Big 2G switch-off for the UK – what you should know
Key Points
- Virgin Media O2 will start switching off 2G in summer 2029
- 2G carries under 0.5% of network data but over 10% of cell site energy use
- Affects O2 Business, giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile customers
- Most customers need take no action; IoT and business users must plan ahead
- Follows the operator's 3G switch off completed in late 2025
Virgin Media O2 will begin switching off its 2G network in summer 2029, the operator has confirmed.
The 2G network carries less than 0.5% of all data on Virgin Media O2’s mobile network and has already closed for international roaming.
By reallocating that spectrum to 4G and 5G services and replacing ageing equipment, the operator said it will deliver faster speeds and more reliable connectivity while cutting energy use. The company is investing £700 million in its mobile network this year.
The decision builds on Virgin Media O2’s 3G switch off, which it completed in late 2025 following a series of publicised trials. The operator intends to replicate that trial process with the 2G network to manage the transition.
It recently joined other UK mobile network operators in signing a voluntary government-led 2G switch-off charter, which sets out commitments to maintain coverage and support consumers and businesses through the closure.
Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, said the investment is intended to keep the network in step with rising demand.
“We’re investing £700m this year to transform our mobile network and ensure it can keep pace with growing consumer demand. 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,” York said.
York said the operator’s recent experience leaves it well placed to carry out the closure without disruption.
“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,” she said.
Who needs to act
Most customers will not need to take any action during the switch-off period. Anyone relying on the network, including organisations using it to connect Internet of Things devices, will need to act before summer 2029 to avoid disruption.
Virgin Media O2 said it will contact affected customers in advance, set out their options and provide support pages and trained agents, with additional help for those still using older devices.
The switch off will affect O2 Business customers and customers of giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile, all of which use the Virgin Media O2 network.
Energy and coverage
The closure forms part of the company’s sustainability plans. While 2G carries less than 0.5% of data on the network, it accounts for more than 10% of total cell site energy consumption, and 4G and 5G equipment is ten times more efficient.
Virgin Media O2 said the move will contribute to its target of reaching net zero by 2040.
Earlier this year, Virgin Media O2 became the first UK mobile network to launch a direct-to-device satellite service.
O2 Satellite, available now, has taken the operator’s landmass coverage to 95%, which the company describes as the UK’s largest network.
