How the End of 2G and 3G Affects the Safety of French Smart Elevators?

• The French Elevator Federation estimates that 290,000 systems, accounting for half of the country's existing elevator systems, will need to migrate to 4G or 5G by 2029. This presents an unprecedented challenge for the industry. 

• 1NCE offers 4G roaming services across all three major operators in France at a fixed price: customers pay once the service for the lifetime of the device. 

Although smart elevators are not typically considered in the same category as cars, trains, or airplanes, they are actually France’s primary mode of transportation, with 100 million trips per day. According to the Barometer of French People and Elevators, prepared by Ipsos for the French Elevator Federation, nearly 8 out of 10 citizens report using an elevator regularly and 28% use one daily. The study also found that elevators are essential for nearly 60% of the French population when handling occasional heavy loads, assisting elderly individuals (53%), or transporting young children (41%). 

Moreover, as France’s population ages, mobility is declining: by 2030, 1 in 3 French citizens will be over 60 years old. Additionally, urban areas are becoming increasingly vertical, leading to higher population density in smaller spaces. 

The End of 2G and 3G in French Elevators

Against this backdrop, the technological delay affecting at least 290,000 connected elevators in the country—warned about for years—is becoming an urgent concern. "It is estimated that by the end of 2026, or even the end of 2025 for some, 232,000 communication systems running on 2G will need to be updated or replaced. Additionally, 58,000 3G communication systems must be upgraded by 2028-2029. Nearly 50% of the elevator fleet currently operates on 2G or 3G technology," states the French Elevator Federation. 

Consequences of the 2G and 3G Shutdown

Since elevator connectivity is a legal requirement, the industry faces two key risks: 

1. Safety Risks. If an elevator has no connection, the emergency alarm button ceases to function, meaning that in case of an emergency, occupants would be unable to communicate digitally with the outside world. 

2. Operational Risks. If a smart elevator does not transition to 4G or 5G, it will no longer comply with legal standards and must be shut down. 

In short, if the required technology is unavailable, end-user devices cannot function unless they are upgraded to be compatible. This issue extends beyond connected elevators to telecare systems, security alarms, certain medical devices, telemetry equipment, and electronic emergency call systems in vehicles. 

Why Are 2G and 3G Networks Being Shut Down?

The discontinuation of 2G and 3G networks is driven by a need for frequency space. By gradually decommissioning second and third generation mobile networks, bandwidth is freed up for 4G and 5G, providing a more reliable and faster network connection. For example, several European companies plan to reuse the 900 MHz frequency band —freed up by the 2G shutdown— to expand 4G and 5G coverage in rural areas. Major telecom operators see this as an opportunity to improve network performance. Although this transition makes sense from a technological perspective, some industries are not yet ready, and the French elevator sector is among those affected. 

Request for an Extension

"To facilitate the transition for both the affected equipment owners and the maintenance companies responsible for upgrades, the French Elevator Federation and other industry organizations have jointly urged telecom operators and ARCEP to extend the deadlines by at least two years," states the French Elevator Federation. 

"The transition timelines in France are significantly shorter than in other European countries, where the average transition period for 2G shutdowns is around seven years. However, at this time, telecom operators are not considering an extension," the Federation explains. Despite multiple appeals to delay the 2G and 3G shutdown in France, including the most recent request before the end of 2024, major telecom operators appear unwilling to grant extensions.

Not Optional, but Mandatory

For now, the elevator sector has no choice but to comply with the deadlines. Depending on the case of the different French telecommunications operators: 

• 2G will be completely shut down in France by late 2025 or 2026. 

• 3G will be phased out by either late next year (2026) or by 2028-2029. 

In other words, within the next five years, up to 290,000 elevators —representing half of the country’s total fleet— must migrate to 4G or 5G. This marks an unprecedented challenge for the industry. 

What Can Elevator Manufacturers Do?

In this situation, depending on whether an affected smart elevator uses a 2G or 3G modem/router, the owner or manufacturer will need to replace both the hardware and the SIM card or, in some cases, only the SIM card. However, in both scenarios, a SIM replacement will be required. 

How 1NCE Can Help with the 2G and 3G Shutdown

This is precisely where 1NCE emerges as a viable solution to this growing issue. The key value proposition of 1NCE is its 4G roaming service across all three major operators in France at a fixed price. This means users do not have to choose between multiple providers. Additionally, 1NCE’s CAPEX-based pricing model simplifies procurement: 

• Customers pay once the service for the lifetime of the device 

• No recurring monthly bills. 

This provides a cost-effective, reliable, and long-term connectivity solution for the elevator industry.