybe just as a PM)!

Your wish is my command me old mucker.