3G and 2G switch-off

3G mobile networks are now switched off. The UK’s mobile network providers are gradually switching off their 2G networks over the next few years. Here you’ll find information and our advice for industry.

What’s happening?

The UK’s mobile network operators (MNOs) confirmed to the Government that they will switch off the 2G and 3G mobile networks to support the roll-out of 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.

3G networks in the UK are now switched off: Vodafone, EE, Three and O2 (the UK’s MNOs) have all completed their 3G network switch-offs.

In 2025, O2 started work to move 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 began withdrawing access to its 2G network to inbound roaming services from 1 October 2025.

EE has announced it will begin switching off its 2G network from May 2029.

VodafoneThree has announced it will switch off the Vodafone UK 2G network during 2030 (Three does not have 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.

In March 2026, the Government published a voluntary 2G switch-off charter, setting out commitments by MNOs to support a smooth transition away from 2G services.

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)