• Spectrum Re-allocation:
  The radio frequency spectrum utilised by 2G and 3G networks is being re-allocated to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of 4G and 5G services.
• Infrastructure Modernisation:
  The maintenance of legacy 2G and 3G infrastructure presents increasing logistical and financial challenges. Newer network technologies offer improved performance and energy efficiency.
• Technological Advancement:
  The growing demand for high-bandwidth mobile data and advanced communication services necessitates the deployment of 4G and 5G networks, rendering older technologies increasingly obsolete.
• Energy Efficiency:
  Newer network technologies are more energy efficient, and this is a major driving factor in the switch over.

The decommissioning of 2G and 3G networks is a strategic move to optimise the UK's mobile network infrastructure, ensuring its capacity to support future technological advancements and evolving user demands.

2G Switch-Off: Q&A

General Information

• Q: What is the 2G switch-off?
  A: It's the process where mobile network operators are decommissioning their 2G (second-generation) mobile networks. This means the infrastructure supporting older services like basic voice calls and text messages will be shut down.
• Q: Why are operators switching off 2G?
  A: 2G was launched in 1991, making it more than 30 years old, and mobile communications technology has evolved significantly since then. As part of the UK Government’s strategy to retire outdated legacy technology, network operators are encouraging businesses and consumers to transition to more secure and reliable 4G and 5G networks.
  Closing 2G in the UK enables mobile network operators to repurpose spectrum and resources to enhance connectivity for the millions of customers who use their services every day.
• Q: When are mobile network operators switching off 2G?
  A: All UK mobile operators have committed to carefully shutting down their 2G networks between now and 2033. This transition is part of the UK Government’s strategy to retire outdated mobile technology in favour of more secure and reliable 4G and 5G networks, which the majority of the population use.
  Each individual network operator will have their own timeline for 2G retirement and customers who think they may be impacted should contact their provider as soon as possible.
• Q: What about the 3G switch off?
  A: The 3G switch off is already underway in the UK. Vodafone and EE have completed their 3G switch off, Three are nearing completion, and O2 are planning to complete their switch off in 2025.
• Q: Are other operators around the world also switching off 2G? If so, are they doing it at the same time?
  A: Many mobile network operators in the US, Australia and Europe have already switched off their 2G networks and this is now happening in the UK. The retirement of 2G is part of the UK Government’s strategy to improve the resilience and performance of our mobile networks, and so all operators are required to switch off their 2G network between now and 20233. Each operator will set their own timeline.
• Q: Why are operators switching off 2G before the 2033 UK government deadline?
  A: The agreement all mobile operators have made with the UK Government is that 2G will not be supported beyond 2033, as part of the UK’s ambition to embrace 4G and 5G networks which are more secure, reliable and energy efficient.
  The majority of UK mobile customers today already use 4G and 5G networks for internet access, better call quality and improved speeds, meaning customer reliance on old and outdated 2G technology has fallen to record lows.
• Q: How will switching off 2G support the rollout of 4G and 5G?
  A: By retiring old and outdated 2G technology, mobile operators can redeploy network resources and spectrum to enhance 4G and 5G connectivity for more people in more places for years to come.

