M​obile Network Closure Guidance

The UK’s mobile network providers will switch off their 3G and then 2G networks over the next few years. Vodafone, Three, and EE are expected to switch off their 3G networks by the end of 2024 with Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) expected to follow in 2025. 2G network switch-off will be completed by 2033 at the latest, and possibly as early as 2028. As well as mobile phones, there are many other devices that use mobile networks to connect.

These include telecare alarms, security alarms, fire alarms, ATMs and payment terminals. If you provide a service (like telecare) that relies on 2G or 3G networks, then you are responsible for ensuring the continuity of service after 2G and 3G networks are switched off. This responsibility might be part of contractual and consumer law obligations you have with your customers, as well as any regulatory requirements that already exist. Given that many 4G devices currently use 2G/3G as a communication method for voice, and so could be affected, service providers need to talk to their supplier about potential impacts.

We explain more about the changes in the guidance below.

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