End of 2G

The UK's mobile network operators are progressively retiring legacy 2G and 3G services as they continue to invest in 4G and 5G infrastructure. While the 3G switch-off is now largely complete, 2G networks will remain operational for a number of years to support legacy devices and critical services.

Organisations using connected equipment such as lone worker devices, lift emergency phones, alarms and other communication systems should review their existing technology to ensure compatibility with modern mobile networks and avoid future service disruption.

Although timescales vary between operators, all UK mobile providers have confirmed that they do not intend to offer 2G or 3G services beyond 2033.

2G will be phased out by 2025, followed by 3G, which will be phased out completely by 2028. These deadlines are prompting users and businesses to anticipate these changes to avoid any service interruptions.

Other European countries such as Germany and Italy have already planned to discontinue 2G and 3G. In other parts of the world, this transition is also underway to encourage the adoption of more advanced telecommunications technologies.

Why this end to 2G/3G?

Mobile networks are evolving to meet the growing demand for data and incorporate new, more powerful technologies. Since the 1990s, 2G and 3G have enabled wireless communication, but they are now outdated.

The end of 2G and 3G is explained by the need to adopt more advanced and efficient technologies. These old networks are being replaced by 4G and 5G.

The transition to 4G and 5G

"The end of 2G and 3G will allow Orange to optimise the management of its networks and move them towards more secure, resilient, energy-efficient and modern technologies, such as 4G and 5G," explains the operator.

This transition enables better frequency management and significantly improves network capacity and coverage.

Telecom operators are shutting down 2G and 3G networks due to their obsolescence in the face of 4G and 5G. These older networks use frequency bands that can be reallocated to modern technologies, offering faster speeds and increased capacity.

What impacts

Environmental aspects of the end of 2G/3G

According to the Ministry of Digital Transition, the end of 2G and 3G has environmental benefits by reducing operators' carbon footprints.

Impacts on connected devices:
Telephones, vehicles, lifts and security
(PTI/DATI)
 

For phones

Phones that rely solely on 2G or 3G will become unusable. Users will have to migrate to 4G or 5G-compatible devices to continue to enjoy uninterrupted mobile services.

For vehicles

The current 2G/3G-based navigation and emergency systems need to be upgraded.
This upgrade ensures fast and reliable connectivity, essential for safety and efficient traffic management.

For lifts

The communication devices in lifts, using 2G/3G for alerts and monitoring, will need to be adapted. This will ensure high safety standards, in line with current regulations.

For security

Security systems such as alarms and surveillance cameras, currently connected to 2G/3G, require updating. This allows them to take advantage of the advanced functionality and increased reliability of 4G and 5G.

An adaptation of devices to 4G/5G

Protective devices for lone workers (PTI) and lone worker alarm devices (DATI) operating on 2G/3G will have to be replaced by models compatible with 4G/5G. This ensures secure and effective communication in isolated working environments.

Investing in new devices

It is essential for users of safety devices to plan for the transition to 4G/5G-enabled models. This ensures regulatory compliance and the continued safety of workers in isolated environments.

Scutum Premium Services (SPS) has anticipated the renewal of purchased equipment as follows:

For customers who have purchased the equipment, they will need to budget for their device replacements from 1ᵉʳ January 2026

For leased devices, SPS will renew contracts with 3G/4G compatible hardware replacements.

For more information, contact one of our experts.