O2 3G Network Switch Off

Important Information relating to the retirement of O2's 2G & 3G services

O2 have confirmed that they will be making adjustments to their network with the goal of retiring 2G and 3G services. These changes will begin in October 2024 and conclude by the end of 2026

Strategy & Dates

• 1st October 2024 – Stop-sell on 2G and 3G IoT services.
  
  
• 1st October 2025 – Withdrawal of 2G and 3G services for inbound roaming users only (excluding Telefonica Spain), saving capacity and limiting growth on 2G and 3G domestic services.
  
  
• 31st December 2025 – Phased location-based switch-offs of 3G services, starting in January 2025 and completing by December 2025, leading to a full withdrawal of O2’s 3G services by 2026. We will provide details of affected locations as the phased switch-off progresses.
  
  
• 1st October 2026 – 2G services will be restricted to existing IoT traffic and emergency calling outside of 4G coverage only.

For most customers, these changes will happen seamlessly. However, some customers may require assistance to avoid disruption.

Upgrading Devices

Any users on 2G or 3G only devices will need to upgrade to a device with 4G or 5G capability to ensure they don’t lose connectivity.  

SIM Replacement

Legacy SIMs will not be compatible with 4G/5G services.  Any customers with legacy SIMs will need to SIM Swap onto new SIMs