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Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) has today warned that they’re still seeing “significant inbound roaming traffic” on their legacy 2G and 3G networks in the UK. This comes ahead of their rapidly approaching plan to withdraw the service from 1st October 2025.
As most people will already know, O2 and other mobile operators are currently already in the process of switching off their older 2G and 3G mobile (mobile broadband) networks (here and here). O2’s move to withdraw 3G is due to reach completion by the end of 2025, while it will take several years to completely retire 2G as it remains necessary for various devices (e.g. Energy Smart Meters) and as a fallback in areas of poor 4G and 5G signals.
The change will free up radio spectrum so that it can be used to further improve the network coverage and mobile broadband speeds of more modern 4G and 5G networks, as well as future 6G services. The switch-off will also reduce the operators’ costs and power consumption.
As part of these changes, O2 last year revealed that they would also be withdrawing inbound roaming services from their 2G and 3G networks on 1st October 2025 (here). This reflects the service that allows users from other operators to access O2’s local network and services. But there’s always a risk that, in some limited areas and circumstances, this could contribute to localised problems with securing basic mobile / voice coverage.
However, despite O2’s earlier notification, the operator has today warned that they are “still seeing significant inbound roaming traffic” on their 2G and 3G networks. “If your organisation does not take action now to check all your connected devices, it could lead to the loss of any services,” said Paul O’Sullivan, Director of Wholesale Mobile at VMO2.
Paul O’Sullivan said:
“We’ve proactively reached out to business customers, trade groups, Government bodies, and key industries – ensuring they are informed and preparing accordingly. As part of this, we are working closely with the Telecare Services Association (TSA), Ofcom and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to equip the telecare industry and critical national infrastructure providers with clear information on what they need to do now. Many telecare providers have already migrated to 4G devices, and the TSA is helping us identify the other SIMs that are yet to migrate.
We also contacted key roaming partners, the international providers whose customers indirectly roam on our network. Letters have been sent to trade organisations to help spread the word, and we’ve engaged in discussions with Government and Ofcom to share our plans and the support that we’re providing to our customers and the companies who use our network.
Despite these efforts, we are still seeing significant inbound roaming traffic on our 2G and 3G networks. Many organisations may already have established migration plans, with ambitions to activate them closer to October. But, for those that haven’t, it’s crucial to act now.
Only other network operators can facilitate roaming on our network – which by definition means anyone doing so isn’t our customer. This creates enormous barriers to us identifying and contacting the specific organisations or devices still relying on these networks. That’s why we’re urging all organisations – whether you’re a Virgin Media O2 customer or not – to check your connectivity solutions and devices by speaking to your provider.”
The situation could become awkward for O2 if they reach the deadline and find that the level of inbound roaming traffic is still “significant“, although at this stage there’s no indication of a delay being planned.