UK 2G and 3G Switch-Off: Will My Old Phone Still Work?

UK mobile networks are clearing out their old technology to make room for 4G and 5G. 3G has now gone, and 2G is on its way out over the next few years. If you love an old phone, or you're thinking of buying one, here's what that means in plain English.

What's happened so far

• 3G is gone. EE and Vodafone switched off 3G in 2024, Three followed, and Virgin Media O2 finished its switch-off over the winter of 2025 to 2026.
• 2G is still on. EE, O2 and Vodafone still run 2G, mainly for calls and texts. All UK networks have told the government they'll switch 2G off by 2033 at the latest. Some may go sooner.
• Three has no 2G network. A 2G-only phone won't work with a Three SIM.
• 4G and 5G are where everything is heading.

Will my old phone still work?

It depends on which networks the phone supports. Check the specs on the listing or the label under the battery:

Phone supports	What works today
2G only (most classic Nokia, Samsung and Alcatel basic phones)	Calls and texts on EE, O2 and Vodafone. Not on Three.
2G and 3G (many 2008 to 2013 phones)	Calls and texts over 2G. Mobile data is very slow or missing.
4G	Calls, texts and data. Calls may use 2G if 4G calling isn't supported (see below).

What is 4G calling (VoLTE)?

A phone can have 4G for data but still make its calls over 2G or 3G. Making calls over 4G is called VoLTE (Voice over LTE), and it needs support from both the phone and your network. Many older 4G phones, especially ones made for overseas markets, don't support VoLTE on UK networks. Until 2G switches off, that's fine: the phone simply drops to 2G for calls. Once 2G goes, those phones will only be able to call over Wi-Fi or not at all.

The simple rule: for a phone you'll still be using in 2033, choose a 4G model that supports VoLTE on your network. For a spare phone, a collector's piece or a festival phone, 2G is fine for years yet.

How to check your phone

1. Look up the model's network bands on the listing or the box.
2. Put your SIM in and look at the signal icon: "E" or "G" means 2G, "4G" or "LTE" means 4G.
3. Make a test call. If the icon drops from 4G to "E" or "G" during the call, the phone is calling over 2G.
4. Ask your network whether your exact model supports 4G calling with them.

Old phones that still work today

Classic basic phones (2G)

The Nokia 100 (£35.99), Nokia 110 Dual SIM (£26.99), Samsung E1205 (£35.99) and Alcatel OneTouch 10.16G (£19.99) all make calls and send texts on 2G today. Weeks of standby, almost nothing to break.

For keyboard fans: BlackBerry

The BlackBerry 9720 (£59.99) still makes calls and sends texts. BlackBerry's own online services have closed, so read our BlackBerry guide before you buy.

Retro smartphones with 4G

Want the look of a classic with 4G data? The Galaxy S9 128GB (£449.99) and the Google Pixel 2 XL (£199.99) are both 4G. Check 4G calling with your network if you plan to keep one long term.

See which classic Nokias still work in our old Nokia guide, or browse dumbphones.

Switch-off FAQ

Can I still call 999 on a 2G phone?

Yes, while 2G is running. Emergency calls can use any available network, even one that isn't yours. Once 2G is switched off in your area, a 2G-only phone won't be able to connect.

Will my 2G phone stop working overnight?

No. Networks give notice and usually switch off area by area. 2G is expected to run until 2033 at the latest.

Does this affect Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

No. The switch-off only affects the mobile network. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, music playback and the camera all keep working.

Buying Retro Tech from XTEC: every handset is genuine, never a replica or clone, and dispatched from our UK warehouse 5 days a week, with 30-day returns. Questions about a model? Message us on WhatsApp at 07599 803768 and a real person will reply.