At the end of 2025, the country’s 2G and 3G networks will be shut down to be replaced by newer 4G and 5G networks. A consequence of this is that the emergency call function in hundreds of thousands of cars can stop working, which can lead to failed inspections.
– It is a system that must work for it to be safe, says Carl-Erik Stjernvall, technical expert at M Sweden.
The country’s 2G and 3G networks are currently being phased out. The aim is to replace the old technology with newer and safer generations. However, this causes problems for technology and equipment that can only communicate over 2G and 3G.
Among other things, several functions in newer cars are affected. In addition to comfort functions such as parking heaters, cars’ built-in emergency call function eCall can also stop working.
EU requirements for new car models
Since March 2018, it has been a requirement within the EU that all new car models must be equipped with eCall, which can automatically contact the SOS alarm in the event of an accident. Today, however, the system uses the 2 and 3G networks, and when these are shut down at the end of next year, the function may stop working. In the worst case, hundreds of thousands of cars could be affected, fears the Riksförbundet M Sweden.
– This is supposed to enable the car itself to call 911 in the event of an accident. And it is a requirement since 2018 for all new car models. So it’s a system that has to work for it to be safe. And then it can also become a concern for the car owner if it is the case that you do not pass the inspection, says Carl-Erik Stjernvall at M Sweden.
“Will not be able to use it”
When inspecting new car models, it is a requirement that the eCall system works. If it does not, the owner is obliged to fix the problem until the next inspection. If you don’t do that, the car can be banned from driving.
– We are working with various organizations in the EU to try to solve this issue as quickly as possible, and the telecom operators are of course involved in that dialogue as well, says Tommy Ljunggren, industry expert at the industry organization TechSverige.
What happens if you don’t make it to 2025?
– The cars that have eCall that is based on 2G and 3G will not be able to use it after 2025 in that case, says Tommy Ljunggren.
So far, there is no definite solution for how eCall should be updated.
– I think it will probably be a question of what responsibility the manufacturer takes and what cost the private person will incur in connection with this. Because this is beyond me as a private individual. Out of my control, says car owner Stefan Andersson.