The UK’s mobile network providers will switch off their 3G and then 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 is expected to switch off its 3G network by the end of 2024 with VMO2 expected to follow in 2025.
No MNO in the UK has announced specific plans for their 2G network switch-off following 3G switch off, but this will be completed by 2033 at the latest. All 2G and 3G devices will need to be upgraded to at least 4G by this point.
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 Ofcom does not have a formal role in 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.