FEATURE
LIFT ALARMS AT RISK?
Virgin Media O2’s 2G shutdown could leave lift alarms offline. By auditing systems, enabling 4G, and using managed communications services, facilities teams can safeguard compliance and maintain critical safety coverage, advises Avire.
As of 1 October 2025, Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has ended inbound roaming access to its 2G network. For those managing lift emergency communication systems, this marks a critical turning point. Devices that rely on 2G mobile connectivity and use non-VMO2 SIM cards are now likely to have lost service.
While it may sound like a routine infrastructure change, the consequences for building safety and compliance are significant. Lift alarms that still depend on 2G or fallback 3G connectivity may already be offline.
Why this matters In recent years, many lift systems were upgraded from PSTN lines to mobile-enabled gateways. However, with the UK’s 3G networks now fully decommissioned, many devices continued to operate by reverting to 2G. With that fallback now disabled for a major network, lift alarms that are not properly configured may already be failing.
Even buildings not explicitly contracted with VMO2 are affected. Many systems use roaming SIMs that connect to the strongest available signal. If that signal was coming from VMO2’s 2G network, connectivity may have been lost this week.
A broader trend This is not isolated to VMO2. Other mobile operators including EE, Vodafone and Three have committed to phasing out legacy technologies. Across Europe, the trend is accelerating. 2G has already been shut down in Switzerland and Australia, with France and Spain beginning their withdrawals in 2025. Ofcom has confirmed that UK operators will retire 2G and 3G by 2033, but infrastructure is already being reduced.
What facilities teams might notice The effects may not be immediate. Devices may appear powered but fail to connect. Test calls may drop or fail. Monitoring services may report low signal or missed communications.
If a lift alarm cannot place a call, this becomes a defect under a LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
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Regulations) inspection. This triggers a requirement to resolve the issue within a set timeframe. With engineering resources stretched post-PSTN switch-off, delays and costs are likely.
What not to do Some teams rush replacements without understanding the solution. For example, not all 4G gateways include battery backup. If mains power fails, the lift alarm may too. Likewise, some roaming SIMs only operate on 2G and offer no real improvement if not configured correctly.
Another error is assuming that a 4G-capable device is using 4G. Unless set to 4G-only mode, many revert to 2G in weak-signal areas. That fallback is no longer dependable.
Best practice and next steps Facilities managers should audit their lift alarm systems immediately:
• Confirm device types (2G, 3G, 4G). • Ensure 4G devices run in 4G-only mode. • Check for onboard battery backup.
• Verify SIMs support 4G roaming across all UK networks.
For long-term resilience, consider a managed communications service, such as MEMCO by AVIRE’s SENTINEL. These packages include equipment updates, SIM and battery management, signal monitoring and automated fault detection. This proactive approach reduces operational burden and ensures smoother adaptation to future network changes.
Act now The loss of 2G roaming is more than a technical milestone. It is a reminder that building safety infrastructure must evolve. Lift alarms are critical safety systems. If they cannot connect, they cannot protect. Facilities teams must now ensure their systems are not only functional, but ready for tomorrow.
www.avire-global.com
twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
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