Reliance Protect has launched its next generation 4G lone worker safety key fob device in response to the phased shutdown of the UK’s legacy 2G network.
The new Pulse+ device is among the first lone worker solutions to support full Voice Over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) communications across multiple networks, allowing voice calls and alarm transmissions to operate entirely over 4G infrastructure.
Preparing for Network Changes
The launch comes as the UK’s mobile network infrastructure undergoes a major transformation.
While the 3G network has already been effectively shut down, 2G services are also scheduled for withdrawal, creating challenges for organisations that rely on lone worker safety technology.
Sectors including health, social care, social housing, transport, retail and hospitality must ensure their safety devices remain connected, compliant and capable of providing emergency support.
The UK Government has set a 2033 deadline for the withdrawal of 2G services, although operators are expected to complete the process sooner.
More than half a million lone worker devices currently operating in the UK still rely on 2G technology for emergency communications.
Future-Proof Protection
Reliance Protect’s VoLTE-enabled devices remove dependency on legacy 2G voice networks. Unlike many existing 4G devices that still revert to 2G for voice calls, the new platform allows alarms, voice communications, location information and supporting data to operate simultaneously over the 4G network while roaming across multiple providers.
Developed over 18 months alongside the 4G VoLTE ID+ discreet ID badge-style device, the solution delivers faster alarm activation and response times through concurrent transmission of voice, GPS, WiFi location and incident data.
Data-Driven Innovation
The platform also supports richer data collection and future integration with health and wellbeing sensors, including heart rate and body temperature monitoring.
Reliance Protect currently processes more than five million rows of operational data daily, including network performance and coverage information.
The new 4G devices are available at a price point comparable to the company’s existing 2G solutions, helping organisations future-proof lone worker protection without significant additional investment.
Chris Allcard, Director at Reliance Protect, said: “Network providers are now actively working through plans to decommission the older 2G technologies to free up bandwidth and support the huge increase in connected devices we rely on every day, from smart infrastructure through to vehicles and IoT technology.
“Organisations using lone worker devices need to prepare now for these changes.”
“A lot of devices currently marketed as 4G still rely on 2G infrastructure for voice functionality, which doesn’t actually remove the 2G connectivity risk.
“We wanted to create a genuinely future-proof platform that customers could rely on for at least the next five to ten years.
“All organisations using lone worker technology need confidence that their devices will continue to function as networks evolve.
“Our latest solutions give customers stability, resilience and future-proof protection, while ensuring the people carrying these devices remain connected to support whenever they need it most.”
