It's not just old phones – many smart meters and telecare alarms still use the ancient technology
Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) will switch off its 2G network starting in summer 2029, meaning that anyone still operating devices that use the technology must start planning an upgrade.The UK network operator says it will start to switch off its 2G signal in 2029 as part of an ongoing mobile transformation plan. This will see it expand and upgrade its 4G and 5G support, leading to reduced energy consumption and a faster and more reliable service for customers.2G cell networks first started operating in Britain back in 1992, meaning the technology will have been around for nearly four decades by the time it is phased out. O2 can trace its roots to Cellnet, which launched as a joint venture between British Telecom and Securicor in January 1985. Cellnet introduced its digital GSM network in December 1993, before BT bought out Securicor, renamed the business BT Cellnet, and later spun it off as O2.
All of this stems from plans announced back in 2021 by the previous UK government for all 2G and 3G mobile networks to be phased out of use by 2033. All of the major networks had managed to phase out 3G services by the end of 2025, but 2G is proving more problematic.
