we’re switching off 2G

What does the 2G switch-off mean for you?

If you are using one or more of the following you will lose mobile service completely, once the 2G network is switched off.

1. A 2G, 3G or 4G non-VoLTE device or a device that doesn’t support 4G Calling.

2. An old 2G or 3G SIM card.

3. A 2G or 3G price plan.

If you’re impacted by the 2G network switch-off, we will contact you directly. We'll either write to you, send you an email or an SMS with all the information you need so you'll know what to do, and by when, to avoid losing your service.

For our previous 3G closure, we put comprehensive support in place, both online and in-person, and our approach included:

conducting localised trial switch-offs to inform our nationwide approach and steadily phase out customer reliance on the older technology
working with charity partners to deliver skills training to people aged 65+ so they felt comfortable to transition to a modern mobile network
being the first operator to offer free 4G phones to consumer customers registered as vulnerable
repurposing spectrum used for 3G services to improve the performance of 4G and 5G connectivity in thousands of postcodes across the UK

We intend to take a similar approach to 2G retirement. We will contact all impacted customers several times in the years ahead before we make any changes.

Follow these steps to check your phone

Step 1
Text HANDSET to 150 to see if your mobile phone already supports 4G Calling or 5G. Plus, get advice on how to upgrade.

Step 2
Check to ensure that the 4G network is turned on in your mobile phone settings.

Step 3
Check that 4G Calling (also called LTE or VoLTE) is turned on in your mobile phone settings.

Step 4
Turn WiFi Calling on in your mobile phone settings.

Options for pay monthly customers

If your phone isn't compatible with 4G Calling or WiFi Calling, and you're on a pay monthly plan, you could consider upgrading your device from our wide range of options.

Options for pay as you go customers

If you can’t use 4G Calling and WiFi Calling, check out our compatible devices online then pop into one of our shops to switch or call 150 where an EE Guide will be happy to help.

Explore pay as you go

How to get a new phone

Browse our compatible devices online and explore your options. You can order a new device, pop into one of our stores or call 150 where an EE Guide can help you switch.

Shop mobile handsets

If you’re on an old 2G or 3G plan

If you are using an old 2G or 3G price plan, you will need to change your plan. This can be done when you upgrade or by calling 150 and speaking to our call centre teams. You can find out more about our plan changes in our Help pages.

If you’re on an old 2G or 3G SIM card

If you are using an eSIM, you are ready to go.

If you are using an old physical SIM card (activated before October 2012) you will need to replace this. This can be done when you upgrade or by calling 150 and speaking to our call centre teams.

You can also replace your SIM online via the EE website or the EE app.

If you have an applicable device, you can convert your physical SIM to an eSIM online, which is the quickest, easiest way to get the latest eSIM technology.

The power of 4G and 5G

EE’s network has been awarded the best for network performance 12 years in a row by RootMetrics. Switching to 4G or 5G means you will experience the UK's fastest and most reliable network.  

Whether you use 4G or 5G, you’ll enjoy the benefits of improved quality calls (meaning fewer calls dropping), and much better internet speeds. So, you’ll find it easier to stay in touch with friends and family and do everything you love online. With EE you’ll have a more reliable connection even in the busiest places.

Discover why we're the best network

Emergency alerts

Emergency alerts is a service launched by the UK Government in 2023, which warns you if there’s a danger to life nearby. In an emergency, your phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.

Phones and tablets connected to a 2G network will not receive emergency alerts so it's important to update your device to 4G or 5G to continue to receive these alerts.

To find out more visit: How emergency alerts work - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Frequently asked questions

What is 2G and when is it being switched off?

2G is the second generation of mobile network technology, introduced in the early 1990s. It allowed people to make phone calls, send text messages and use basicdata services such as simple internet browsing or email.

While revolutionary at the time, 2G is much slower and less secure than modern networks and does not support high-speed internet, video calling or streaming.

As a result, 2G networks are being carefully switched off by operators in the UK and around the world. This is part of the UK Government’s strategy to phase out the nation’s reliance on outdated legacy technology by 2033.

We are working to ensure all users of EE’s 2G network can access more secure and reliable 4G and 5G connectivity. Therefore, we’ll be switching off the EE 2G network from May 2029.

What is 3G and when was it switched off?

3G is the third generation of mobile network technology, launched in the early
2000s. It offered faster data speeds than 2G, enabling mobile internet access,video calls, email and apps on smartphones.

However, it is significantly slower than 4G and 5G networks and is not suitable for high-definition video streaming or modern mobile services that require very fast data connections.

EE safely and responsibly switched off 3G in February 2024, with customers that upgraded to 4G and 5G benefitting from more reliable and secure mobile connectivity.

Why is EE switching off 2G?

2G is almost 35 years old and in the three decades since it launched, mobile
technology has evolved significantly. As a result, 2G networks are beingcarefully switched off by operators in the UK and around the world.

By switching off 2G, we can continue to focus on providing the best mobileservice for our customers, so they will enjoy stronger connections in more places on the UK’s best 4G and 5G network.

How will the 2G switch-off affect my phone?

Most modern smartphones use 4G or 5G technology and will continue to work normally. If you have an older phone that only supports 2G or 3G, it will no longer be able to make calls, send texts or use mobile data once 2G is switched off fromMay 2029.

All EE customers can text HANDSET to 150 to find out if their mobile phone is already compatible with 4G Calling and get advice on upgrading if needed

Do I need a new phone because of the 2G switch-off?

Most of our customers already use a modern smartphone that can access 4G or 5G networks, so won’t need to do anything. You will only need a new phone if your current device does not support 4G Calling (4G VoLTE) or 5G. EE recommendschecking your device’s compatibility to ensure uninterrupted service.

You can do this by following the steps on this web page or contact customer support for guidance.

All EE customers can also text HANDSET to 150 to find out if their mobile phone is already compatible with 4G calling and get advice on upgrading if needed.

Can I still use my SIM card in a 2G or 3G only device?

Once the 2G network is switched off from May 2029, customers will need an EE eSIM or the latest physical SIM card and a 4G Calling or 5G compatible device to
connect to our mobile network.

Will my mobile broadband or connected device be affected?

Any device that is only able to connect to the outdated 2G network, such as some older tablets, smartwatches, alarms or Internet of Things devices, will nolonger be able to connect after May 2029.

You will need to upgrade these devices in the next four years to 4G or 5G compatible versions.

Will the switch-off affect signal or coverage?

EE is committed to maintaining excellent mobile coverage so that by the time it comes to switching off 2G in May 2029, all our customers will be able to use a faster, stronger and more secure connection.

4G and 5G networks provide better speeds and reliability than 2G, so you should see improved service overall. Any customers can use EE’s coverage checker to determine what coverage is like in their local area.

How will you inform customers of your plans to switch off 2G?

All our current impacted customers will be contacted multiple times by email, letter, text message or call (depending on their preferences) ahead of any changes to the network, to make sure they have the right support and advice to seamlessly migrate to 4G or 5G.

What should I do if I have an Emergency Medical Alert (EMA) button or similar telecare device?

You must contact your equipment manufacturer or provider (which may not be BT) to ensure your equipment is 4G or 5G compatible and arrange replacements (if necessary).

What should businesses with legacy devices do?

Businesses using 2G or 3G only devices, such as tills, security systems or telemetry devices, should plan to upgrade to 4G or 5G compatible solutions to avoid disruption. You can find out more on our Business site.