UPDATE – March 2026
-
3G Shutdown complete.
-
24th March – Government released 2G Shutdown Charter in preparation for an ordered shutdown. MNOs to report to DSIT quarterly.
-
Barring of 2G roaming SIMs continues.
-
Unintended loss of 2G signal due to cell upgrades has a low-level impact on MeterOnline.
-
OFCOM announced the 2G network shutdown must complete by 2033.
-
It is expected that most network operators will close their 2G network within the next 3 to 4 years. So far, EE and VodafoneThree have announced 2029 and 2030 shutdowns.
-
Existing 2G/3G-only meters and modems will need to be upgraded.
-
It is time to check what equipment is installed and plan an upgrade programme where required.
Why Act Now?
Although it may appear that there could be over 4 years before the 2G shutdown, it is likely to be an incremental process, hence the term “2G Sunset” used by the mobile operators.
Two network operators have now announced a 2G shutdown by 2030.
Inevitably, as mobile network operators constantly update their equipment, the focus is on 4G and 5G coverage and 2G is now not a priority.
At present we are not seeing any major effects, other than in a small number of cases, where 2G coverage in the local area is no longer at the same level as 4G coverage. However, this situation could change.
Mobile network operators are beginning to take measures to reduce 2G connections and traffic. For example, Virgin Media O2 have barred other networks’ 2G roaming SIMs connecting to their network. This has caused a loss of 2G connection for some meters.
MeterOnline and Privately Owned Smart Meters
For meters to operate beyond the 2G shutdown, they need to have LTE-4G communications. Meter Manager began supplying LTE-4G meters in 2021 when they first became available, and by 2023 practically every meter type sold included the new LTE-4G technology. All new products are now LTE-4G compatible.
Many customers have older meters in service, which in some cases are over 10 years old. Some models of meters can have new communications modules (modems) fitted to upgrade them. Other meters require replacement because the communications module cannot be replaced.
Taking the First Steps to Replace Equipment
- Check the meter models and registration dates on your MeterOnline account (using the Meter Details Report) and identify meters where replacement may be required (see Identification Guide below).
- Contact Meter Manager for assistance if in doubt (support@metermanager.co.uk).
- Plan a replacement programme (contact sales@metermanager.co.uk for equipment price and delivery).
- Consider any site visit from now on as an opportunity to replace/upgrade the meter.
Identification Guide
The following equipment will require replacement:
- EMA1 (Serial numbers before 2230000000*)
- AS230
- ME372
- MT375
- ME382
- MT382
- CME2100 Gateway (Not LTE)
These models have replaceable modems:
- A1700
- A1140
These models have LTE-4G communications (no action required):
- EMA1 (Serial numbers after 2230000000*)
- EMP1.AX
- EMP1.CX
- AM550-EB
- AM550-TD
- AM550-TT
- IE.7
- IE.5
- CME2100-LTE Gateway
Background Information
OFCOM – 3G and 2G switch-off
(Last updated: October 2025)
The UK’s mobile network providers are gradually switching off their 3G and 2G networks over the next few years.
The UK’s mobile network operators have confirmed to the Government that they do not intend to offer 2G and 3G mobile networks past 2033 at the latest. This will support the roll-out of the 4G and 5G networks which will offer faster and more reliable services for customers. The operators are making their own decisions on the timing and process of the switch-offs.
Virgin Media O2, VodafoneThree and EE have now completed their 3G network switch-offs.
EE has announced it will begin switching off its 2G network from May 2029. VodafoneThree has announced it will switch off the Vodafone UK 2G network during 2030 (Three does not have a 2G network). Virgin Media O2 has no completion date published yet. All 2G devices will need to be upgraded to at least 4G by this point.
