Overview

• Vodafone will turn off 2G services for private and business customers in September 2028 and keep 2G only for specified critical IoT uses until December 2030 to refarm spectrum for LTE/5G and improve rural coverage.
• The EU’s Next Generation eCall becomes compulsory for newly developed vehicle types from 1 January 2026 and for all new registrations from 1 January 2027, moving emergency calls to LTE/5G.
• Vodafone has opened its network for NG eCall testing by automakers, enabling richer data such as vehicle telemetry and potentially live images or health metrics subject to data‑protection rules.
• ADAC warns that millions of existing vehicles relying on 2G/3G eCall could lose automatic 112 capability once legacy networks are withdrawn, and current inspections do not require a functioning eCall system.
• Deutsche Telekom targets 30 June 2028 for its 2G end date while Telefónica/O2 has not given a firm shutdown schedule, and users of 2G‑only phones, sensors, and some cars will need upgrades or replacements.