3G has been switched off on every UK network, with O2 the last to finish in early 2026. 2G remains for now, but all networks have committed to switch it off by 2033 and several have said they will begin earlier, with dates from 2029 mentioned. Any device that relies on 2G or 3G, including older alarms, meters, lifts and roaming IoT devices, needs replacing or upgrading to 4G, LTE-M or 5G.
5G gets the headlines, but for anyone running devices in the field, the more urgent story is at the other end of the timeline. The networks need the spectrum and the energy that old technologies use, and they are taking them back.
3G: done
Vodafone, EE and Three switched off 3G during 2024. O2 started in 2025 and completed in early 2026. There is no 3G service on any UK network now. Devices that could only use 3G either fell back to 2G, if they supported it, or stopped working.
2G: on borrowed time
Every UK network has committed to the government that 2G will be gone by 2033 at the latest. That is the backstop, not the plan. Industry reporting during 2025 and 2026 indicated EE and O2 intend to begin switching off 2G from 2029, and Vodafone from around 2030. In March 2026 the government published a voluntary 2G switch-off charter setting out how networks should support people and organisations through it.
Two details catch people out:
- Three has no 2G. Devices that were only ever on Three never had a 2G fallback to lose.
- Roaming devices lost it early. O2 withdrew 2G and 3G access for inbound roaming devices from October 2025, so a foreign IoT SIM that used O2’s 2G has already lost that option.
What is affected
- Older intruder and fire alarm diallers.
- Lift emergency phones and door entry systems.
- Telecare and personal alarms.
- Smart meters and older telemetry.
- Vehicle trackers, vending machines, payment terminals.
- Any IoT device that uses 2G as a fallback when 4G is unavailable.
What to move to
For most of these, the answer is not 5G in the headline sense. It is the right member of the 4G and 5G family for the job: LTE-M for low-power and mobile devices, NB-IoT for static, low-data devices deep indoors, 4G Cat 1 for general telemetry, and RedCap or full 5G where the data demands it. The IoT guide walks through the choice.
Pay attention to coverage at the specific locations. 2G has historically reached places 4G does not. Check each network, consider external antennas, and consider multi-network SIMs for devices in awkward spots.
Plan, do not panic
- List every device that uses mobile connectivity, and which technology it actually uses.
- Ask suppliers which network and technology each SIM is on.
- Prioritise anything life-safety related, and anything on roaming SIMs.
- Replace with devices that will outlive 2033, ideally with eSIM support so the network can change later.
Questions people ask
When will 2G be switched off in the UK?
All UK networks have committed to switching off 2G by 2033 at the latest. Individual networks may start earlier, and some have indicated dates from 2029. Check with your provider for the network your devices use.
Is 3G still available anywhere in the UK?
No. Vodafone, EE and Three completed their 3G switch-offs in 2024, and O2 finished in early 2026.
Does Three have a 2G network?
No. Three never had 2G, so devices on Three have no 2G fallback.