Impact and Devices

• Q: How will the 2G switch off impact mobile customers?
  A: Once 2G is retired by all operators in the UK, mobile customers will need their devices, SIMs (or eSIMs), and plans to all be compatible with 4G or 5G to be able to connect. The majority of people already have these so won’t need to do anything at all. For those that do not, we’d encourage them to speak to their network provider as soon as possible to arrange an upgrade to 4G or 5G connectivity.
  Mobile customers visiting the UK from abroad will not be able to access 2G once it has been switched off.
• Q: Will my old mobile phone still work?
  A: If it's a 2G-only phone, no. If it supports 4G or 5G, it will continue to work.
• Q: Will switching off 2G leave people unable to call the emergency services?
  A: This is highly unlikely given the breadth of 4G connectivity in the UK and the fact that 999 calls automatically roam onto any network provider in the event there is no signal from your provider. However, once all UK operators have switched off their 2G networks, 2G-only customers will need to upgrade to a modern mobile network to be able to make voice calls as they will not have access to 4G or 5G, which will be the only mobile technologies used in the UK. 
  We’d encourage any 2G-only customers to contact their network provider as soon as possible so they can ensure nobody is left behind as the UK makes this generational transition to modern mobile technology.
• Q: Will switching off 2G impact emergency call buttons in some cars?
  A: 2G is more than 30 years old and is an outdated technology. Despite this, some car manufacturers have chosen to adopt it in certain models. Mobile operators are not in control of these decisions.
  Modern cars, in any country, that are reliant on an outdated technology that is being closed down will need to be updated to ensure in-vehicle connectivity continues uninterrupted.
• Q: How does the closure of 2G impact other infrastructure, like car parking meters?
  A: Some older Internet of Things (IoT) or Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices rely on a 2G network to transfer small amounts of data or as a back-up method of connectivity.
  Operators are working closely with industry bodies and manufacturers to encourage them to migrate these devices to a more secure and reliable mobile network as soon as possible, ensuring they can stay connected and continue to make our daily lives easier. However, it is up to the owners of the infrastructure to decide how and when that upgrade happens.
• Q: What should I do if I have an Emergency Medical Alert (EMA) Button or similar telecare device? Will it be impacted by 2G retirement?
  A: Telecare alarms or EMA buttons are sold by third-party providers in the UK who often do not have a direct relationship with a mobile network operator. While many telecare providers have rolled out devices with multi-network SIM cards that can use 4G or automatically roam onto the strongest available mobile network in the event of an emergency, some EMA and telecare devices still rely on a 2G signal and these will need to be upgraded to ensure they function properly in the future. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the telecare provider who sold the device to inform their customers and support them with upgrades, if needed.
  Mobile operators are working closely with Ofcom, the UK Government and the telecare industry to minimise the impact of our 2G closure. We’d encourage any customers who use a telecare device and think they could be impacted to contact their alarm provider to understand any changes they may need to make.
• Q: I have devices that use 2G for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. What should I do?
  A: Contact your device providers to discuss upgrading to 4G or newer technologies. This is very important for businesses that rely on these devices.
• Q: Will customers who move to 4G/5G have the same level of coverage as they did on 2G?
  A: Any mobile customers can use their specific operator’s coverage checker to determine what coverage is like in their local area. In the overwhelming majority of cases, a 4G or 5G connection will provide access to a better, more reliable signal.
• Q: Will switching off 2G mean people get a better mobile experience?
  A: Yes. Both 4G and 5G provide an improved mobile experience, with faster mobile internet speeds and more secure and reliable connectivity.
• Q: Will UK customers visiting other countries be able to access a 2G network?
  A: Access to a 2G network abroad varies by country. However, with many network operators in the US, Australia and Europe having already switched off their 2G networks, moving to 4G or 5G is the best way to ensure your devices can connect when you are abroad. Importantly, this will also give the best access to emergency services when travelling overseas.
• Q: Will roamers in this country be able to access a 2G network?
  A: Once the 2G switch off is complete by all operators, the technology will be unavailable for everyone living in or visiting the UK. Many mobile network operators in the US, Australia and Europe have already switched off their 2G networks.

Solutions and Alternatives

• Q: What if my phone is 2G-only?
  A: You'll need to upgrade to a 4G or 5G-compatible phone. Contact your mobile provider for upgrade options.
• Q: How do I know if my phone is 2G-only?
  A: Check your phone's specifications online or in the user manual. You can also check your phone's network settings or contact your mobile provider.
• Q: Will Wi-Fi calling be affected?
  A: No, Wi-Fi calling uses your broadband internet connection, not the 2G network.
• Q: What are the main network operators doing?
  A: Operators are communicating with customers who may be affected.
  They are working to improve 4G and 5G coverage.
  They are providing information on upgrade options.

Key Considerations:

• Ofcom is overseeing the switch-off to ensure minimal disruption.
• Mobile network operators are expected to provide support for vulnerable customers.
• It is very important to contact your mobile phone provider for the most up to date information regarding their switch off plans.
• The 3G network switch off is well under way, so if you have a 3G only device, that will also soon be obsolete.