O2 to begin UK 2G switchoff in 2029, and that means you might need a new
smart meter

Date:
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:50:14 +0000

Description:
Virgin Media O2 announces plans to shut down legacy 2G networks, which carry just 0.5% of network traffic but use 10% of cell site power.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter O2's 2G networks set to be pulled from 2029 in line with industry 4G and 5G networks are more secure and more efficient Some IoT and connected systems still use 2G Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has become the latest UK mobile operator to announce plans to shut
down its legacy 2G networks, beginning in 2029.

At the same time, VMO2 said not having to look after 2G networks will free up more resources to look after, and improve, 4G and 5G network capacity, speeds and reliability. The company already started shutting down its 3G networks in 2025, with a national cutoff planned as soon as this year, but 2G networks remained open in the meantime. Latest Videos From Watch full video here: VMO2 to start pulling 2G networks from 2029 EE is also turning off its 2G networks from 2029, with VodafoneThree following suit in 2030.

While VMO2 promises to warn customers to help them identify affected devices and migrate to more modern networks, most smartphone users are unlikely to notice an impact because modern smartphones rely on 4G and 5G networks instead. You may like O2 Daisy rebrands as O2 Business pledges to help solve 'complexity trap' of tech What is an MVNO and why should I use one? VodafoneThree gets Ofcom approval to bring satellite connectivity to your smartphone

But IoT devices, smart meters, payment terminals, alarm systems and other crucial infrastructure has traditionally used 2G networks.

"While most customers wont need to take any action at all, some businesses might need to start planning for this now," CTO Jeanie York explained. Are
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The industry-wide 2G shutdown ultimately falls under government plans to strengthen telecoms security, following concerns over supply chain risks, cyberattacks and the general security of critical national infrastructure.

VMO2 also disclosed the environmental benefits of the shutdown. Though its 2G networks only carry 0.5% of all VMO2 mobile network traffic, it accounts for more than 10% of the companys total cell site energy consumption. The company declared that its 4G and 5G networks are 10x more efficient. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/o2-to-begin-uk-2g-switchoff-in-2029-and-that-mea ns-you-might-need-a-new-smart-meter


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