BT has announced an updated timetable for retiring its 2G network, a technology first introduced in the early 1990s. The company’s remaining 2G traffic, managed through its EE brand, now represents just 0.1% of the total data flowing through its infrastructure.
With 4G, 5G and IoT services increasingly dominant, BT’s decision to phase out 2G follows a UK-wide industry agreement to decommission legacy networks by 2033. BT intends to move sooner, targeting retirement “later this decade,” while giving businesses sufficient time to plan their migrations.
Originally announced in 2021, the 2G sunset programme is now entering a more active phase. BT is launching a focused outreach campaign aimed at business customers still dependent on the ageing network. The company says it will support customers in migrating to modern alternatives—4G, 5G or BT’s dedicated IoT solutions—by offering guidance and technical assistance tailored to each organisation’s needs.
2G network: Ready for the history books
When 2G arrived in the UK in the early 1990s it was transformative: mobile voice and basic digital services replaced analogue systems, laying the groundwork for mobile communications. At the time, phones were simple and mobile internet access or apps were not yet part of everyday life.
Network requirements have changed dramatically since then. Today’s users and industries demand high-speed data for streaming, real-time communications and connecting thousands of devices across businesses and cities. Modern connectivity standards like 4G and 5G meet these needs far more effectively than 2G.
BT highlights that maintaining 2G is increasingly uneconomical and inefficient. The company describes legacy 2G systems as energy-intensive and progressively harder to repair as components age and expertise dwindles. These factors drive higher operating costs and greater risk of outages.
The move away from 2G reflects a global trend. Operators in the US, Australia and multiple European countries have already begun retiring 2G networks, recognising the technology’s shrinking role in modern telecoms.
“Retiring 2G allows us to continue optimising secure, future-ready networks that customers and the wider UK economy require,” BT said.
Environmental goals also underpin the decision. BT points out that businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability and want more energy-efficient connectivity. Because 2G consumes significantly more energy than newer standards, switching off the network supports BT’s broader strategy to reduce energy use while improving performance.
Preparing businesses for transition
BT recognises that some companies still rely on 2G for niche applications, such as low-bandwidth machine-to-machine communication, simple sensor telemetry, or legacy devices embedded in supply chains and operational systems. To minimise disruption, BT plans proactive engagement with these customers to explain how the network will change and what migration options are available.
The company intends to work collaboratively with affected organisations, providing tailored support and technical advice to help them upgrade equipment and reconfigure services for 4G, 5G or IP-based IoT platforms.
BT says it will give businesses multiple years’ notice before any firm cut-off date, enabling careful planning and staged upgrades. The extended lead time also allows BT to collect feedback and adapt its phased roll-out to meet different industry requirements.
When the 2G sunset is implemented later this decade, BT will combine online resources and in-person support as part of a comprehensive assistance programme designed to guide remaining 2G users through the transition.
Upgrading legacy networks isn’t just a technology refresh; it’s about building a stronger foundation for the UK’s digital economy. The growth of IoT deployments, edge computing and digital transformation in sectors such as healthcare, logistics and finance increases the urgency of retiring outdated technologies.
“If we are to provide the UK with a rock-solid foundation for its digital future, relying on mobile architecture designed three decades ago is not sustainable,” BT added.
As BT expands its 4G and 5G coverage, moving away from 2G is a necessary step toward higher-capacity, more secure networks. The company is engaging industry stakeholders, regulators including Ofcom, and charities to help ensure that vulnerable groups and businesses are supported throughout the change.
No immediate action is required of most business customers today, but BT recommends organisations begin assessing their long-term connectivity needs. Migrating to modern networks offers benefits beyond speed and latency: improved security, better device management, and technologies designed to support business growth for years to come.
The planned end of 2G marks the close of a pivotal technology era in mobile communications and the start of a more efficient, secure and future-ready generation of connectivity.
(Photo by Neeraj Pramanik)
Looking to revamp your digital transformation strategy? Learn more about Digital Transformation Week, held in Amsterdam, California and London, co-located with events focused on IoT, AI & Big Data, Cyber Security and Cloud. The event showcases enterprise technology trends, use cases and practical guidance for organisations modernising their digital infrastructure.