EU Digital Networks Act: CoESS calls for coordinated phase-out of 2/3G networks to ensure continuity of critical security-related services
As the European Union advances towards next-generation connectivity with the deployment of 4G and 5G networks, the organisation of the ongoing phase-out of legacy 2G and 3G infrastructure raises significant concerns for the continuity and availability of critical security-related services, including private security services. With a position paper published today, CoESS contributes to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence for a Digital Networks Act.
In the paper submitted to the European Commission today, CoESS highlights the continued reliance of Monitoring and Alarm Receiving Centres (MARCs) and other essential IoT-based systems on 2G/3G networks across Europe, as well as a lack of coordination and foresight in the 4G/5G migration planning. The rapid and fragmented shutdown of 2G/3G networks is often progressing without sufficient coordination with affected sectors, visibility, or impact assessments, which puts critical services such as monitoring and alarm response services at risk of disruption. In the light of the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, CoESS therefore calls on the European Commission to ensure that the Digital Networks Act includes provisions for coordinated network transitions that guarantee service continuity, ensure transparency, and safeguard user rights in the emergency and security sectors. CoESS already participated last year with a detailed position paper to the Commission Communication on “How to master Europe’s Digital Infrastructure Needs”.