The 2G Network Shutdown Is Approaching: Is Your Videofied Installed Base Ready?
The countdown has begun. Across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), telecom operators are gradually accelerating the shutdown of 2G networks to free up resources for newer mobile technologies.
For installers and security professionals managing a portfolio of Videofied systems, the question is no longer whether to prepare for this change, but when to start the transition. Acting now can help avoid service disruptions, organise better upgrade projects, and support customers through this technological evolution with confidence.
The End of 2G: A Major Challenge for Security Installations
For many years, 2G technology has provided a reliable communication method for numerous security systems. However, as mobile infrastructures continue to modernize, legacy networks are being progressively phased out across several countries in the EMEA region.
This transition raises several questions for installers:
- Which customers will be affected by the 2G shutdown?
- How many systems still rely on 2G technology?
- How can large-scale migrations be planned efficiently?
- How can communication continuity be ensured for protected sites?
Although shutdown timelines vary by country and operator, waiting until the last minute could place significant pressure on technical teams, support services, and installation schedules.
Why Start Planning the Migration Now?
For many professionals, the installed base consists of dozens—or even hundreds—of sites. Taking a proactive approach offers several advantages.
Better Manage Workload
As deadlines approach, requests for information, site audits, and system upgrades are likely to increase. Early planning allows workloads to be spread over several months instead of dealing with a surge of urgent interventions.
Maintain Communication Continuity
Systems that still rely on 2G may require upgrades to continue transmitting critical information once local networks are permanently decommissioned.
Optimize Resource Planning
Identifying affected sites today allows interventions to be scheduled at the most appropriate times, technical resources to be allocated more effectively, and unexpected site visits to be minimized.
Protect Recurring Revenue
For installers and monitoring centers alike, service continuity is essential. Ensuring a smooth transition helps maintain customer satisfaction and protects maintenance and monitoring contracts.
A Simple 4G Migration Path for Compatible Videofied Systems
The good news is that moving to 4G does not necessarily require replacing the entire installation.
The XT-IP240 and XTO-IP240 upgrade panels have been designed to support the migration of compatible Videofied systems to next-generation mobile networks.
Key Benefits
- Migration from 2G to 4G connectivity
- Retention of compatible Videofied devices already installed on site
- Solutions suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications
- Reduced costs and disruption compared with a full system replacement
This approach helps maximize the value of existing investments while preparing installations for future communication network developments.
An Opportunity to Modernize Installations
Beyond a simple technical upgrade, the transition to 4G can provide an opportunity to engage customers in discussions about their current and future security needs and to consider broader modernization projects.
Battery-Powered Videofied Systems
For battery-powered Videofied systems, the XT-IP240 and XTO-IP240 migration panels provide an effective way to extend the life of existing installations while ensuring ongoing communication capability.
Mains-Powered Videofied Systems
For mains-powered Videofied systems, this transition can also provide an opportunity to migrate to ProSeries EMEA, Resideo’s next-generation security platform. In these cases, rather than opting for a simple connectivity upgrade, installers can help customers move to a more modern solution that offers enhanced functionality and greater scalability for future requirements.
This dual-path strategy enables installers to recommend the most appropriate solution for each site:
- Preserve existing investments through a 4G migration where appropriate.
- Take advantage of network evolution to modernize the installation with ProSeries when customer requirements justify it.
Actions to Take Today
- Identify Affected Sites
- Prioritize Critical Sites
- Develop a Migration Plan
- Inform Your Customers
- Evaluate the Right Solutions
Audit your installed base to identify systems that still use 2G communications and determine whether they are battery-powered or mains-powered.
Start with sites where communication continuity is essential to the customer’s operations.
Create a phased migration schedule to spread interventions over time and avoid emergency situations.
Proactive communication helps explain upcoming changes and present available upgrade options.
Review migration options and determine the most appropriate solution for each installation.
Prepare for the 4G Transition Today
The shutdown of 2G networks is already becoming a reality across many countries in the EMEA region. Professionals who take action early will be best positioned to ensure service continuity, optimize resources, and effectively support their customers.
The XT-IP240 and XTO-IP240 upgrade panels offer a simple and effective way to modernize compatible Videofied installations and prepare them for the future of security communications.
Discover the XT-IP240 and XTO-IP240 upgrade panels, their compatibility options, and the migration opportunities available for your installed base.