UK 3G networks to end in 2025

British telecom operator Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has announced that it will begin shutting down its 3G network in 2025 and plans to complete the process in the same year.

The UK operator's decision will also affect customers of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) operating on its network, such as Giffgaff, Tesco and Sky Mobile.

The announcement means that 2025 will mark the end of 3G in the UK. So far, VMO2 has lagged behind its competitors, with several other UK mobile operators having previously announced 3G phase-out schedules. VMO2 will also be the last telecom company in the UK to shut down its 3G network, with Vodafone planning to completely phase out 3G technology in early 2024, and EE and Three following suit later in 2024.

Telecom operators are shutting down legacy networks for a variety of reasons. One reason is to make better use of spectrum, as new-generation mobile networks offer higher spectrum efficiency and network capacity. As demand for data-intensive applications grows, maximizing the use of available spectrum is key.

Another reason is to reduce energy consumption. According to VMO2, 3G accounts for 11% of the company's overall energy consumption, but the technology transmits less than 4% of the data. Meanwhile, 4G and 5G together account for 29% of energy consumption, while transmitting a whopping 96% of the data. As a significant part of a telecom company's operating expenses, energy use is an important consideration.

Reducing energy use will also have an impact on carbon emissions: GSMA estimates that in a high-income country with a population of 80 million (the UK has a population of about 67 million), refarming 3G spectrum could save an additional 3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

However, it is vital to ensure that customers who rely on 3G networks for mobile internet access are not affected. VMO2 says its 4G network already covers 99% of the UK population and its 5G service will cover half the population by the end of the year.

"VMO2 has announced that it will be contacting customers in advance to let them know about the change and has pledged to work with consumer groups and charities to help manage the network transition," VMO2 said.

Meanwhile, voice calls and text messages will continue to work on 2G networks until they are also switched off. However, the switch-off of 2G networks may be more challenging due to IoT connectivity and voice roaming issues, and is expected to occur in 2033.