As UK mobile networks continue to phase out legacy 2G and 3G services, many lift emergency communication systems are now at risk of reduced connectivity or total loss of service.
With key changes already in place, including O2’s withdrawal of 2G roaming, upgrading lift alarms to 4G VoLTE-capable hardware and SIMs is essential to maintain reliable, compliant operation.
This page explains what has changed, why lifts are affected, and how AVIRE can help you transition smoothly to modern, future-ready solutions.
Why Lift Alarms Are Affected
Lift emergency telephones have traditionally relied on 2G or 3G networks for voice communication. However, UK mobile operators are retiring these older technologies to focus on 4G and 5G.
Recent network changes include:
Virgin Media O2 (VMO2)
- Withdrawal of inbound 2G roaming for non-O2 SIMs
- Reallocation of 2G spectrum
- Complete retirement of 3G
This impacts lifts using roaming SIMs that previously relied on O2 as a fallback.
Other UK Operators
- Vodafone retaining 2G until at least 2030
- EE maintaining 2G into the late 2020s
- Three has no 2G network and retired 3G
As a result, lifts that relied on roaming between networks may now struggle to connect—especially in areas of weak signal.
Speak to the UK AVIRE Team
We can help you review your lift portfolio and plan a smooth transition to fully compliant, VoLTE-ready communication.
What This Means for Your Lift Estate
- 2G-only and 3G-only gateways
- 4G devices that fall back to 2G when signal weakens
- Older roaming SIMs not optimised for 4G
- Sites with historically poor indoor coverage
- Units lacking VoLTE capability
Symptoms may include:
- Dropped or failed alarm calls
- Slow connection times
- Low-signal warnings
- Flashing pictograms on the lift car panel
Ensuring lift alarms can reliably place voice calls now requires upgrading to 4G VoLTE.
Your Upgrade Pathway: 4G VoLTE Gateways & Roaming SIMs
AVIRE provides a complete range of VoLTE-capable hardware and SIM solutions designed for the UK’s changing mobile landscape.
1. 4G VoLTE-Capable Gateways (DCP / DCP evo)
Our gateways are designed specifically for lift emergency communications and provide:
- Full 4G VoLTE calling
- Reliable indoor signal performance
- Automatic recovery after power interruptions
- Mandatory battery backup for compliance
- E.164 international number formatting (0044 for UK)
All AVIRE gateways supplied in the UK from October 2025 onward are fully VoLTE-enabled.
2. 4G Non-Steered Roaming SIMs
To ensure the strongest possible connection, AVIRE SIMs support:
- Multi-network 4G roaming
- Automatic selection of the best available operator (Vodafone, EE)
- No steering or legacy 2G prioritisation
- Post-sunset compatibility
This ensures lifts remain connected even as networks adjust their spectrum allocations.
Steps to Protect Your Lift Estate
1. Audit Your Installations
Identify:
- 2G/3G-only hardware
- Older SIM cards
- Sites with poor indoor signal
- Units not configured for VoLTE
2. Check Connectivity on Each Lift Alarm
- Perform physical alarm tests
- Confirm 72-hour background call success
- Advise lift owners to watch for flashing fault indicators
3. Upgrade Hardware & SIMs Where Needed
Move to VoLTE-capable gateways and 4G non-steered roaming SIMs.
4. Ensure Correct Number Formatting
VoLTE requires full international dial format:
- 0044 (not +44) for the UK
Firmware updates are available to automate this on compatible systems.
Why Choose AVIRE?
- Proven hardware designed for lift emergency communications
- UK-based technical support
- SIMs optimised for lift shafts and low-signal environments
- Smooth rollout for multi-site or national portfolios
- Over 35 years of lift telecoms experience
Our team supports every stage of your upgrade, from estate assessment to installation guidance.
