Germany faces emergency safety risks as 2G network shutdown approaches

Germany is facing potential safety gaps in emergency response systems due to the planned phase-out of 2G mobile networks. Major providers, including Telekom, Vodafone, and O2, are expected to begin shutting down 2G networks starting in 2028. This transition poses a significant challenge for approximately 16 million vehicles in Germany that rely on 2G-based eCall systems to transmit automatic emergency calls during accidents.

While new vehicle models are required to use 4G or 5G-based NG eCall systems, the existing fleet remains vulnerable. This technological shift coincides with a review by Autobahn GmbH regarding the future of approximately 17,000 orange emergency call pillars located along German motorways. Due to declining usage as drivers increasingly rely on smartphones and eCall, the agency is evaluating whether the costly maintenance of these pillars is still necessary.

However, safety experts and the ADAC warn that removing these pillars could create risks. Unlike smartphones, the pillars function independently of battery life or mobile signal strength and provide precise location data. Furthermore, the upcoming 2G shutdown may render the automatic emergency functions of millions of older vehicles inoperable, making the physical emergency pillars a critical fallback for drivers without compatible technology.