The major telecoms company completed its 3G switch-off late last year.
Now, the UK’s 2G mobile networks, owned by BT/EE, VodafoneThree and Virgin Media O2, are being switched off after the operators signed a government-led charter.
When will Virgin Media O2 begin its 2G switch-off?
Virgin Media O2 has announced that it will begin its 2G switch-off in summer 2029.
By closing this network, which was first introduced in the UK back in 1993, the company will be able to:
- Further expand and upgrade its 4G and 5G connectivity
- Reduce energy consumption
- Deliver faster speeds and more reliable services for customers
Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, Jeanie York, said: “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.
“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.”
We’re set to invest £700m in our mobile network in 2026 to deliver faster speeds, stronger coverage and greater resilience for O2 customers nationwide.
This is following our recent switch-on of O2 Satellite, which boosted O2’s landmass coverage from 89% to 95% overnight and… pic.twitter.com/gHa9Lsz7f0
— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) March 2, 2026
Who will be affected by the 2G switch-off
Currently, less than 0.5% of data on Virgin Media O2’s mobile network is carried by its 2G network, while international roaming has already been shut down.
The telecoms company confirmed that most customers won’t be affected by the 2G switch-off.
But anyone who still relies on the network, including organisations using it to connect IoT devices, will need to “take action” before summer 2029 to avoid disruption.
Virgin Media O2 said it will contact customers still using 2G devices “well in advance” of the switch-off to ensure they are aware of these changes.
They will also provide information on the steps that need to be taken and alternative options available.
The switch-off is also set to impact O2 Business customers and other mobile providers that use Virgin Media O2’s network:
- Giffgaff
- Sky Mobile
- Tesco Mobile
What happens when Virgin Media O2’s 2G network is switched off?
Virgin Media O2 customers who are still using 2G devices after the switch-off will no longer be able to make calls or send texts.
Customers are already unable to access data on their 2G devices, as the network was never designed for the service, Ofcom explains.
Do you still use a 2G device? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.