Tens of thousands of emergency buttons could soon lose their connection
The disappearance of 2G could leave an estimated 30,000 to 80,000 alarm devices without a connection.
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Tens of thousands of emergency buttons, phones for older people and alarm watches depend on the 2G network. KPN will shut down that network by the end of 2027 at the latest, while some devices are still being sold without a clear warning.
Research by EenVandaag shows that an estimated 30,000 to 80,000 devices in the Netherlands still communicate via 2G. They include alarm buttons for older people, phones for older people and watches that allow users to contact an alarm centre.
KPN has announced that it will switch off the 2G network on 1 December 2027. Odido has already switched off 2G; according to publicly available information, VodafoneZiggo has not yet announced a final date. The cabinet previously decided that the network would no longer remain available for emergency communications in cars.
The problem is that users often cannot see which network their device uses. A device marked as 4G does not always provide certainty either: some models use 4G for data traffic but switch back to 2G for a phone call with the alarm centre.
Industry organisation WDTM warns that suppliers must actively inform their customers and check whether the entire connection will continue to work. According to the organisation, it is not only alarm buttons that are vulnerable, but also some medication dispensers and remote-care systems.
EenVandaag bought devices that still work on 2G from various online shops. Bol, Thuiszorgwinkel.nl and LifeWatcher subsequently said they would adjust their advertisements or look into exchanges. The senior citizens' organisation ANBO wants the sale of devices that are not future-proof to stop immediately.
KPN says suppliers have an important role in finding and replacing outdated devices. The company does not want to keep 2G available any longer, because according to KPN, postponement offers no structural solution. According to experts, users would be well advised to ask their supplier in writing to confirm that both the alarm and the conversation with the control room work via a new network.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- KPN intends to switch off 2G on 1 December 2027.
- An estimated 30,000 to 80,000 care and alarm devices still depend on 2G.
- Some devices sold as 4G still use 2G for voice calls.
- Suppliers and industry organisations are warning about replacement and better information.
Left
Arguments The government and telecoms companies must take responsibility for vulnerable users. A ban on selling outdated equipment and a nationwide replacement programme are the obvious options.
Values Protecting vulnerable people, accessibility and public responsibility.
Consequences More oversight and potentially greater public costs, but less risk of older people being caught between suppliers and telecoms companies.
Centre
Arguments The switch to modern networks is technically logical, but must be managed in a controlled way. Suppliers must identify customers, inform them in good time, and organise replacement or testing.
Values Continuity of care, feasibility and proportionate regulation.
Consequences A phased transition can limit risks without keeping an outdated network open indefinitely.
Right
Arguments Suppliers that sell devices without a clear warning should be held liable. The government should not automatically pay for all replacements or keep a network open for longer.
Values Individual responsibility, consumer protection and restraint in public spending.
Consequences Stronger market incentives could prompt sellers to arrange replacements more quickly, but users without the money or knowledge may need additional help.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The core claims have been confirmed by EenVandaag and an independent second source. Uncertainties about the numbers and VodafoneZiggo's timetable are presented in the text as estimates or unknowns.
- confirmed Between 30,000 and 80,000 emergency buttons, phones for older people and alarm watches still use 2G. — Estimate by WDTM, cited by EenVandaag and Hart van Nederland. source
- confirmed KPN will switch off 2G on 1 December 2027. — Mentioned by EenVandaag and Hart van Nederland. source
- confirmed A 4G label does not guarantee that the entire alarm connection uses 4G. — WDTM says that some devices fall back on 2G for voice calls. source
- confirmed Online shops adjusted their sales information or announced exchanges after questions from EenVandaag. — EenVandaag names Bol, Thuiszorgwinkel.nl and LifeWatcher. source