The mobile network working with 2G/3G technology is about to close down where I live (Sweden).

We have yearly inspections of our cars for them to be road legal and in these inspections the eCall function have to be fully working.

If it’s not your car is not any longer alowed to be driven on public roads.

 

Right now there is no solution for this and maybe all cars with these function and with just 2G/3G connectivity will be rendered pretty much useless.

Skoda can’t tell what cars that will be affected. A bit strange I have to say.

Some Skoda owners in Sweden has already reported problem with this.

 

Skoda will not even sell the services for My Škoda app (map update, trafic info, aux heater) after 31/12 2024 if you live in Sweden.

 

I have the bigger entertaiment system with a separate sim card and the LTE connectivity in my Kodiaq. I wonder is that will help me to keep my eCall function alive and keep my car rolling.

 

I would like Skoda to bring some sort of solution to this. Like change the com module to one with 4G/5G and put a price on that fix.

I use the aux heather all the time (Sweden can be a bit cold sometimes) so I would like keeping my my Škoda app alive.

 

The Škoda I have is a 2020 Kodiaq with about 30000 km on it and it would be silly if it will be useless all because of the eCall function have no network to connect to.

 

Any one who knows a solution to change the com module to 4G/5G or if I will be saved by my external sim card in my entertainment system?

Edited 27 December, 20241 yr by weldion

good question, well presented, i just joined with a similar query. although in the UK the eCall isn't part of the yearly MOT (yet...), i'd like the function to remain operational, along with the rest of the Skoda Connect services in my car, which like yours is a 2020 Kodiaq Sportline. seems a bit daft that a car that is only a tad over 4 years old and still resells for £25k-£30k is falling into obsolescence.

Just found this on Skoda's site https://www.skoda-auto.com/connectivity/2g-3g-sunset

 

Quote

Official statement

2G/3G networks are slowly being phased out by telecommunication authorities in Europe in the next years, starting from 2026. Switzerland, Sweden and Iceland are undertaking this step from 1.1.2026. Rest of Europe follows in 2029 and later. Škoda is on newest model lines using LTE and other advanced technologies and supports the transition to LTE and 5G networks for other models. Nevertheless, connected car services (for example Breakdown Call, Vehicle Health Report, Parking Position, Vehicle Status, Online Map Update, Online Traffic Information) of some Škoda cars are currently still using 2G/3G networks.

Škoda Connect services

Škoda has already begun developing a solution for some of affected models to ensure customers can continue using connected features and services after the phase out of 2G/3G networks. This solution shall apply (details to be confirmed later) to the so called MOD3* pre-UNECE models (please see table below) and will be available over-the-air or via Škoda dealer. Customers can check their vehicle's manufacturing date to determine the applicable update method.

Unfortunately, owners of MOD1 and MOD2 cars (please see also table below) will not be able to use all the connected features and services anymore after the phase out of 2G/3G networks as such a solution is technically not feasible.

Emergency Call

2G/3G switch-off will also affect the eCall function. The search for a suitable arrangement for MOD3 and MOD4 vehicles is currently underway. Unfortunately, owners of MOD2 cars will not be able to use Emergency Call and there is also no measure planned.

Affected models

You can verify manufacturing date and service availability of your vehicle in Availability list. Manufacturing date of your vehicle may be found e.g. in vehicle registration certificate.

This information is valid as of January 2025.

From their table it looks like i'm SOL, my car was registered March 2020 which means it was made before then and in the MOD2 category so no remedy due to outdated technology, should have waited before buying it in December as this has devalued the car a bit in my opinion, technology i can't use in a 5 year old car...   from doing some reading the car is not capable of using LTE even if you put a 4G SIM in the unit and essentially Skoda have washed their hands of you if you are affected customer. wonder if this will result in another campaign of "no win no fee" solicitor claims against VAG?

just found this on https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9959/

 

Quote

Non-mobile devices

There are devices other than mobile handsets that use 2G and 3G networks, such as:

• Smart energy meters communicate wirelessly between a customers’ premises and their energy suppliers. In southern England and Wales, smart meters use the 2G and 3G networks for this. The Data Communications Company (DCC), which is responsible for the smart meter communications network, has agreed a deal with Vodafone to utilise its 4G network The Public Accounts Committee has estimated that 7 million meters will need to be upgraded to enable them to connect to the 4G network.
• Some telecare devices (for example, personal alarms and health monitoring systems) use 3G SIM cards. Ofcom estimates that 1-2% of these devices will need to be upgraded.
• eCall systems in some modern cars and vans automatically call the emergency services in the event of an accident. They use the 2G network to make calls.

