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Mobile operator O2 (Virgin Media) has this morning revealed that they will start switching off their “decades-old” 2G network starting in Summer 2029. The move follows their successful 3G switch off programme, which was completed at the end of 2025. But removing 2G is a slower and more complex process due to the many services that still depend upon it.
Just to recap. O2 and other mobile operators are currently in the process of preparing to switch off their legacy 2G mobile networks, although it’s expected to take several years longer to completely retire 2G as it remains necessary for various devices (e.g. Energy Smart Meters / IoT) and as a fallback in areas of poor 4G or 5G signals. Suffice to say that more time has to be allowed for the transition to go smoothly.
As with the prior 3G switch-off, the move will free up radio spectrum so that it can be re-farmed to further improve the network coverage and the mobile broadband speeds of more modern 4G and 5G networks, as well as future 6G services. The switch-off will also reduce the operators’ costs and power consumption.
The 2G network today carries less than 0.5% of all data on VMO2’s mobile network and is already closed for international roaming. But on the flip side, 2G also accounts for more than 10% of the company’s total cell site energy consumption, while 4G and 5G networks are said to be “10 times more efficient“. The move will thus contribute to VMO2’s wider plans to reach net-zero by 2040.
Jeanie York, CTO at Virgin Media O2, said:
“We’re investing £700m this year to transform our mobile network and ensure it can keep pace with growing consumer demand. As we look to the future, we’ll be switching off the old 2G network so we can double down on providing all customers with the reliable and efficient 4G and 5G mobile services they expect.
Having recently switched off our 3G network and signed up to the government 2G switch-off charter, we know exactly how to do this responsibly and without disrupting customers. While most customers won’t need to take any action at all, some businesses might need to start planning for this now.
We will communicate with customers directly and ensure we support everyone as this essential upgrade takes place.”
The operator states that the “vast majority of customers won’t need to take any action during this switch-off period“, but anyone relying on the network, including organisations using it to connect IoT devices, will need to take action before summer 2029 to avoid disruption.
VMO2 said they’re committed to helping those who may need additional support – for example those who still use older devices (many of these will have been helped during the prior 3G switch-off, but not all). The company will be contacting customers well in advance to ensure they are aware of these changes and will aim to clearly outline the steps they need to take and their options, with support pages and trained agents on hand to help.
The switch off will also affect O2 Business customers, as well as customers of O2’s various virtual operator partners (MVNOs), such as giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile. According to the Public Accounts Committee (here), an estimated 7 million Smart Meters may need to have their 2G/3G modules upgraded to 4G to avoid a huge connectivity problem. The programme to do this began last year (here).