Virgin Media O2 has announced plans to start its 2G switch-off in 2029.The telco confirmed today (June 23) that its 2G network will be phased out from summer 2029 as part of its £700 million ($924.09m) Mobile Transformation Plan.This will see the telco focus on building out its 4G and 5G networks instead. Virgin Media O2 previously retired its 3G mobile network last year.Currently, only 0.5 percent of all data on Virgin Media O2's mobile network is carried via its 2G network. The network is already closed for international roaming."As we look to the future, we’ll be switching off the old 2G network so we can double down on providing all customers with the reliable and efficient 4G and 5G mobile services they expect," said Jeanie York, chief technology officer, Virgin Media O2.“Having recently switched off our 3G network and signed up to the government 2G switch-off charter, we know exactly how to do this responsibly and without disrupting customers. While most customers won’t need to take any action at all, some businesses might need to start planning for this now."The telco stated that it will keep customers updated with plans to upgrade from 2G services.Although 2G launched a decade before 3G, the technology has had a longer shelf-life because many early smart meters, Internet of Things, and M2M services still rely on 2G for support.According to Virgin Media O2, the retirement of its 2G network will support the company's sustainability ambitions. Despite its 2G network carrying less than 0.5 percent of all data used on Virgin Media O2’s mobile network, it accounts for more than 10 percent of the company’s total cell site energy consumption."The move will contribute to Virgin Media O2’s wider plans to reach net-zero by 2040," said Virgin Media O2.