Parking meters, alarm systems and telecare devices could be disrupted and left obsolete because of the upcoming switch-off of 2G and 3G mobile networks, the LGA has warned.
All mobile operators have agreed with the Government to switch off 2G and 3G by 2033, as these services are being replaced by faster 4G and 5G technologies, and some have already started to do so.
An LGA survey found that most councils are aware of the network closures and are making the necessary preparations, but almost two-thirds are still using devices and systems reliant on 2G and 3G networks to at least a small extent.
Adult social care, housing and environmental services are among the areas that could be affected, particularly in rural parts of the country, where mobile signals are more patchy, the survey reveals.
More than half (57 per cent) of respondents said their highways, transport and parking services were still reliant on the older networks, with parking meters the main area that needs upgrading.
Environment and waste services were the second most impacted (45 per cent), with refuse collection vehicle in-cab displays among the devices affected.
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, LGA Digital Connectivity Spokesperson, said: “We need government and telecoms leaders to work together to raise awareness of the transition and what it means for those at the sharp end, including on how best to manage the move to the latest technology.
“Older, legacy infrastructure – ranging from parking meters and payment machines, to emergency auto diallers and sensors in social housing – may need upgrading or replacing to work on new, faster 4G and 5G networks. Time is running out if we are to avoid the fallout from the big switch-off.”
