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I had my smart meter replaced this morning. Possibly, it was necessary for future-proofing, because the GSM module or equivalent, used in the meter to transmit readings to the Three mobile network, only supports 2G. Newer meters, according to ESB Networks, "can use either that or one of the narrow-band 4G channels available for the ‘Internet of Things'". Smart meters record electricity consumption at half-hourly intervals but transmits the readings every two hours. ESB state on their website that "Some of the meters use only the older and more basic 2G system.". According to Circet Energy,
More information in this ESB help article, "The technology that smart meters use".
A lot of legacy equipment only has 2G support and will be affected if the network is retired. So if you have a GSM module in your security alarm for sending text messages, it may eventually have to be replaced. According to Ofcom, the UK's regulator for the communications services, "VodafoneThree has announced it will switch off the Vodafone 2G network during 2030 (Three does not have a 2G network)." Other network providers in the UK have also announced that they will switch off 2G support before this.
Meanwhile, according to ComReg's 2024 spectrum management report, "In Ireland, no MNO has brought forward any plans for 2G switch-off to date".
More information is available in the ComReg document, "Proposed Radio Spectrum Management Operating Plan for 2025 - 2028" (this is a complex, technical 161-page document, not for the faint-hearted. Ctrl-F is your friend for such articles):
This ComReg article, "3G Switchoff", details the retirement of the 3G network, which has been ongoing over the last couple of years.
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