VodafoneThree’s historic £11 billion network investment programme will bring fast 5G Standalone (5G SA) coverage to 99% of the UK population by 2030, strengthening connectivity and network resilience across the UK. Meanwhile, the company’s 4G network already reaches more than 99% of the population.
The UK’s mobile network operators are switching off their 2G services by 2033, a commitment they have made to the UK Government. To meet this commitment, VodafoneThree will be switching off the Vodafone 2G network in spring 2030. Three doesn’t have a 2G network.
VodafoneThree will be contacting impacted customers in connection with the 2G switch off, ensuring they are kept updated and have time to prepare if they need to. In the meantime, here is the key information to be aware of.
What is 2G?
2G is the technology behind the second generation of mobile networks. Launched back in the 1990s, it introduced services such as SMS text messages.
Why is VodafoneThree switching off 2G?
The UK mobile network operators have made a commitment to the UK Government to switch off their 2G networks by 2033. VodafoneThree has also joined other UK mobile network operators in signing the government’s voluntary 2G switch-off charter.
Switching off 2G means its radio frequencies can be reused for 4G and 5G services instead, giving customers faster, more efficient and more reliable data, as well as better quality voice calls.
VodafoneThree is continuously improving both its 4G and 5G coverage and has committed to reach 99% 5G Standalone (5G SA) population coverage by 2030 and 99.96% by 2034.
When will the Vodafone 2G switch off happen?
The Vodafone 2G network will be switched off in spring 2030. A phased approach will be taken, so 2G in certain areas may be retired ahead of the 2030 timeline to test readiness and ensure a smooth transition. However, any changes will be communicated clearly to affected customers well in advance.
How will the 2G shutdown affect Three UK customers?
This will only affect customers using Vodafone’s 2G network as Three UK has never had a 2G network. When it launched in 2003, Three was the UK’s first 100% 3G network. However, 3G has now been switched off by all the UK operators, with Three now offering fast and reliable 4G & 5G instead.
What about 2G roaming?
Other mobile operators will have their own timetable for switch off. If you believe you may be using 2G on other operators’ networks, maybe when roaming, it’s worth checking their websites to find out what their plans are.
I’m using a 2G-compatible mobile phone, will I be affected?
If you have a device compatible with 4G or 5G and are in an area covered by any one of those network services, you will still be able to use your mobile data, make calls and send texts. However, if you or someone you know, such as a loved one, has an older device which only supports 2G, you should consider replacing the device with one that supports 4G or 5G.
How do I know if my mobile phone is still using 2G where I live and work?
If your device is using 2G coverage, you will see an icon or series of letters in the top right-hand corner of your phone or tablet’s screen. Depending on the age of the device you have and who made it, this may be ‘EDGE’, ‘E’, ‘GPRS’, ‘G’ or ‘2G’. EDGE and GPRS, and their abbreviations E and G, refer to versions or types of 2G.
If you have a 4G or 5G compatible device, but it relies on 2G coverage in certain places, don’t worry. VodafoneThree continually invests in its network so it can serve as many customers as possible with 4G and 5G. It’s also worth keeping an eye on Vodafone’s network status checker, as it will tell you where network improvements are being planned in the next three months.
My business may still be using 2G for applications such as IoT, what should I do?
VodafoneThree wants to ensure that any Business customers who believe they are using the Vodafone 2G network will have a chance to update to other network technologies, such as 4G, 5G, NB-IoT or LTE-M.
If your business has an application using 2G, please contact your service supplier as soon as possible. If you are a direct Vodafone Business customer, this can be done by:
- speaking to your Account Manager, or Service Manager, if you have one;
- contacting the dedicated team at 2gswitchoffuk@vodafone.co.uk.
What about 2G SIMs in devices such as security alarms, care alarms and door entry systems – will they be impacted?
If you are a consumer using such devices, and you’re worried that you may be affected by the 2G switch off, contact your supplier and ask them to check.
If you are a business and believe you may be using 2G in your equipment, please contact your service supplier as soon as possible. If you are a direct Vodafone Business customer, this can be done by:
- speaking to your Account Manager, or Service Manager, if you have one,
- or bycontacting the dedicated team at 2gswitchoffuk@vodafone.co.uk.
What about technology such as smart meters?
Business customers who currently use 2G in relation to the operation of smart meters will be supported by VodafoneThree to ensure they are prepared for the 2G switch off.
How is VodafoneThree protecting critical national infrastructure (CNI) during the 2G switch off?
VodafoneThree is a trusted supplier to public sector customers and critical national infrastructure (CNI) customers – from blue-light services to government departments.
VodafoneThree is working with these organisations, as well as Ofcom, to ensure they are aware that 2G will be switched off, and to discuss the options available to them.
Will I still receive Emergency Alerts notifications after 2G is switched off?
Emergency Alerts work over 4G and 5G, so if you have a compatible device and are in range of a 4G or 5G mast, then you will still receive an alert. More information is available on the UK Government’s website.
Why is VodafoneThree switching off 2G ahead of the UK Government’s 2033 deadline?
VodafoneThree is investing heavily in its 4G and 5G networks. By switching off 2G, the radio frequencies it uses can instead be reused for faster, more efficient 4G and 5G services. As a result, customers will benefit from faster, more reliable data speeds.
What about technology such as smart meters?
Business customers who currently use 2G in relation to the operation of smart meters will be supported by VodafoneThree to ensure they are prepared for the 2G switch off.
How is VodafoneThree protecting critical national infrastructure (CNI) during the 2G switch off?
VodafoneThree is a trusted supplier to public sector customers and critical national infrastructure (CNI) customers – from blue-light services to government departments.
VodafoneThree is working with these organisations, as well as Ofcom, to ensure they are aware that 2G will be switched off, and to discuss the options available to them.
Will I still receive Emergency Alerts notifications after 2G is switched off?
Emergency Alerts work over 4G and 5G, so if you have a compatible device and are in range of a 4G or 5G mast, then you will still receive an alert. More information is available on the UK Government’s website.
Why is VodafoneThree switching off 2G ahead of the UK Government’s 2033 deadline?
VodafoneThree is investing heavily in its 4G and 5G networks. By switching off 2G, the radio frequencies it uses can instead be reused for faster, more efficient 4G and 5G services. As a result, customers will benefit from faster, more reliable data speeds.
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This article was originally published in March 2026 and was updated most recently in November 2026.
