UK to Phase Out 2G and 3G Networks

The UK's 2G and 3G networks will be phased out while the capacity for the nation's 5G coverage will be increased.

17:38 16 December 2021

The UK's 2G and 3G networks will be phased out completely by 2033, the Department for Digital, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed. The move is part of a larger scheme that aims to increase the capacity of the nation's 5G coverage by freeing up spectrum - the radio waves used for sending and receiving information. 

 

The UK Government has invested £250million to build "a more competitive, innovative and diverse supply chain for telecoms" and reduce the "world's over-reliance" on a select few equipment makers. 

 

Simon Colvin, technology expert at Pinsent Masons, said: “It is great to see the announcement of this major milestone in plans to phase out 2G and 4G. The benefits of rationalising spectrum for future usage as well as the opening up of RAN will allow for the UK to leap ahead in the international telecoms sector.”

 

“It will be the consumer that ultimately benefits from the collaboration between MNOs and between MNOs and government,” he added.

 

Digital secretary Nadine Dorries said: “5G technology is already revolutionising people’s lives and businesses - connecting people across the UK with faster mobile data and making businesses more productive.”

 

She added: “Today we are announcing a further £50 million to put the UK at the forefront of mobile connectivity and to make sure our telecoms networks are safe and secure now and in the future.”

 

“We can only do this through stronger international collaboration and I will be meeting with our US allies today as we strengthen our ties on technology,” Dorries added.