Learn more about our 2G network switch off, and how you can prepare for it.
All UK mobile operators have committed to carefully shutting down their 2G networks between now and 2033, as part of the UK Government’s strategy to retire outdated mobile technology in favour of more secure and reliable 4G, 5G, or IoT networks.
Retiring our 2G network will allow us to redeploy resources to further improve our superior 4G and 5G services, making the UK’s best network faster and more secure, for more people in more places.
We will communicate the exact timeline for our 2G closure in due course, but our intention remains to retire the network later this decade.
All 2G customers will be contacted multiple times by email, letter, text message or call (depending on their preferences) ahead of any changes to the network, to make sure they have the right support and advice to migrate to 4G, 5G, or IoT networks.
How will the 2G switch off impact my organisation?
Once 2G is retired, customers will need their mobile devices, SIMs/eSIMs, and plans to all be compatible with 4G or 5G to be able to connect to the BT network.
Most of our customers already have these, so they won’t need to do anything at all. For those that do not, we’d encourage them to upgrade to our 4G or 5G connectivity as soon as possible.
Business customers also have the option to migrate to our modern and exciting Internet of Things (IoT) network, designed specifically to support Machine-to-Machine (M2M) interactions for maximum efficiency, productivity and growth.
Mobile customers visiting the UK from abroad and roaming on the BT network will not be able to access 2G once it has been switched off later this decade.
What support are you offering customers to help with the transition away from 2G?
We are committed to ensuring no customer will be left behind during this process.
Your BT Account Manager will be able to provide information about your impacted estate and talk you through your transition options. If you don’t have an Account Manager, or you’d like to find out if your current equipment is 4G/5G ready, contact us to discuss your options.
Is your 4G and 5G coverage as widely available as 2G?
BT uses EE, the UK's largest and most reliable network, to provide mobile coverage to more than 99% of the population, and nearly 90% of the UK’s entire landmass.
Over the last ten years EE has expanded its 4G network by a further 60,000 square kilometres. That’s equivalent to two thirds of the UK’s entire landmass.
Combined with industry-leading work on rural connectivity programmes, including the Shared Rural Network and Scottish 4G Infill (S4GI), EE has significantly reduced mobile not spots in every corner of the UK - and will continue to do so.
EE is continuing to invest in expanding mobile coverage, focusing on bringing 4G to the very small number of places that can’t access it today.
You can determine what coverage is like in your area by entering your postcode into our Coverage Checker.
In most cases, a 4G or 5G connection will give you access to a better, more reliable signal.
Will customers visiting other countries be able to access a 2G network?
Access to a 2G network abroad varies by country. However, with many network operators in the US, Australia, and Europe having already switched off their 2G networks, moving to 4G or 5G is the best way to ensure your devices can connect when you are abroad.
Importantly, this will also give the best access to emergency services when travelling overseas.
How will the 2G switch off happen? In one big go or in phased regional switch offs?
We’re committed to switching off our 2G network carefully and responsibly, just as we did with 3G.
We will announce our plans for the network closure in due course and communicate to all impacted customers in advance before any closure trials, or activity takes place.
How will switching off 2G support the rollout of 4G and 5G?
By retiring 2G, we can redeploy network resources to continue to further improve the UK’s best network experiences for more people in more places.
When will BT stop selling access to 2G?
BT has not sold 2G-only SIM’s, plans, or devices, for many years.
Anyone who is still using one will have been doing so for quite a long time. 2G-only mobile phones cannot access modern applications and are inherently less secure than modern devices.