Device suppliers are responsible for ensuring that their devices continue to work after the 2G and 3G networks are switched off.

 

whether that means VAG/Skoda and any other manufacturer has to do something is another matter. I know you're in Sweden but i can't imagine we're that much different especially if by law you need to have working for your annual roadworthiness, your Gmen should be putting pressure on VAG for a fix. i found a survey regarding 2G/3G eCall cars in Sweden, i think it said there are nearly 2 million cars in the same boat as you, built between 2018 and 2023 many of which probably have 2G/3G eCall.

 

Providing a fix is not prohibitively expensive i'd probably donate a percentage to "the upgrade" since talks of turning of 2G/3G were well before 2019 it really was quite short-sighted/penny pinching to install what was already outdated tech, especially in countries where it is a legal requirement. Saying that; governments mandated eCall in new cars, and said they must be 2G/3G, then pulled the rug from under the manufacturers when they pulled the plug on 2G/3G so who is to blame?

Skoda says the close down of the network is out of their control and then it’s not their problem.

The latest is that they will pause the controll of the eCall function at the MOT and come up with a solution. It’s not sane to make about 800000 cars in Sweden useless.

I really hope that VAG come up with some sort of module that you change and all the function will work again.

On 18/01/2025 at 09:13, weldion said:

Skoda says the close down of the network is out of their control and then it’s not their problem.

The latest is that they will pause the controll of the eCall function at the MOT and come up with a solution. It’s not sane to make about 800000 cars in Sweden useless.

I really hope that VAG come up with some sort of module that you change and all the function will work again.

 

yeah i'm still searching for a remedy/upgrade but it doesn't look like it will ever exist, VW and Audi of America have partner with a something called Motion by Mojo but at a cost of around $300 per customer and it's only available in the US, they do an upgrade at the dealer. In Europe it appears VAG have washed their hands of it, things might be more strict in the US with their lawsuit culture so they have to do something. Interestingly the top AI hit on google they recommend "Consider a new Skoda: If you need 4G connectivity, buying a newer Skoda model that supports 4G and 5G networks might be the best solution." I'm not an expert but i doubt it would be a huge undertaking to create a module that plugs into the car that receives and transmits 4G/5G but provides the car a "wired" 2G/3G signal, kind of like a relay unit.

On 14/01/2025 at 20:50, Tom_Kodiaq said:

Just found this on Skoda's site https://www.skoda-auto.com/connectivity/2g-3g-sunset

 

From their table it looks like i'm SOL, my car was registered March 2020 which means it was made before then and in the MOD2 category so no remedy due to outdated technology, should have waited before buying it in December as this has devalued the car a bit in my opinion, technology i can't use in a 5 year old car...   from doing some reading the car is not capable of using LTE even if you put a 4G SIM in the unit and essentially Skoda have washed their hands of you if you are affected customer. wonder if this will result in another campaign of "no win no fee" solicitor claims against VAG?

Thanks for this @Tom_Kodiaq . Does anyone know if there is a way to determine what equipment your car has? My car was manufactured in April or May 2024, and per Skoda's own table that means that it could be either "MOD3 pre-UNECE" or "MOD3 UNECE", which makes quite a difference (the Octavia has a period April to June 2024 when it seems both versions were manufactured).

(The check by VIN only tells you, by country, whether certain services are available today. It does not tell you which exact version of the radio setup your vehicle has so that you can use the table they provided to be prepared for the future with the 2G/3G switch-off.)

Edited 26 May, 20251 yr by beneix

Does anyone have any update on this subject? Is there any solution upgrading or replacing the module responsible for SOS call and Skoda connectivity? Where can I locate the module on my 2019 Kodiaq?

Good evening

Quizás la actualización 03A9 solucione la pérdida de señal

https://www.skoda-auto.com/services/software-update-ice

I'm in a meeting in Brussels where this is being discussed right now!

The EU Commission is putting something in place to ensure continued operation of the e-call systems on older cars, after the 2/3g netowork is shut down.