New DCF report highlights international lessons for the UK’s 2G switch-off
The Digital Connectivity Forum (DCF) has today published a new report examining international experiences of switching off 2G mobile networks, as the UK prepares for the retirement of 2G services by 2033 at the latest.
The report, A Generational Shift: international lessons from 2G network sunsetting, authored by Plum Consulting, analyses how governments, regulators and mobile network operators in other countries have approached 2G switch-off. It identifies common challenges, examples of good practice, and lessons that are relevant to the UK as it transitions away from legacy mobile technology.
The report finds that retiring 2G networks can deliver significant benefits, including reduced operating and maintenance costs, improved spectrum efficiency through refarming for newer technologies, enhanced network security, and lower energy consumption and environmental impact. These benefits can help support the rollout of advanced mobile networks, including 5G standalone, and enable continued investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure.
Although consumer use of 2G has declined significantly, the technology continues to support a wide range of services, including machine-to-machine and IoT applications, safety and telecare devices, smart metering, and fallback voice and SMS in certain areas. The report highlights that managing the migration of these services is often the most complex aspect of 2G switch-off and has led to delays in several countries.
The report finds that while there is no single international model for sunsetting 2G networks, successful approaches tend to share common features, including early engagement with affected sectors, clear communication with customers, coordination between operators, and proportionate involvement from government and regulators. It also warns that delaying action once 2G traffic has fallen to low levels can increase costs and risks, rather than reducing them.
Commenting on the report, Lindsey Fussell, Chair of the Digital Connectivity Forum, said:
“The UK’s 2G switch-off is both necessary and achievable, but international experience shows it needs to be handled carefully. This report highlights that the biggest risks are not technical, but relate to visibility of remaining 2G use, coordination across sectors, and protecting vulnerable users. By learning from other countries’ experience now, the UK has an opportunity to manage this transition in a way that supports network modernisation while maintaining trust and continuity for consumers and businesses.”
The report includes recommendations for government, regulators and industry on how to approach the 2G transition, with a focus on improving information about remaining 2G dependencies, supporting migration to alternative technologies, and ensuring that customer protection remains central to the process.
