Key points:

  • Android 14 introduces advanced cellular security measures, becoming the first OS to do so.
  • 2G support can now be disabled in managed devices to counter security vulnerabilities associated with false base stations and downgrading attacks.
  • A new feature disables support for null-ciphered cellular connections, enhancing communication privacy.
  • Android 12 had already introduced a modem-level 2G disabling feature for Pixel 6 and other Android devices.
  • Android’s efforts to enhance cellular security encompass collaborations with internal teams, academic groups, and industry standards bodies.
  • shortwavesurfer@monero.town
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    1 year ago

    This is handy. You have been able to disable 2G by dialing *#*#4636#*#* > phone information for a while, but thats not well known

      • pgetsos@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        Depending on where you live, 2G may be the only option in some places due to much better range than all other generations. Also while driving for example, your phone may need to connect to a 2G base temporarily if there is a gap between the range of the 5G ones, so you may get calls dropping randomly

        • Rootiest@lemm.ee
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          1 year ago

          But it’s worth noting that any emergency call that requires 2G to go through will still work.

          Emergency calls will use any network they can reach, even if you disable it.

      • Instrument_Data@livellosegreto.it
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        1 year ago

        If somehow you are in a place with no better signal than 2G, you cannot make calls/send SMS if you cannot join 2G cells.

        But it is very rare to end up in such a situation these days.

      • Madis@lemm.ee
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        1 year ago

        I would say there is. Many providers are disabling 3G nowadays and 5G is not available for all yet, so your phone essentially uses 2G and 4G. Now, imagine disabling 2G and calling someone on a moving vehicle…

        • MdRuckus @lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          No major U.S. carrier gas used 2G for years. Well, at least Verizon and AT&T. Sprint did as well before merging with T-Mobile. That are shutting down 2G this year. So, not really a big deal.

        • d3Xt3r@lemmy.nz
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          1 year ago

          Which is why VoLTE is a thing. Well, unless you’re on a custom ROM or something and VoLTE isn’t working for you…

      • shortwavesurfer@monero.town
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        1 year ago

        Nope. As long as your phone is using VOLTE your fine. You can enable LTE/NR if you have a 5G phone or LTE only if its just an LTE device

  • JackGreenEarth@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    My Motorola phone has been able to disable 2G (running Android 13) since at least a couple of months ago, when I got it. Anything else interesting in the update?