As the world transitions from legacy networks (2G and 3G) to later generation networks (4G and 5G), hybrid eCall is emerging as a way to maintain emergency calling compatibility while the automotive industry upgrades its connected vehicle systems. Many vehicles currently on the road are equipped with embedded eCall modules that rely on 2G/3G networks and lack compatibility with newer network technologies such as 4G/5G. Consequently, when mobile operators switch off these legacy networks, these vehicles may no longer be able to establish emergency calls unless their communication systems are upgraded or alternative connectivity solutions are introduced. A study commissioned by the European Commission and LS Telecom and published in May 2026 estimated that 64 million vehicles across the EU could lose eCall functionality without intervention, owing to uncoordinated network shutdowns. The study highlighted differences in national shutdown schedules and recommended coordinated measures to preserve legacy connectivity while the transition takes place. While the study was just conducted across Europe, it is likely to be a global issue. The blog covers transition from legacy eCall to NG eCall through hybrid eCall which is perhaps the need of the hour for automotive companies. More details can be found in the eCall report on the Transforma Insights website.
The retirement of legacy mobile networks is creating an unexpected challenge for vehicle safety. Conventional eCall, the automatic emergency call system fitted to new cars in the European Union since 2018, relies on cellular connectivity to contact emergency services following a serious accident. When activated, the system establishes an emergency call to the European emergency number 112 and transmits a minimum set of data, including the vehicle's location and other essential accident information.
However, mobile network operators across Europe are gradually retiring 2G and 3G services to free up spectrum and resources for newer technologies. This creates a problem for vehicles equipped with legacy eCall systems that cannot communicate through newer networks. The EU has also updated its regulatory framework to accommodate next-generation eCall (NG eCall), which uses packet switched networks. Under the revised requirements, NG eCall compatible technology are a requirement for new vehicle types from 1 January 2026, with further requirements for new vehicle registrations taking effect from 1 January 2027 as specified by the regulation. Hybrid eCall is one approach to addressing the transition between legacy eCall and NG eCall.
Traditional eCall uses circuit switched cellular communications, typically over 2G or 3G networks. NG eCall instead uses IP-based communications through the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), enabling emergency calls over compatible packet switched networks such as LTE.
Hybrid eCall can connect to either circuit-switched (2G or 3G) or packet switched (4G or 5G) networks, combining support for legacy circuit switched eCall with NG eCall over LTE/IMS. It is designed to maintain interoperability while older and newer network technologies coexist, allowing an in-vehicle system to use a compatible communication method according to network availability and configuration. The technology is particularly relevant during the transition period, when legacy networks remain operational in some markets but are being phased out in others. While Hybrid eCall will not be a permanent alternative for upgrading to next-generation technology, it is currently an important solution to support the transition. Once 2G and 3G networks are switched off, continued operation depends on the vehicle supporting NG eCall and compatible networks and emergency service infrastructure being available.
The key question is if NG eCall is the long term direction, why invest in hybrid eCall rather than transition directly? The answer lies in the complexity of automotive development, the long lifespan of vehicles and the uneven pace of network migration.
Cars can remain in service for 10-20 years or more, while mobile operators make network retirement decisions on different schedules. Automakers therefore need to consider both the requirements for new vehicles and the future consequences for vehicles on the road. A vehicle designed around legacy eCall may remain in use long even after 2G and 3G networks have been retired.
Moving to NG eCall involves more than replacing a cellular modem. In-vehicle systems, mobile network operators and public safety answering points (PSAPs) must support compatible protocols and end-to-end communications. Hybrid implementations introduce interoperability requirements because both legacy and packet switched networks must be tested.
Emergency calling is a safety critical function. Manufacturers must verify that calls are initiated correctly, essential vehicle data is transmitted and communications work under different network conditions. They must also meet the applicable standards and regulatory requirements. These activities increase development effort and make testing infrastructure an important part of the supplier ecosystem. For example, automotive suppliers use network simulation and conformance testing to validate hybrid eCall performance, including transitions between legacy networks and LTE-based IMS networks. These tests help establish interoperability before systems are deployed in vehicles.
Hybrid eCall is generally integrated into a broader telematics control unit rather than marketed as a standalone product. Automakers are adopting the capability as part of wider connectivity upgrades, making the market less visible than that for independent consumer devices. However, hybrid eCall is not necessarily the right choice for every vehicle. Where NG eCall networks and emergency service infrastructure are ready, an NG eCall only implementation may be sufficient. Hybrid capability is most useful where legacy and next-generation systems must coexist.
Despite the importance of the transition, the hybrid eCall supplier landscape remains relatively small. LG Electronics and Anritsu are two examples that have publicly documented development activity but which occupy different positions in the ecosystem.
For instance, LG Electronics has developed a hybrid eCall in-vehicle system designed to support legacy circuit switched networks and NG eCall over LTE/IMS. In April 2026, LG and Anritsu announced successful validation of LG's system against the European EN 18052:2025 standard. The testing demonstrated end-to-end operation across coexisting 2G/3G and 4G/LTE IMS networks, supporting the system's readiness for the transition to next-generation eCall.
Anritsu, meanwhile, supplies the testing technology that supports development and conformance verification. Its evaluation solution combines network simulation and eCall testing capabilities to assess legacy eCall, NG eCall and hybrid operation. In January 2026, the company announced that its Hybrid eCall evaluation solution had obtained EN 18052:2025 certification, positioning it as an important enabler for manufacturers developing compatible systems.
Hyundai Mobis is another example of an automotive supplier developing hybrid eCall functionality. The company has also used Anritsu's test equipment to validate its system, which is integrated into its data connectivity unit. The testing process covers different network conditions and helps verify interoperability with emergency call infrastructure.
These examples demonstrate the complementary roles of automotive system suppliers and test-equipment providers. However, the limited number of public announcements should not be interpreted to suggest that only these companies are capable of developing hybrid eCall. Other suppliers may incorporate similar functionality within broader telematics platforms without promoting it under the same product label.
Hybrid eCall provides a way to support interoperability during the transition from 2G and 3G to 4G and 5G networks. All vehicles must eventually support compatible next-generation communications, while network operators and emergency services need to ensure that the entire call chain continues to function.
The European Commission's study highlights that coordinated action on legacy network availability and the migration to NG eCall will be important. For automakers, component suppliers, mobile network operators and emergency services, the challenge is to manage this transition without compromising a lifesaving function. Hybrid eCall is one part of that response, a bridge between legacy infrastructure and the next generation of connected vehicle emergency communications.
