2G is now over three decades old and since it launched, mobile technology has evolved significantly.
As a result, 2G networks are being carefully switched off by operators in the UK and around the world. This is part of the UK Government’s strategy to phase out the nation’s reliance on outdated legacy technology by 2033.
We – BT Group and parent company of EE – are working to ensure all users of EE’s 2G network can access more secure and reliable 4G and 5G connectivity. Therefore, we’ll begin switching off the EE 2G network from May 2029.
By switching off 2G, we can redeploy network spectrum and resources to enhance the quality of 4G and 5G connectivity across the UK, delivering the nation’s best network experience for more people in more places.
Our commitment to you
We are committed to ensuring no customer will be left behind during this process. This means that if you’re a 2G customer, we’ll make sure to contact you by email, letter or phone call (depending on your preferences) ahead of any changes to the network. This will help ensure you have the right support and advice to migrate to 4G and 5G, or our Internet of Things (IoT) network in good time.
Your questions, answered
General questions
When are you switching off 2G?
Having first spoken in 2021 about our intention to switch off 2G by the end of this decade and then reconfirming this in January 2025, we’ll begin switching off the network from May 2029, whilst ensuring all customers are able to use 4G or 5G, or our Internet of Things (IoT) network.
How are you switching off the 2G network – all at once, or in phased regional switch offs?
We are committed to switching off the 2G network carefully and responsibly, just as we did previously with 3G. We will announce our plans for the network switch off in due course, and if you’re a customer that’s impacted, we will communicate this to you in advance before any 2G localised trials or switch off activity takes place.
Why are you switching off 2G before the 2033 UK Government deadline?
The overwhelming majority of our customers today already use 4G and 5G networks for internet access, better call quality and improved speeds, meaning customer reliance on our 2G network has fallen to record lows. For example, Ofcom’s 2024 Mobile Matters report found that just 0.1% of all EE’s mobile connections in the UK were via 2G.
As a result, we aim to close our 2G network from May 2029 so more of our customers can enjoy the benefits of a modern mobile network sooner and the UK economy can reap the economic benefits of the newest mobile technologies, which economic estimates put at more than £230 billion.
Are other operators also switching off 2G? If so, are they doing it at the same time?
Many mobile network operators in the US, Canada, Australia and Europe have already switched off their 2G networks and this is now happening in the UK. The 2G switch off is part of the UK Government’s strategy to improve the resilience of our communications networks, and so all operators are required to switch off their 2G network by 2033 at the latest. Each operator will set their own timeline and communicate with their own customers.
Does BT still sell products that require access to 2G?
No. BT has not sold 2G-only SIMs, mobile plans or devices for many years, so anyone still using one of these will have been doing so for quite a long time. 2G-only mobile phones cannot access modern applications and are fundamentally less secure than modern devices.
Is BT doing anything to protect public and critical national infrastructure (CNI) during the 2G switch off?
BT Group – the parent company of EE – is trusted to provide connectivity to local and national government, the UK’s emergency services, as well as many major CNI organisations. With 2G now almost three decades old and an outdated technology, we’re already working closely with local authorities and CNI customers to ensure a safe and successful shift to 4G and 5G, and our Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.
As part of our 2G switch off process we’ll be working closely with Ofcom, local authorities, and industry bodies to minimise any impact for our customers – including those in the public sector.
What this means for you
How will the 2G switch off impact my organisation?
Once 2G is switched off, customers will need their mobile devices, SIMs, and plans to all be compatible with 4G or 5G to be able to connect to our mobile network.
The overwhelming majority of our customers already have these so won’t need to do anything at all. If your devices SIMs or plans are not compatible with 4G or 5G, we’d encourage you to upgrade to 4G or 5G as soon as possible.
If you’re a business customer, you also have the option to migrate to our Internet of Things (IoT) network, designed to support machine-to-machine (M2M) interactions for maximum efficiency, productivity, and growth.
What support are you providing to help me with the 2G switch off?
We’re committed to ensuring that no customer is left behind during this process, which is why we’ll use a variety of communication methods to increase awareness and provide advice and support at every stage.
Your account manager will be able to provide information about your impacted products and services 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 or 5G ready, you can contact us to discuss your options.
I use 2G SIMs in devices that aren’t mobile phones, such as card payment alarms, security alarms, and door entry systems – will I be impacted by the 2G switch off?
You might be impacted by the 2G switch off. This is because some older Internet of Things (IoT) or Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices rely on a 2G network to transfer small amounts of data between sensors and devices, or as a back-up method of connectivity.
With this in mind, you must contact your equipment manufacturer or provider (which may not be BT) to ensure your equipment is 4G or 5G compatible and arrange replacements, if necessary.
What we’re doing to help reduce the impact
We are working closely with industry bodies, local authorities, and manufacturers to encourage them to upgrade and migrate these devices to a more secure and reliable mobile network.
One of the reasons for announcing our 2G switch off date so many years in advance is to give these organisations plenty of time to prepare.
I have a critical device that uses a 2G SIM, such as a personal care alarm – will I be impacted by the 2G switch off?
Critical devices (sometimes known as special services) include things like:
- Healthcare and telecare alarms.
- Personal care alarms.
- Emergency response alarms.
- Wearable fall detection pendants.
- Fire and security alarms.
BT does not sell critical devices – they’re sold by third-party providers who often do not have a direct relationship with UK mobile network operators.
While many critical device providers have launched devices with multi-network SIM cards that can use 4G (or will use the strongest available network in emergencies), some critical devices still require a 2G signal to work. These devices will need to be upgraded to ensure they function properly once the 2G network is switched off, or simply replaced.
With this in mind, If you use a critical device you must contact your equipment manufacturer or provider (which may not be BT) to ensure your equipment is 4G or 5G compatible and arrange replacements, if necessary.
What we’re doing to help reduce the impact
Between now and 2029, we will be working closely with Ofcom, the UK Government, and industry bodies to minimise the impact of our 2G switch off and will inform third-party providers of telecare devices in advance about any changes to our 2G network. It is their responsibility to inform their customers and support them with upgrades, if needed.
If I’m visiting another country, will I still be able to access a 2G network?
Access to a 2G network abroad varies by country. However, with many network operators in the US, Canada, 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’re abroad. Importantly, this will also give you the best access to emergency services when travelling overseas.
Will roamers in this country be able to access a 2G network?
Roamers visiting the UK from abroad can still access EE’s 2G network today, and can continue to do so until the nationwide switch off of our 2G network from May 2029. Once the 2G switch off is complete, the network will be unavailable to anyone, whether they’re living in the UK or visiting from abroad.
The 2G switch off plan will be communicated to all our roaming partners, whilst also asking them to launch Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) services with us, to deliver Voice and SMS for their roamers on EE.
Will the 2G switch off mean I will not receive the UK’s Emergency Alerts notifications?
No – the UK Government’s Emergency Alerts are broadcast over 4G and 5G networks only. Receiving these potentially life-saving alerts is just one of the many benefits of moving to a more modern network.
How do I find out about 4G or 5G coverage in my area?
You can use EE’s coverage checker to determine what mobile coverage is like in your local area. A 4G or 5G connection will give you access to a stronger, more reliable signal.