Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree), United Kingdom: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree) plans to switch off 2G in 2030 and switched off 3G in February 2024, according to the sources we checked on 26 October 2026. The table gives each source and how far we trust it; the rest of the page says what this means for IoT devices in the United Kingdom.
2G and 3G status at Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree)
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | Planned | 2030 | medium | ispreview.co.uk, gov.uk Vodafone confirmed it intends to switch off 2G in the UK during 2030. Vodafone UK and Three UK merged as VodafoneThree (Vodafone owns 100% since 30 Jul 2026). Government backstop: 2033. |
| 3G | Switched off | February 2024 | medium | ispreview.co.uk, ispreview.co.uk UK-wide 3G switch-off finished in late February 2024 (target was end-January); a few security-sensitive and remote rural sites stayed on for a short period afterwards. |
Confidence is high when the operator or the regulator states the date, medium when several independent sources agree, low otherwise. We recheck every month.
What it means for IoT devices on Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree)
- 2G devices keep working until the shutdown (2030). Replace 2G-only devices before that date; once the network closes, they lose service on Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree).
- 3G fallback no longer works on Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree). Devices built for 3G (UMTS) or that fall back to it lose service; 4G devices with 2G fallback are not affected by this closure.
- For new devices, choose 4G-based technologies: LTE Cat-1 bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where the network offers them.
- Foreign SIMs in the United Kingdom: no law we found restricts permanent roaming; mobile operators set the terms. Details on the United Kingdom page.
An M2M.global IoT SIM is not tied to a single network in a country, and its data can reach your cloud without the internet through private delivery.
Other operators in the United Kingdom
| Operator | 2G | 3G |
|---|---|---|
| EE | Planned, May 2029 | Switched off, February 2024 |
| Three UK (VodafoneThree) | not tracked | Switched off, November 2025 |
| Virgin Media O2 (O2) | Planned, 2029 | Switched off, December 2025 |
All operators and both rules for the United Kingdom: IoT connectivity in the United Kingdom. Every country: 2G and 3G shutdown dates by country and operator.
Frequently asked questions
When does Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree) switch off 2G in the United Kingdom?
Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree) plans to switch off 2G in 2030. Vodafone confirmed it intends to switch off 2G in the UK during 2030. Vodafone UK and Three UK merged as VodafoneThree (Vodafone owns 100% since 30 Jul 2026). Government backstop: 2033.
When did Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree) switch off 3G in the United Kingdom?
Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree) switched off its 3G network in February 2024. UK-wide 3G switch-off finished in late February 2024 (target was end-January); a few security-sensitive and remote rural sites stayed on for a short period afterwards.