Vodafone has confirmed it will phase out its 2G network in the UK by 2030, in a move that clears the way for better 4G and 5G coverage
In its announcement, the operator says that by retiring the ageing technology three years earlier than the UK Government deadline, it will free up the spectrum and allow the company to focus investment on faster, more efficient services.
Why 2G has to go
When 2G launched in 1991, it was a revolution – but today its limitations are obvious. The network can only carry around 0.1 bits of data per second per hertz, compared to 2.4 bits on 4G. That makes it essentially unusable for streaming, gaming or any data-heavy app. Vodafone argues that holding on to such outdated infrastructure slows progress, while shutting it down means more room for services people actually use.
There’s also the environmental consideration. Transmitting a gigabyte over 5G can use up to 100 times less energy than on 2G, which makes the newer network both cheaper to run and more sustainable.
What customers can expect
For most users, the change will pass unnoticed. Calls, texts and data have already shifted to faster standards, and nearly all modern smartphones support 4G and 5G out of the box. The biggest impact will be on older IoT systems and specialist devices that still lean on 2G. Vodafone says replacements like NB-IoT and CAT-M are already available, and the company will help customers migrate before the switch-off.
The provider is also exploring direct-to-device satellite broadband to bring coverage to remote areas where traditional towers fall short. By the end of the decade, the company expects these moves will mean stronger, more reliable service in places where coverage is patchy today.
Opinion
The retirement of 2G feels rather overdue. With 4G and 5G already doing the heavy lifting, shutting down the old network makes sense for efficiency, sustainability and future growth. The real test will be whether Vodafone can deliver on its promise of wider coverage, especially in rural areas where connectivity gaps remain.
