O2 to shutter 2G from summer 2029 and reuse spectrum to enhance 4G and 5G services

It’s finally happening.. 2G is on its way out since its launch way back in 1992.

Lasting longer than the now-terminated 3G networks running on a technology that was pretty awful and everyone should be thankful to see the back of (my words not O2’s), the process to end the second generation phone network (which was also the first digital phone network, replacing the analogue networks introduced in the 1980s) will take place between 2029 and 2033.

2G for most people is already a dead technology, now that most of us are using mobile data over phone calls or text messaging (O2 states that only 0.5% of data usage in the UK is on its 2G spectrum). The speeds on 2G, whether using GPRS or the more advanced EDGE technologies, are not fit for almost any modern data needs – but are still used heavily by things from smart meters to vending machines, and other equipment with embedded SIM cards.

While newer systems will have 4G or even 5G support, the UK has promised to keep 2G for long enough to allow legacy hardware to be upgraded.

EE has committed to starting the switch off in 2029 also, and Vodafone shortly after. Three launched as a 3G network, hence its name, and never had a 2G network to begin with – although there used to be a fallback onto O2’s 2G network in the earliest days of the fledgling network.

Just as O2 refarmed its 3G spectrum when it switched off the last sites at the end of 2025, it will do the same when 2G goes. O2 will also save a lot of energy by doing so, as modern network technologies and equipment are considerably more power efficient.

Customers who are still registered on the network with a 2G only device will be given support to upgrade.

With the network completely shut down from the summer of 2029 onwards, any customer using O2’s network will be impacted, regardless of which company provides their SIM card and bills them – so this will also include giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and more.

However, as stated above, with almost nobody using 2G for data and that spectrum being valuable to boost capacity for 4G and 5G, which we are using, it’s good to finally see that we finally have signs of closure ahead.

• O2 also recently announced the expansion of its satellite coverage service to include Google Pixel phones, adding to a list that currently includes many Samsung and Apple devices. More devices are expected to be added in the future.

Press Release

Virgin Media O2 to start switching off its 2G network in 2029 with promise to turbocharge 5G

• Virgin Media O2 has announced it will be switching off its 2G network starting in Summer 2029.
• By focusing on newer services, the operator will be able to redeploy spectrum to more efficient, reliable and faster 4G and 5G networks.
• Move builds on successful 3G switch off, which O2 completed at the end of 2025.
• Customers will be supported to upgrade if required, with the operator committed to carrying out a series of trials to ensure a smooth transition.

Virgin Media O2 has announced that it will start to switch off 2G services in Summer 2029 as part of its ongoing Mobile Transformation Plan.

By closing this decades-old network, the company will be able to further expand and upgrade its 4G and 5G connectivity, reduce energy consumption and deliver faster speeds and more reliable services for customers.

Virgin Media O2 recently joined other mobile network operators in signing a voluntary government-led 2G Switch-off charter, designed to ensure coverage is maintained and that consumers and businesses are supported throughout the switch-off.

Improving 4G and 5G services for customers

The 2G network today carries less than 0.5% of all data on Virgin Media O2’s mobile network and is already closed for international roaming. By reallocating the spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services and replacing old network equipment, the switch-off will enable Virgin Media O2 to provide customers with faster and more reliable connectivity.

The move builds on the 3G switch off, which Virgin Media O2 completed in late 2025. This was carried out following a series of well-publicised trials, something the operator will replicate with the 2G network to ensure a smooth transition.

Earlier this year, Virgin Media O2 became the first UK mobile network to launch a direct-to-device satellite service. O2 Satellite, which is available now, has taken its landmass coverage to 95%, creating the UK’s largest network. 

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer 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.”

Helping customers who need additional support

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.

Virgin Media O2 is committed to helping those who may need additional support – for example those who still use older devices. The company will be contacting customers well in advance to ensure they are aware of these changes and will clearly outline the steps they need to take and their options, with support pages and trained agents on hand to help customers with this change.

The switch off will affect O2 Business customers and customers of giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile which use the Virgin Media O2 network.

Improving energy efficiency

The programme will also contribute to the company’s ambitious sustainability goals as 4G and 5G are significantly more energy-efficient compared to older 2G equipment. While the 2G network carries less than 0.5% of all data used on Virgin Media O2’s mobile network, it accounts for more than 10% of the company’s total cell site energy consumption while 4G and 5G networks are 10 times more efficient. The move will contribute to Virgin Media O2’s wider plans to reach net-zero by 2040.