Virgin Media O2 has announced that it will start to switch off 2G services in Summer 2029 as part of its ongoing Mobile Transformation Plan.
By closing this decades-old network, the company will be able to further expand and upgrade its 4G and 5G connectivity, reduce energy consumption and deliver faster speeds and more reliable services for customers.
Virgin Media O2 recently joined other mobile network operators in signing a voluntary government-led 2G Switch-off charter, designed to ensure coverage is maintained and that consumers and businesses are supported throughout the switch-off.
Improving 4G and 5G services for customers
The 2G network today carries less than 0.5% of all data on Virgin Media O2’s mobile network and is already closed for international roaming. By reallocating the spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services and replacing old network equipment, the switch-off will enable Virgin Media O2 to provide customers with faster and more reliable connectivity.
The move builds on the 3G switch off, which Virgin Media O2 completed in late 2025. This was carried out following a series of well-publicised trials, something the operator will replicate with the 2G network to ensure a smooth transition.
Earlier this year, Virgin Media O2 became the first UK mobile network to launch a direct-to-device satellite service. O2 Satellite, which is available now, has taken its landmass coverage to 95%, creating the UK’s largest network.
Jeanie 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.
“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.”
Helping customers who need additional support
The vast majority of customers won’t need to take any action during this switch-off period but anyone relying 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 is committed to helping those who may need additional support – for example those who still use older devices. The company will be contacting customers well in advance to ensure they are aware of these changes and will clearly outline the steps they need to take and their options, with support pages and trained agents on hand to help customers with this change.
The switch off will affect O2 Business customers and customers of giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile which use the Virgin Media O2 network.
Improving energy efficiency
The programme will also contribute to the company’s ambitious sustainability goals as 4G and 5G are significantly more energy-efficient compared to older 2G equipment. While the 2G network carries less than 0.5% of all data used on Virgin Media O2’s mobile network, it accounts for more than 10% of the company’s total cell site energy consumption while 4G and 5G networks are 10 times more efficient. The move will contribute to Virgin Media O2’s wider plans to reach net-zero by 2040.
