Virgin Media O2 has set out its plans for withdrawing its 2G service, with the first customers being moved off that platform in 2025.
The UK government and the MNOs have agreed to phase-out existing 2G and 3G signals by 2033, freeing up radio spectrum bands so that they can be used to further improve the network coverage and mobile broadband speeds of existing 4G and 5G networks, as well as future 6G services.
The switch-off will also reduce the operators’ costs and power consumption.
Vodafone and EE have largely gone through the process of switching off their 3G network, while Three UK expects to complete its switch off by the end of 2024.
Jeanie York, CTO of VMO2, said, “With [the 3G switch-off] work progressing well, we’re now assessing the future of our older 2G network. Currently, less than 1 per cent of our customers use 2G-only devices, and the network carries less than 0.1 per cent of data traffic. All mobile operators have agreed with government to phase out 2G networks over the next decade. With future-proof networks now in place and ongoing investments helping to further expand them, next year we’ll start work to move almost all remaining traffic away from the 2G network.
“Unlike our 3G network, we won’t be turning 2G off completely. In fact, we expect to continue operating it for several years and it will play an important role in carrying emergency calls in more remote areas without 4G coverage. We’ll also use it to support data traffic for smart energy meters, contributing to the UK’s transition to a lower-carbon economy.
“By redirecting most ‘human’ traffic to newer, faster and more energy-efficient networks while reserving the older slower network for some data-light ‘machine’ communications, our customers will get the best possible experience whether they are calling, messaging or using data on the go.
“For most customers, these changes will happen seamlessly in the background, and they won’t notice any change. However, a small proportion of customers will need to look out for messages from us telling them what they need to do – either because they’re using a very old device which won’t work on 4G, need a new SIM or because they need to turn on 4G calling.
“We’re committed to helping those who may need additional support such as those very small proportion of customers still using older devices. We will be directly contacting any our customers who need to take action, guiding them through the process and explaining the steps they need to take.
“As a technology business we’re forever changing and upgrading; standing still would mean failing our customers and not being prepared for future needs. From London and Cardiff to rural parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, we are committed to keeping our customers connected and delivering not only the services needed for today but ensuring we’re ready for the technologies of tomorrow too.”