Virgin Media O2 has announced it will begin switching off its 2G network in summer 2029 as part of its Mobile Transformation Plan. The move is designed to expand and upgrade 4G and 5G connectivity, making the network faster and more reliable for customers.
Government-Led Charter and Industry Support
The shutdown aligns with a voluntary government-led 2G Switch-off charter, which ensures coverage is maintained and businesses and consumers are supported throughout the transition. Multiple mobile network operators have signed up to the charter.
Benefits of the Switch-Off
The company states that shutting down 2G will reduce energy consumption and allow for the replacement of old network equipment, enabling customers to enjoy faster speeds and more reliable connectivity. Currently, the 2G network carries less than 0.5% of all data on Virgin Media O2's mobile network. The 2G network has already been closed for international roaming.
This is not the first network closure for Virgin Media O2, as it completed a full switch-off of 3G in late 2025. The success of that transition is expected to facilitate a smooth 2G shutdown.
Investment and Satellite Expansion
The upcoming switch-off follows the launch of O2 Satellite, a direct-to-device satellite service that expanded Virgin Media O2's landmass coverage to 95%, making it the UK's largest network.
Jean York, chief technology officer at Virgin Media O2, 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.”
She added: “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.”
Impact on Customers and Businesses
While the majority of customers will not need to take action, the operator warns that organisations using the 2G network to connect IoT devices must take measures before summer 2029 to avoid disruption. Virgin Media O2 is committed to helping customers with older devices and will contact them well in advance with clear instructions. Support pages and trained agents will also be available.
The switch-off will affect O2 Business customers, as well as customers of Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, and giffgaff who use the Virgin Media O2 network.
Net-Zero Goals
The network changes contribute to Virgin Media O2's wider plans to reach net-zero by 2040.
