Switching off 3G and 2G networks: advice for IoT and third-party device suppliers - Ofcom

/

The plan is to remove 3G coverage across the UK by the end of 2024 and 2G by 2033.

In Germany, 3G went about 18 months - 2 years ago but the statement is that here 2G stays until the stats says no one is using it any more. Given that automated security devices rely on 2G, the chances are 2G will never go away here. All 3G phone fall back to 2G operation meaning calls and SMS are possible but forget any reasonable Internet data connection.

The 5G Cells equipment supports 4G as well. Indeed to bring in 5G into Germany, the existing 4G equipment was software upgraded from what I understand. Here one reason to close down 3G was to re-use the frequencies for 5G. I suspect there is the same reasoning in the UK.

Ofcom - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/information-for-industry/policy/2g-and-3g-switch-off/advice-for-iot-and-third-party-device-suppliers

Radio Connects US Missile Silos for First Time Since 1960s

/
Radio Connects US Missile Silos for First Time Since 1960s

Two United States missile silos have made radio contact with one another for the first time since the 1960s. This time, however, it was a contact between civilian.

The Atlas F Missile silo in Plattsburgh, New York, possessed the kind of military readiness in the 1960s that reflected an American nation poised for war. Among those sites decommissioned by the US military in 1965, one silo within a mile of the border with Canada showed a different kind of readiness on the 19th of August. On that day, the activation was for an amateur radio contact. Despite difficult band conditions, a successful QSO was logged - and it was with another deactivated missile silo, this one in Texas.

Read More

Tropical Storm Hilary: Amateur Radio Activates

/
Tropical Storm Hilary: Amateur Radio Activates

Amateur Radio operators activated on Sunday, August 20, 2023 to provide communications and information for Tropical Storm Hilary. As of mid-morning Sunday, the system was moving up the Baja Peninsula of Mexico, expected to cross into Southern California. Heavy rains were falling in San Diego, and local media reported that 250 airline flights had been cancelled.

Amateur radio operations began Sunday morning. The WX4NHC amateur radio station at the National Hurricane Center was on air.

Read More