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2h ago

Vodafone Sets September 2028 2G Shutdown as EU Car eCall Moves to 4G/5G

NG eCall testing on LTE underscores looming upgrade needs for older cars.

Die Notruftaste für den E-Call findet sich entweder am Dachhimmel oder in der Mittelkonsole.
Vodafone schaltet 2G ab, alte Handys funktionieren ab September 2028 nicht mehr.
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Overview

  • Vodafone Germany will retire 2G in September 2028, following Deutsche Telekom’s June 30, 2028 target, to free low‑band spectrum for LTE and 5G.
  • Telefónica O2 has not set a shutdown date and is keeping 2G as its base network for voice and SMS for now.
  • The EU’s Next Generation eCall starts in January 2026 on LTE/5G, with Vodafone and Telekom already enabling the feature and Vodafone opening its network for automaker tests.
  • Millions of vehicles with 2G‑only modules risk losing automated 112 emergency calling without upgrades, while routine inspections currently do not check eCall functionality.
  • Vodafone will maintain limited 2G for critical IoT such as elevators and eCall until the end of 2030, and older phones without LTE/5G will lose voice, SMS and emergency calling once 2G is retired.