We're getting ready to switch off our 2G network
As technology has evolved, most of our customers now use newer 4G and 5G services. Switching off 2G from 2029 will allow us to focus on more efficient technologies that deliver faster speeds, improved reliability and a better overall network experience.
Why are we switching off 2G?
The way we use mobile networks has changed significantly over the last 30 years.
Today, 4G and 5G carry the vast majority of traffic on our network, while 2G is used by a much smaller number of customers and devices. At the same time, demand for mobile data continues to grow year after year.
By switching off 2G, we'll be able to:
Improve our 4G and 5G networks
Deliver faster and more reliable services
Increase network capacity for future demand
Improve energy efficiency by phasing out older equipment
This is part of our ongoing investment in creating a better mobile experience for you.
Supporting our sustainability ambitions
Switching off 2G will also help reduce the energy needed to operate our mobile network.
While 2G carries less than 0.5% of all data used on our network, it accounts for more than 10% of the energy consumed by our mobile sites. By moving our customers and services onto newer technologies, we can retire older equipment and make better use of more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks, which are around 10 times more efficient.
This forms part of our wider ambition to reach net-zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040.
What you need to do
You shouldn’t need to do anything.
If you're already using a 4G or 5G device, you're unlikely to be affected by the switch-off.
However, if you're using a device that only supports 2G, you'll need to upgrade before 2G services are switched off.
Some other devices may also be affected, including:
Older mobile phones
Payment terminals
Monitoring and tracking equipment
If you’re affected, we’ll contact you well in advance and provide support throughout the transition.
How you can check if your device is affected
Most smartphones sold in the last decade support 4G or 5G. If you're unsure whether your device supports 4G, you can:
Check your device settings.
Refer to your device manufacturer's website
Contact us and we'll help you check
If your device supports 4G Calling, you're unlikely to be affected.
What support will be available
We understand some customers may need additional help preparing for these changes.
That's why we'll:
Get in touch with you well in advance if you’re affected
Provide clear guidance on available options.
Support vulnerable customers throughout the transition.
Offer help and advice through our customer service teams.
Carry out trials and testing before any switch-off takes place.
Our priority is to make sure you stay connected and supported every step of the way.
2G Switch off FAQs
We're planning to begin switching off 2G services from 2029.
This means there’ is still plenty of time to prepare, and we'll continue to provide updates as our plans develop.
If you’re affected, we’ll contact you directly before any changes take place.
While 2G is older technology, it still supports a range of devices and services that some customers rely on today.
This includes certain older phones, alarms, payment terminals and other connected devices.
By switching off 3G first, we were able to improve our 4G and 5G networks while giving customers and businesses more time to prepare for the eventual 2G switch off.
Yes.
As part of our plans to reduce reliance on older technologies, we began withdrawing access to our 2G network for inbound roaming services in October 2025.
In simple terms, this means visitors to the UK using overseas mobile networks now connect to newer technologies such as 4G and 5G where available, rather than using 2G.
We'll continue taking gradual steps over the coming years to help ensure a smooth transition ahead of the 2G switch-off.
If your phone supports 4G or 5G, it's unlikely that you'll be affected.
If you have an older 2G-only device, you'll need to upgrade before the switch-off.
Maintaining older networks requires spectrum, equipment and energy that could otherwise be used to improve 4G and 5G services. Switching off 2G allows us to focus investment on the technologies that are increasingly used every day.
Yes. We'll contact customers who may be impacted and provide information, guidance and support well in advance of any changes.
Last updated: 22/06/2026
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