BT urges businesses to prepare for 2G network sunset

BT has issued an update on its plans to retire its 2G network, marking the end of a technology first introduced in the early 1990s. The company’s 2G network, which operates under its EE brand, currently handles just 0.1 percent of the data traffic coursing through the company’s infrastructure.

With advancing connectivity technologies such as 4G, 5G, and IoT services rapidly becoming the norm, BT’s gradual phase-out of 2G is in line with a UK-wide agreement among mobile operators to retire their legacy networks by 2033. However, BT plans to take this step earlier, “later this decade,” which still gives businesses ample time to transition.

BT first announced its plans to sunset 2G in 2021. Now, the company is initiating a comprehensive outreach programme that targets business customers who continue to rely on the ageing network. The goal, BT states, is to “encourage and support them in making the move to a modern network,” whether that be its 4G, 5G, or the company’s bespoke IoT solution. 

2G network: Ready for the history books

When 2G networks were rolled out in the UK in the early 1990s, it was a technological milestone. Mobile phones were basic, with no internet access or apps in sight. Even sending the now-ubiquitous SMS was still a futuristic notion.

Today, however, mobile network demands have evolved drastically. Ultra-fast data speeds for streaming video, communicating in real time, and connecting an array of devices for both personal and industrial use have become the baseline standard.

BT noted that 2G systems are “extremely energy intensive” and becoming increasingly costly to maintain. The aging network infrastructure also faces potential reliability issues as it grows more difficult to repair. “As with any technology, the older it gets, the less reliable and more difficult to repair it becomes,” the company explained.

The shift toward decommissioning 2G mirrors trends across the globe. Operators in regions such as the US, Australia, and various countries in Europe have already started winding down their 2G networks, with a clear recognition of its ever-diminishing role in modern telecoms.

“Taking that step here allows us to continue optimising the secure and future-ready networks our customers – and the wider UK economy – need,” BT noted.

Environmental considerations are also a driving force behind the retirement of 2G. BT emphasised its commitment to climate-conscious operations, highlighting that UK businesses are increasingly focussed on aligning their connectivity strategies with sustainability goals.

“With greater focus on climate change and sustainability targets, more businesses across the UK now only want to use the most energy-efficient mobile networks,” said BT.

Given that 2G is significantly more energy-intensive than its successors, shutting it down is part of the company’s broader strategy to cut energy consumption while boosting performance.

Preparing businesses for transition

While the march toward newer, faster technologies continues, BT acknowledges that some businesses are still reliant on 2G for specialised use cases. These include the transfer of small amounts of data between machines, sensors, or devices, functions traditionally associated with connected assets in supply chains or operational infrastructure.

To minimise disruption for these businesses, BT has pledged to “reach out [to them] now to make them aware of how [the] network is changing for the better.”

BT says it aims to work collaboratively with affected organisations by providing tailored support and technical advice to help them transition efficiently to newer networks.

“This long-planned network evolution is our response to [customer] needs,” stated BT.

To ensure a smooth transition, BT promises to give businesses several years’ notice before any concrete cut-off date. This proactive approach not only enables companies to plan their upgrades but allows BT to gather feedback from its business customers to adapt its phased roll-out of the changes.

Once the 2G sunset officially commences later this decade, BT plans to combine both online and in-person resources to aid remaining 2G users through what the company describes as a “comprehensive support” programme.

Updating legacy networks is about more than keeping up with the times—it’s about laying a stronger foundation for the UK’s digital economy. The rising demand for IoT-enabled infrastructure, edge computing, and the digitisation of critical industries such as healthcare, logistics, and finance makes retiring outdated technologies a matter of urgency. 

“If we’re going to provide the UK with a rock-solid foundation to build out its digital economy, then relying on mobile network architecture that was designed three decades ago is not the answer,” BT concludes.

As BT prepares to expand its 4G and 5G network coverage even further, transitioning away from 2G is a stepping stone toward these goals. Meanwhile, BT is also working closely with industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies like Ofcom, and charities to ensure that no one is left behind during this significant change.

While no immediate actions are required of business customers, BT is urging companies to begin considering their long-term connectivity needs sooner rather than later. The advantages of shifting to modern networks go beyond expected capabilities like faster speeds and lower latency: organisations also gain access to enhanced security, improved functionality, and future-proofed technologies fit for the decades ahead.

As for the end of 2G, it is without doubt the closing chapter of a legacy technology that changed the trajectory of mobile communications. However, it’s also the dawn of a more sustainable, cutting-edge, and future-ready generation of connectivity.

(Photo by Neeraj Pramanik)

See also: Telecoms in 2025: AI and next-gen infrastructure among key trends

Looking to revamp your digital transformation strategy? Learn more about Digital Transformation Week taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with IoT Tech Expo, AI & Big Data Expo, Cyber Security & Cloud Expo, and other leading events.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

Tags: 2G, bt, connectivity, EE, europe, mobile, Networks, telecoms, uk