O2 confirms new switch-off date that's set to affect millions of iPhone and Android users

Although all new phones are now connected to fast 4G and 5G, ageing 2G is still being used across the UK. This signal, which first launched all the way back in 1993, continues to keep some phones, alarms and health devices connected.

However, it now seems that 2G will soon follow 3G and be sent to the history books, with Virgin Media O2 confirming that it will shut down this mobile network in 2029.

The move marks the next major step in the company’s plans to modernise its network and improve future connectivity.

It might be the end of an era, but there is good news coming from the closure. Virgin Media O2 says retiring 2G will allow it to focus investment on expanding and improving its 4G and 5G networks. The company expects the upgrade to deliver faster speeds, more reliable connections and lower energy consumption, which are all things consumers want and need.

“We’re investing £700m this year to transform our mobile network and ensure it can keep pace with growing consumer demand,” said Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2.

“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.

“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.

“We will communicate with customers directly and ensure we support everyone as this essential upgrade takes place.”

The planned shutdown in 2029 will give customers and businesses time to prepare and upgrade any devices that still depend on 2G.

What is 2G and why has been around for so long?

First launched in the UK in 1993, 2G has been the foundation of mobile communication for decades. It introduced reliable voice calls and text messaging, while also offering wide coverage that helped connect people in areas where newer networks were harder to deploy.

Although modern networks such as 4G and 5G now provide much faster data speeds, 2G remains useful for certain devices because it is dependable, energy efficient and able to operate across large areas.

However, as demand for faster and more advanced mobile services continues to grow, Virgin Media O2 says moving away from 2G will allow it to concentrate resources on the next generation of connectivity.