Virgin Media O2 sets 2029 date for 2G switch-off
June 23, 2026 12.23 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Virgin Media O2 has announced plans to begin switching off its 2G mobile network from summer 2029 as part of a programme to accelerate investment in 4G and 5G services.

The operator said the move would allow it to redeploy spectrum currently used by the ageing network to more efficient technologies, improve mobile performance and reduce energy consumption.

The announcement follows the completion of Virgin Media O2’s 3G switch-off programme at the end of 2025 and comes after all UK mobile operators signed a government-backed voluntary charter supporting the eventual retirement of 2G services.

According to Virgin Media O2, the 2G network now carries less than 0.5% of data traffic on its mobile network but still accounts for more than 10% of cell site energy consumption.

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “We’re investing £700 million 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 added that the operator would follow a similar approach to the 3G closure programme, including trials and extensive customer communications.

“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.”

The company said most consumers will not be affected, but businesses and organisations using older 2G-connected devices, including IoT deployments, will need to migrate services before the network is retired.

Virgin Media O2 said it will contact affected customers well in advance and provide support through dedicated information resources and customer service teams.

The switch-off will also affect customers of MVNO partners that use the Virgin Media O2 network, including giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile.

The operator said the move forms part of its wider Mobile Transformation Plan and supports its target of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. It noted that 4G and 5G networks are around ten times more energy efficient than legacy 2G technology.

The announcement comes as UK operators continue to modernise their networks and prepare for wider adoption of standalone 5G services. Earlier this year, Virgin Media O2 launched O2 Satellite, a direct-to-device satellite service that it says has extended its landmass coverage to 95%.

The company plans to begin the phased retirement of 2G services in summer 2029, with further details on trials and migration programmes expected nearer the switch-off date.