Virgin Media O2 to begin 2G network switch-off in 2029

Virgin Media O2 has announced it will begin shutting down its 2G mobile network in the summer of 2029 as part of a broader plan to upgrade its digital infrastructure.

The operator will reallocate the freed-up spectrum to expand and improve its 4G and 5G services.

The decision follows the company’s successful decommissioning of its 3G network at the end of 2025. Today, the 2G network handles less than 0.5% of all data traffic on Virgin Media O2’s network, yet it accounts for more than 10% of the company’s total cell site energy consumption.

Shifting to newer networks aligns with environmental targets, as 4G and 5G technologies are roughly 10 times more energy-efficient than the decades-old 2G hardware.

The transition will affect standard O2 users, O2 Business clients and customers of mobile virtual network operators that rely on the infrastructure, including giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, and Sky Mobile.

While the vast majority of consumers will not need to take action, the changes will impact those using older mobile phones and organisations operating Internet of Things (IoT) devices that rely on 2G connectivity.

To prepare for the shut-down, Virgin Media O2 plans to run a series of trials and contact affected customers ahead of the 2029 deadline. The operator has also signed a voluntary, government-led 2G switch-off charter to ensure network coverage is maintained throughout the process.

“We’re investing £700m this year to transform our mobile network and ensure it can keep pace with growing consumer demand,” said Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2. “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 company’s experience with the 3G shutdown ensures they know how to complete the process responsibly. “While most customers won’t need to take any action at all, some businesses might need to start planning for this now,” she said.