Surprised that 80% of wireless alarm panels still use 2G modems in 2024

I was reading through some FCC filings last week and found out that over 80% of new wireless alarm panels being sold still rely on 2G cellular backup. Thought 3G was the bare minimum by now, but apparently manufacturers in places like Phoenix are still pushing 2G to cut costs. Does anyone else worry about these panels dropping off the network when 2G finally gets shut down for good?

2 comments

2 Comments

wyatt5222d ago

Yeah that "over 80%" stat is wild but I read somewhere that some carriers still keep 2G alive in certain areas just for legacy stuff like alarm systems and old meters. It makes sense they'd cheap out on the modems if they think they can squeeze a few more years out of 2G. But once the shutdown actually happens, those panels are gonna be useless bricks unless people upgrade.

brian_ramirez22d ago

I read a report from Parks Associates a while back that said 2G still covers like 85% of the US population even in 2024, mostly because of deals with T-Mobile and AT&T keeping it alive for legacy stuff. But the same report said carriers have started pulling 2G in places like Chicago and parts of the Northeast, so those Phoenix panels might drop off sooner than people think. It's a gamble for sure, especially if you're in an area where 2G is already getting spotty.