Tele2 and Telenor will shut down their 2G and 3G networks as early as December 1, 2025 – thousands of elevators risk being grounded
The telecom operators Tele2 and Telenor have announced that they will shut down their 2G and 3G networks by December 1, 2025, at the latest. Telia previously announced that its 2G shutdown would not take place until 2027, but for many elevator owners, Tele2’s and Telenor’s decision means they have significantly less time to upgrade their emergency phones.
Many elevators in Sweden still use 2G or 3G networks for their emergency phones. When these networks are phased out, all elevators equipped with older emergency phones will be left without a functioning emergency call system, which could result in a ban on operation under current safety regulations.
“We see a risk that many property owners do not yet have a full understanding of how their elevators will be affected by the shutdown of the 2G/3G networks. Now that the timeline has been shortened, it is crucial to act quickly to avoid unnecessary downtime,” says Fredrik Eliasson, CEO of Motum.
What does this mean for elevator owners?
When an emergency phone stops working, it may mean that the elevator no longer meets safety requirements and must be taken out of service. Building owners and property managers should ensure as soon as possible that their elevators are ready for the transition to 4G VoLTE (Voice over LTE).
Here's how elevator owners can prepare
· Take inventory of existing equipment – Check whether your emergency phones still use 2G/3G.
· Plan for an upgrade – If an upgrade is required, act well in advance to ensure a smooth transition.
· Contact an expert – Solutions are available for both upgrading and replacing emergency phones. Contact your service provider for recommendations and to ensure the future operation of the elevator.
For more information
Contact your local elevator company – the Motum Group has a presence throughout much of Sweden and Norway, and we’re happy to help ensure the smooth operation of your elevators.
Contact us– Together, we’ll ensure safe and reliable elevator operation even after the 2G and 3G networks are shut down.