Blog

2G/3G Switch Off

A series of trials and pilots to phase out 2G and 3G have commenced, and further regional programmes are planned in the coming months. The goal is to fully switch off 3G by 31st December 2025, and to restrict 2G to specific services by 1st January 2026.

We have now received data from VMO2 which highlights existing mobile connections that require attention in the form of one or more of the scenarios below:

SIM cards that require replacement to support 4G/5G

Connections where VoLTE¹ is not enabled

Last known devices that do NOT support VoLTE

Unknown devices – IMEI² not listed in the GSMA³ database

The 3G shutdown will allow VMO2 to repurpose its spectrum to enhance 4G service quality. Meanwhile, 2G will remain available only for the following essential services:

999 emergency calls

Smart metering and IoT devices and applications that are restricted to 2G (these connections MUST be on dedicated IoT tariffs)

Acting as a failsafe when 4G is unavailable

VMO2 has been, and will continue to be, conducting a series of 3G switch-off trials and pilots across selected locations in the UK to assess the impact of this change. To date, VMO2 has successfully completed the following:

  • Stevenage (Trial⁴) – 24th September 2024
  • Durham (Pilot⁵) – 2nd April 2025
  • Guildford & Telford (Trial) – 9th June 2025
  • Please note the upcoming trials and pilots that may affect your area:
  • Torquay (Trial) – 16th June 2025
  • Norwich (Pilot) – 16th July 2025
  • Guildford & Telford (Pilot) – 16th July 2025
  • Torquay (Pilot) – 4th August 2025
  • Scotland – North of Central Belt (Pilot) – 5th November 2025

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

Upgrading Devices

We have now received data on users with 2G or 3G-only devices that will need to be replaced with 4G, 5G, or LPWAN⁶-capable devices. This information is currently being worked through and updates will be shared in due course. We recommend being aware of the potential impact of using outdated devices and encourage upgrades where necessary. If you need to upgrade, we offer a wide selection of competitively priced handsets, including options from our latest range of refurbished hardware.

SIM Replacement

Legacy SIMs will not be compatible with 4G/5G services.  If this impacts you then get in touch and we wll organise a SIM swap to avoid any disruption to service.

Applying Wi-Fi Calling/VoLTE

Converga Digital currently enables Wi-Fi Calling/VoLTE by default when new connections are provisioned, and we will soon begin a base-wide project to apply these services to all existing connections. This will help minimise potential disruption for your users as the network changes take effect.

As always, we are here to support you. Please contact us if you have any questions or need further assistance.