Navigating the 2G/3G sunset in the energy sector

Although 2G/3G network sunsetting represents a major challenge in the IoT industry, the energy sector especially being impacted, smart metering through IoT connectivity offers benefits for customers and suppliers, explains Wireless Logic's Paul Bullock.

2G/3G network sunsetting is one of the biggest challenges the IoT industry faces, and energy is one of the sectors that could be impacted by the switch-off.

A consumer affected by a cellular technology change would probably upgrade their device or opt for a new SIM. However, when it comes to IoT applications, the volume and complexity of devices in the field mean this can be far more challenging.

Even if 2G will be around for several more years, the 3G switch-off is imminent and businesses need to respond quickly. In the UK, Vodafone communicated its final phase in January, EE is aiming to have closed its 3G services by the end of March 2024 and Three is targeting the end of 2024.

Companies impacted by the switch-off will need to design new planned deployments with an alternative technology in mind. As they do, they should consider how secure, resilient and flexible they can make their installations.   

While the switch-off may bring about some challenges for the sector, smart metering, through IoT connectivity, offers benefits for customers and suppliers. It helps with accurate energy consumption recording and data transfer to energy suppliers.

Cellular connectivity for smart meters means there is no need to provide communications infrastructure, and it offers scalability for providers continually adding to their IoT estate.

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2G/3G sunsetting and smart meters

For homeowners and facilities managers, smart metering means greater control of energy usage and therefore costs. For energy firms, it supports accurate bills and the ability to optimise energy distribution when and where it is needed.

However, a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report found that the smart meter rollout in the UK has been too slow, and the government has been criticised for moving deadlines back and not gaining enough public support.

To add further to these challenges, it is estimated that seven million communications hubs, which form part of the electricity smart meters, will need replacing because they will lose functionality when 2G and 3G networks close.

Connected smart meters support energy management

Smart meters change how consumers and organisations use energy, for the better.

The green agenda has raised awareness and made consumers more conscientious of unnecessary wastage and high energy appliance overuse. Smart metering equips consumers to make informed decisions to reduce consumption and play a role in saving the planet.

Meanwhile, energy companies need to address the dynamic demand for power. By investing in smart meters, they enhance grid resiliency, help reduce the risk of energy blackouts and grid failures. Data from smart meters enables them to monitor, analyse and control energy production and detect and resolve anomalies faster.

Alternative connectivity solutions

IoT solutions are becoming more widespread in the energy sector as it transitions to a modern era of intelligent energy production and management. Smart meters are an example of this. Cellular is a logical choice to connect solutions reliably as it doesn’t need on-site communications infrastructure and is scalable as companies continue to rollout smart meters.

For companies grappling with network sunsetting, there are a number of cellular technology alternatives to consider. Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies use very low power to provide long-range cellular connectivity, using a small portion of the mature and reliable LTE bandwidth to connect devices that rely on battery technology.

Protocols like LTE-M and NB-IoT enable cellular IoT modules to not only save power when not in use, but also to transmit relatively small amounts of data with minimal power usage. They are designed to offer years of operation from a battery-driven power source.

Since data throughput is limited, but often more than enough for small data usage, simpler signal modulation schemes and less complex radio modems are needed, hence diminished power requirements. Advances in wake/sleep modes on modern hardware also contribute to these benefits.

Building a ‘smarter’ future

To build a smarter future, the security of energy networks is paramount.

Energy networks are critical national infrastructure and are often targets for cyber criminals. As new and additional devices are deployed, they could present more pathways for potential cyberattacks. That is a significant risk and safeguards are therefore needed to protect against unauthorised access to devices, networks, management platforms and cloud infrastructure. Any weaknesses in any of these is a security problem.

Given this, and the ever-present threat of cyberattacks, connectivity providers play a fundamental role in securing the connections of energy infrastructure. They must authenticate device identities and connect to grid infrastructure, IT systems and cloud destinations securely.

Cellular IoT connectivity solutions can offer flexible, reliable and scalable connectivity to meet the demand of diversified, distributed energy provided they are designed to defend against, detect and react to cyber threats.

In a cellular IoT context, security begins with the SIM, as the root of trust to authenticate devices using ‘IoT SAFE’, and extends to secure two-way communication and data through, for example secure private access point names (APNs) and encrypted virtual private networks. Security AI and automation are likely to feature heavily with capabilities such as automated anomaly detection to identify and isolate security breaches should they occur.

Next steps and considerations for smart meter companies

As well as network technology, smart meter companies should also think about the long-term, smooth running of their installations. They may need to change network operator in time, or need a more reliable network due to poor coverage or performance issues. eSIM technology enables this, offering  flexibility with remote SIM provisioning so that ‘over-the-air’ profile changes can be performed if required.

Energy companies affected by legacy network sunsetting should work with their connectivity partners to understand the alternative technologies and their suitability for smart meters. At the same time, they should assess their security provisions, resilience and level of flexibility. Energy infrastructure is transforming to provide intelligent, connected systems and cellular IoT supports this so that companies and customers can make informed decisions to optimise usage and supply. 

About the author

Paul Bullock is the chief product officer of Wireless Logic, managing the strategic partnerships across their global network.

With over 20 years of experience in the communications and internet of things (IoT) space, he has worked across a number of respected brands, including the likes of EDJX as its director of Business Development and ARM, the connectivity and device management specialists.