Swift Command - 2G network switch-off

[CustardAvenger]

Received the following email this morning regarding my Sergeant tacking and remote access. Not sure what the damage to the wallet will be if I choose one of the options:

Subject: Critical Update: Interruption to Your Tracking Service and Necessary Solutions
Dear Customer,
We are writing to inform you that an interruption is affecting your tracking device's service and to explain the underlying technical reasons, which are related to an ongoing shift in UK mobile network infrastructure.

Immediate Issue: Device Tracking Interruption Explained​

Your tracking device relies exclusively on the older 2G mobile network and is programmed to connect to the strongest available signal (historically O2, Vodafone, or EE).
The recent service interruption is due to the first phase of the UK 2G network shutdown:

• O2 recently began switching off its 2G network.
• Unfortunately, devices that were connected to O2 at the moment of the switch-off experienced a SIM card lock-up.
• This lock prevents the device's SIM card from reconnecting and operating on the other available 2G networks (Vodafone and EE), resulting in the complete loss of service.

The primary issue is the SIM card lock-up caused by the O2 shutdown, which must be resolved to restore tracking.

The Technical Necessity: Planning for the Future​

It is important to understand that all UK networks are phasing out 2G services to make spectrum available for advanced 4G and other technologies. The switching off of the O2 2G network itself hasn't caused the lock up alone, but a lack of notification from an O2 tier 2 supplier (JT) Jersey Telecom, during the process had not allowed the sim card provider to prepare technically for the switch off.

• Currently, 2G service is still provided by Vodafone and EE.
• However, all remaining UK 2G services are scheduled to be fully discontinued by 2029.
• This means that any device reliant only on the 2G network will permanently cease to function by that date.

To address both the immediate service interruption and provide options for long-term operability, we are presenting the following three solutions: If your tracking device is under warranty, which is up to 5 years dependent upon your vehicle's manufacturer, option 1 replacement sim card and option 2 will be covered under warranty.

Your Three Options to Restore and Maintain Your Service​

Option	Primary Resolution	Key Consideration	Long-Term Reliability
Option 1: Replacement SIM Card	We will send you a free, new SIM card. This resolves the O2-induced lock-up and restores service on the remaining 2G networks.	This is the quickest, most immediate fix.	The device remains 2G-dependent and will cease functioning by 2029.
Option 2: Replacement SIM Card & Battery	A free, new SIM card plus the option to purchase a replacement device battery. This is ideal if your device is older and battery degradation may also be affecting performance.	This maximizes the operational lifespan of your current hardware.	The device remains 2G-dependent and will cease functioning by 2029.
Option 3: Migration to Multi-Network Device	You can purchase our new tracking device which operates on 2G, 4G, and other technologies such as, NBIoT.	This completely bypasses the reliance on 2G for connectivity.	This solution provides functionality well beyond the 2029 2G switch-off.

Next Step: Please Select Your Preferred Option​

Your service cannot be restored until a decision is made regarding your device's SIM card. Please choose the option that best suits your needs:
We will be providing an instructional video, “How to change a sim card” or “How to change a battery” depending on the choice you make.
When the sim card has successfully been inserted and the device functions again we will carry out an online check and asset swap which will register the sim card to your device.
As part of the process we will be working with the vehicle manufacturer to locate the tracking device in your particular vehicle, we will require that you confirm a non-disclosure procedure through email, this can be carried when replying to this communication
If you have been previously contacted or your case is currently being dealt with, please ignore this communication.
Yours sincerely, on behalf of, Sargent Electrical Services Support team.
Kind regards,
Technical Support