The Ministry of Communications in Israel has issued a timely reminder regarding the imminent closure of cellular networks operating on 2nd and 3rd generation technologies, commonly referred to as “the old technologies.” This decision, initially announced in June 2021, underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Key points regarding this decision include:
- Promotion of Infrastructure Modernization: The primary objective of this decision is to accelerate the modernization of Israel’s telecom infrastructure, aligning it with contemporary standards and technologies.
- Timeline for Closure: The Ministry has stipulated that services for 2G and 3G networks will cease at the end of 2025, coinciding with the closure of networks utilizing these technologies.
- Call for Manufacturer Compliance: Manufacturers producing devices incorporating 2G and 3G technologies are urged to make necessary adjustments well in advance of the closure date to ensure continued functionality and compatibility with updated networks.
While this decision impacts type approval processes and spectrum allocation, imports remain unaffected. However, various products relying on 2G and 3G technologies will be affected. These include but are not limited to defibrillators, home emergency buttons, electronic handcuffs, electric gates, fire extinguishing systems, alarm systems, wireless relays, emergency buttons in vehicles, cellular presence reporting systems, electricity and water meters, vehicle charging stations, personal messaging systems, home medical safety equipment, medical monitoring systems, smart agriculture solutions, and Smart City infrastructure.
By announcing this transition well in advance, the Ministry aims to facilitate a smooth and seamless shift towards more advanced telecommunications technologies while ensuring minimal disruption to essential services and devices reliant on 2G and 3G networks.