A MAJOR UK mobile network has warned that a long-running service will be shut down completely after 35 years.
The move will see its 2G network switched off, rather than the entire mobile network.
The change will affect customers across the UK, after EE, owned by BT, confirmed it plans to “begin closing the 2G network from May 2029“.
The company has already started encouraging some customers who still rely on 2G to upgrade their devices well ahead of the shutdown.
The move forms part of a wider, government-backed agreement with EE, O2, Vodafone and Three UK to phase out 2G and 3G services by 2033.
This will free up valuable radio spectrum to boost coverage and speeds on newer networks such as 4G and 5G, and eventually 6G, while also cutting running costs and energy use.
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The older 2G technology was largely built for voice calls and text messages, with only limited data capability through systems like GPRS and EDGE.
Today, just 0.1 per cent of all data on EE’s mobile network is still carried over 2G, and the company has already completed its 3G switch-off, with the final sites closed in February 2024.
However, 2G has remained active for longer because it can act as a low-power fallback where 4G and 5G signals are not available, particularly in rural areas.
It is also still used by some specialist services, including lift alarms, telecare systems and certain machine-to-machine devices.
Because of this, mobile operators have taken a cautious approach to switching off 2G, giving customers and businesses plenty of warning and time to adapt while newer coverage is expanded.
Earlier this year, EE said it would “not be closing our 2G network until later this decade“, with the newly confirmed May 2029 date now setting a clearer timeline.
The shutdown is expected to be phased, meaning it could take around a year to complete.
The Sun has approached EE for comment.
