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2G Switch off Letter techUK

23 August 20266 min read
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2G Switch off Letter techUK

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has written to techUK members about the planned 2G mobile switch-off, which begins with BT/EE and Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) in 2029 and VodafoneThree in 2030. Organisations are asked to identify devices and services relying on 2G, speak to suppliers about upgrade options, and plan migration to 4G, 5G or alternatives before the switch-off. Critical services, such as telecare, healthcare monitoring, utilities and smart metering, are a particular focus.

See the full letter here: 2G Switch off Letter

DCMS has written to techUK members about the mobile network operators' (MNOs) planned switch-off of 2G networks. 

EE and Virgin Media O2 will switch off their 2G networks in 2029, and VodafoneThree will follow in 2030. The switch-off is an industry-led programme. It will free up spectrum to support faster, more resilient and more secure 4G and 5G services. The Government supports a responsible, well-managed transition, but is clear that critical services, critical national infrastructure and vulnerable people must be protected throughout. 

DCMS has identified a range of critical use cases that may still rely on 2G, where a loss of connectivity could risk life, affect critical national infrastructure or cause significant economic harm. Examples include telecare alarms, healthcare monitoring devices, transport infrastructure, environmental monitoring, utilities equipment, smart metering and other Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine devices. 

The letter stresses that MNOs often have no direct visibility of the equipment using their networks. Responsibility for identifying affected devices and upgrading them therefore sits with service providers and device owners, supported by their suppliers and manufacturers. 

DCMS is asking all organisations to: 

  • Identify any devices, systems or services that rely on 2G connectivity; 

  • Engage with manufacturers, suppliers and service providers to understand upgrade or replacement options; 

  • Develop plans to migrate to 4G, 5G or alternative connectivity before the switch-off. 

Suppliers, manufacturers and service providers are also encouraged to make sure customers know which products rely on 2G and to give clear guidance on migration pathways. 

DCMS recognises that some sectors may face particular challenges. If sector-wide issues are identified, it can support discussions between industry and the MNOs.  

techUK's work on the 2G switch-off 

techUK convenes a 2G Switch-Off Working Group bringing together the MNOs and DCMS, and is working with DCMS on guidance to help organisations maintain service continuity through the switch-off. Members interested in this work are welcome to get in touch. 

Contacts:  

Further information:  

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