VODAFONE HAVE COMMITTED TO 47,000 NEW 2G SITES BY MARCH 2016

In the last six months all UK Mobile Network Operators have manifested their plans for improving mobile coverage with the promise of 4G coverage everywhere by 2016. However, with all major mobile networks investing in new 2G masts across the UK, the commitments to 2G should not be overlooked. Even the Government has been holding mobile operators to account for limiting coverage and for not sharing networks, claiming that the 30m tourists visiting the UK would receive better mobile coverage by roaming - a process that automatically switches to the strongest network, as we would expect when we're abroad - than the UK population.

Amongst the publicity gold rush surrounding 4G, many organisations may have overlooked their commitments to 2G. There are of course many millions of devices that rely on 2G, including legacy bases of phones and M2M devices (not to mention the 30m tourists that may rely specifically on 2G). Vodafone have committed to 47,000 new 2G sites by March 2016. This is in addition to 70,000 micro-sites used in urban areas to boost inner-city 'not-spots'. These micro-sites provide 2G, 3G and 4G. The modern hardware configurations of base station equipment (known as RANs) accommodate all disciplines and are all controllable through software. With one Mobile Network Operator alone committing to 117,000 2G sites in the next 18 months, this signals a prolonged life for 2G devices. Telefonica UK (O2) are doing the same, with over 25% of their 2G infrastructure being upgraded by the end of 2014. Not to be outdone, EE have already upgraded 6,000 2G masts, with more to come. All Mobile Network Operators agree that it would be 'premature and foolish' to retire 2G, especially as it has so much connectivity and revenue attached to it.