2G switch-off
Our full 3G switch off started in April 2025 and is now complete.
The switch off of 2G services will begin in Summer 2029 as part of Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan.
3G Switch off 2025
Why switch off 2G?
We’ll be focusing on 4G and 5G, which are faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient.
It’s an industry-wide change that’s been agreed with the government and the other mobile network operators.
Why switch off 2G?
We’ll be focusing on 4G and 5G, which are faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient.
It’s an industry-wide change that’s been agreed with the government and the other mobile network operators.
What you need to do
If your organisation doesn’t have 4G or 5G-ready devices, you’ll need to upgrade if you want to continue using mobile data connectivity after the 3G network is switched off.
Our priority is to keep you connected, so let’s arrange everything now to make sure the switch-off doesn’t impact your organisation.
Check if your device is compatible with WiFi and 4G calling.
You’re in a good place,
with plenty of options
The 3G switch-off offers an opportunity to take stock and future-proof your organisation.
Now’s the time to get shiny new mobile devices to give your people more speed, reliability and energy-efficiency.
You’re in a good place, with plenty of options
The 3G switch-off offers an opportunity to take stock and future-proof your organisation.
Now’s the time to get shiny new mobile devices to give your people more speed, reliability and energy-efficiency.
iPhone 13
All-around amazing.
For your all-around business.
Give your business a boost with iPhone 13. Superfast 5G2 and powerful A15 Bionic for great performance, so it’s easier to multitask. A big leap in battery life3, so you can get more done.
Samsung Galaxy A Series
Astounding. Affordable. Awesome.
Equip your people with superior devices that keep them connected and productive, wherever they choose to work.
With lots of great business tools packed into an attractive design, the Samsung Galaxy A Series offers greater affordability without sacrificing the essential features you expect.
Share your data allowance
We know that some employees use more data than others, so our Business Sharer tariff allows you to share a pot of data between all your people. It’s easier to manage and more cost-effective.
We’ll also roll your data over if you haven’t used it, helping you iron out the peaks and troughs in your data demand.
Get the latest mobile tech without the usual reasons not to
No hassle. No upfront cost. No problem.
Make it easy with Device-as-a-Service: our flexible all-in-one solution for buying and managing mobile devices that helps your people’s time – and your budget – go further.
Get your choice of the latest devices, secured and ready to use right out of the box, with a simple finance plan to help you cut your costs and spread them out, freeing up budget to use elsewhere.
We’ll take care of everything else, from setup to delivery, speedy repairs and tech support, keeping you secure and compliant at all times.
A network you can trust
We’re here for you whenever you’re doing business.
With our superfast internet and the UK’s largest mobile network, we provide end-to-end connectivity with the speed and reliability your organisation needs.
Stay online with 99.9% service availability and 24/7 monitoring and management from our engineers.
With a guaranteed internet speed (even at peak times) that can handle whatever you throw at it.
Get expert guidance and flexible support
With two powerful networks, one great team and decades of experience in mobile connectivity, we’ll help you implement your new technology in a way that works for you, your people and your customers, not just today but in months and years to come.
We make sure you get the best return from your technology investments and our flexible finance options help reduce upfront costs so you can make your budget go further.
BoostBox is our new 4G indoor coverage solution, designed to keep businesses connected where it matters most.
It strengthens mobile coverage inside buildings, is fully plug-and- play and is supported end-to-end by our Business Service teams.
Get a future-ready, compliant and stable indoor coverage solution built for today's 4G/5G world.
Our Mobile Extension (Mobex) service will be permanently discontinued on 31st March 2025 when the 3G switch-off comes. When this happens you will no longer be able to make calls using the Mobex service and you’ll need to switch to another tariff.
Note: you may also know this as Closed User Groups, Short Code Dialling, Free On Net Calls or PABX Integration. Share your data allowance and roll over unused data
Our Business Sharer tariff allows you to share a pot of data between all your people and roll over unused data, helping you iron out the peaks and troughs in your data demand. It could be the perfect replacement for your Mobex tariff.
FAQs
Why are O2 Business and Virgin Media O2 doing this now?
Why are O2 Business and Virgin Media O2 doing this now?
By closing this decades-old network, the company will be able to further expand and upgrade its 4G and 5G connectivity, reduce energy consumption and deliver faster speeds and more reliable services for customers.
Virgin Media O2 recently joined other mobile network operators in signing a voluntary government-led 2G Switch-off charter, designed to ensure coverage is maintained and that consumers and businesses are supported throughout the switch-off.
The 2G network today carries less than 0.5% of all data on Virgin Media O2’s network and is already closed for international roaming. By reallocating the spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services and replacing old network equipment, the switch-off will enable Virgin Media O2 to provide customers with faster and more reliable connectivity.
Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) support
Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) support
We will proactively work with customers who are concerned about transforming their CNI mobile services. If you have concerns, please do speak to your O2 Business account manager who can work with you to support your transition to 4G or 5G based mobile services.
I don’t have an inventory of all the business devices in my organisation. Can you help me identify where I’m reliant on 2G services?
I don’t have an inventory of all the business devices in my organisation. Can you help me identify where I’m reliant on 2G services?
O2 Business can work with you to identify the devices, Handsets and IOT services, within your base and help you understand which ones need to be transitioned to 4G or 5G based services.
We have visibility of this at a technical level and your Account Manager or Service Delivery Manager will share this securely with you.
I have 2G devices in my estate, but I don’t want expensive devices, what can I do?
I have 2G devices in my estate, but I don’t want expensive devices, what can I do?
Our 4G and 5G coverage across the UK is expanding. To provide you with a better mobile experience, we’ll be moving you away from our older 2G and 3G networks if you still use them.
In the future, you'll need to make sure that you have a 4G or 5G-ready device to continue making calls, sending messages and using data.
I need extra support, what’s available to me?
I need extra support, what’s available to me?
Please reach out to your account manager or service delivery manager, if you don’t have one, please chat with our Care team, who’ll be happy to help.
My business has users in rural locations, will the switch off make connectivity harder?
My business has users in rural locations, will the switch off make connectivity harder?
Providing seamless connectivity for all our customers, wherever they live or work, is our priority, and we’ve been working to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities over recent years.
For example, the Shared Rural Network (SRN) is a joint initiative between telecoms network operators and the UK government to deliver reliable 4G coverage to rural parts of the UK, with the aim of reaching 95% of the UK. We’ve already boosted 4G in numerous locations across the UK as part of our commitment to the SRN, and this will continue in the months and years ahead.
Will shutting down 2G impact calls to the emergency services?
Will shutting down 2G impact calls to the emergency services?
No. Emergency services are a critical aspect of telecommunications infrastructure, and all network operators take necessary measures to ensure their continuity. Link TBC
Ready to make the switch?
Small & medium business
(51 - 249 employees)
Call 0808 258 9629
Large enterprise & Public sector
(250+ employees)
Call 0808 239 6550
Find the perfect plan for your business
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2Data plan required. 5G is available in selected markets and through selected network providers. Speeds vary based on site conditions and network. For details on 5G support, contact your provider and see apple.com/uk/iphone/cellular
3Compared to previous generation. Battery life varies by use and configuration.