Adjustments are being made to O2’s network with the goal of retiring 2G and 3G services. These changes will begin in October 2024 and conclude by the end of 2026. While the full implementation is still some time away, we wanted to share the latest information and key dates with our customers.
Key Dates
- 1 October 2024 – Stop-sell will commence on 2G and 3G IoT services, meaning these will no longer be available to buy.
- 1 October 2025 – Withdrawal of 2G and 3G services for inbound roaming users only (excluding Telefonica Spain), to save capacity and limit growth on 2G and 3G domestic services.
- 31 December 2025 – Location-based switch-off of 3G services will be phased in, starting in January 2025 and completing by December 2025. This will lead to a full withdrawal of O2’s 3G services by 2026. We will provide details of affected locations as the switch-off progresses.
- 1 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
There will subsequently be an impact to customers who are using outdated devices. We will be able to advise on upgrades in these cases. Currently, we have not yet received full data around users with 2G or 3G-only devices that will need to be replaced with 4G, 5G, or LPWAN-capable devices. O2 has committed to providing this information, and we will contact our customers as soon as more information is available.
SIM Replacement
Legacy SIMs will not be compatible with 4G/5G services, meaning some SIM’s may need to be upgraded. In these circumstances, we will contact any affected customers in due course to organise SIM replacements.
As always, we are here to support you. Please contact us if you have any questions or need further assistance. For more information about the latest mobile phones and business contracts available, please get in touch, email info@piblu.co.uk or call us on 0161 388 8188.
