The UK’s mobile network providers are gradually switching off their 3G and 2G networks over the next few years. Here you’ll find information and our advice for industry.
The UK’s mobile network operators have confirmed to the Government that they do not intend to offer 2G and 3G mobile networks past 2033 at the latest. This will support the roll-out of the 4G and 5G networks which will offer faster and more reliable services for customers. The operators are making their own decisions on the timing and process of the switch-offs.
Vodafone and EE have completed their 3G network switch offs. Three has switched off its 3G network across most of the UK and O2 is planning to follow in 2025.
In 2025 O2 also intends to start work to move almost all remaining traffic away from its 2G network. It won’t be switching 2G off completely for several years. For example, it will continue to use it for carrying emergency calls in more remote areas without 4G. As part of these plans O2 will withdraw access to its 2G and 3G networks to inbound roaming services from 1 October 2025.
EE has announced it is beginning the process of contacting its business customers who use 2G to encourage and support migration. It has not set a date for 2G switch-off but it will not be until later this decade.
Vodafone has not announced any plans for changes to its 2G network yet, while Three does not operate a 2G network.
The switch-off will affect customers using older mobile devices and services – most customers already have 4G (and increasingly 5G) capable devices and their services won’t be affected.
Our role and what we expect of mobile providers
While MNOs are responsible for the timing of the switch-off process, we want to ensure that customers are treated fairly and can continue to access the services they need.
With that in mind, we have set out how we expect MNOs to approach the switching off of their services in the following document. This document also sets out the relevant regulatory requirements that providers will need to meet during this process.
3G and 2G switch-off: Our expectations of mobile providers (PDF, 284.4 KB)
Diffodd 3G a 2G: Ein disgwyliadau o ran darparwyr symudol (PDF, 301.6 KB)
We have made a correction to a typographical error in footnote 25 of the 3G and 2G switch-off: Our expectations of mobile providers document.