With 6 months to go until we withdraw 2G and 3G inbound roaming on our network, and ahead of all UK 3G networks being switched off by the end of the year, now is the time to get your organisation ready to transition to the networks of tomorrow.
Widespread 5G adoption could generate £159 billion in productivity benefits by 2035*, as the UK Government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy highlights. Moving away from older network technologies enables enhanced connectivity, ensuring businesses can leverage next generation infrastructure to drive efficiency and innovation.
In line with evolving connectivity demands, Virgin Media O2 first announced plans to switch off 3G in September 2023. A year later, on 23 September 2024, our MD of Business and Wholesale, Jo Bertram, published a blog detailing what this transition means for business customers, highlighting how inbound 2G and 3G roaming services will no longer be available from 1 October 2025. Since then, we’ve been actively supporting our roaming partners to prepare for this switch off.
We’ve proactively reached out to business customers, trade groups, Government bodies, and key industries – ensuring they are informed and preparing accordingly. As part of this, we are working closely with the Telecare Services Association (TSA), Ofcom and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to equip the telecare industry and critical national infrastructure providers with clear information on what they need to do now. Many telecare providers have already migrated to 4G devices, and the TSA is helping us identify the other SIMs that are yet to migrate.
We also contacted key roaming partners, the international providers whose customers indirectly roam on our network. Letters have been sent to trade organisations to help spread the word, and we’ve engaged in discussions with Government and Ofcom to share our plans and the support that we’re providing to our customers and the companies who use our network.
Despite these efforts, we are still seeing significant inbound roaming traffic on our 2G and 3G networks. Many organisations may already have established migration plans, with ambitions to activate them closer to October. But, for those that haven’t, it’s crucial to act now.
Only other network operators can facilitate roaming on our network – which by definition means anyone doing so isn’t our customer. This creates enormous barriers to us identifying and contacting the specific organisations or devices still relying on these networks. That’s why we’re urging all organisations – whether you’re a Virgin Media O2 customer or not – to check your connectivity solutions and devices by speaking to your provider.
Ensuring your devices are 4G/5G compatible, or finding alternative connection options backed with 4G/5G SIMs, are the only ways to avoid disruptions when 2G/3G roaming services are switched off. If your organisation does not take action now to check all your connected devices, it could lead to the loss of any services.
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This essential shift to newer technologies will enable us to provide reliable, high-speed, and energy-efficient connectivity to our customers. With 4G already covering 99% of the UK and 5G available to 75% of the population, we’re helping both businesses and consumers enjoy faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity. Moving to newer technologies not only enhances performance but also supports our journey toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
We’re proud to be investing around £2 million every day in our mobile networks, ensuring businesses remain competitive in an increasingly digital world. With 4G and 5G, organisations can unlock advanced applications and improved reliability. This transition is not just about staying connected—it’s about building a future-ready foundation for your company and your customers.
For more details on how to check if your devices are 4G or 5G compatible, speak to your connectivity provider today and take a look at the helpful guide we’ve pulled together below. Join us in embracing faster, smarter, and more sustainable connectivity.
Paul O’Sullivan, Director of Wholesale Mobile at Virgin Media O2
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