As part of efforts to improve telecom supply chain security and promote the move to faster mobile networks, the UK government and local mobile network operators decided to phase out 2G and 3G networks by 2033.

According to a Dec. 8 news release, operators Vodafone Group PLC, EE Ltd., Hutchison 3G UK Ltd., and Virgin Media O2, a joint venture between Liberty Global PLC and Telefónica SA, struck an agreement with the government over the 2G and 3G network shutdowns.

Vodafone, EE, Virgin Media, O2, and Three have all agreed on a date for the switch-off.

BT, the parent company of EE, announced plans in July to phase out 3G by 2023, and 2G later in the decade. Many other businesses have already begun to phase out technology that supports the services.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the decision will help the UK shift to faster networks more smoothly

“5G technology is now revolutionising lives of people in all over the world and industries, connecting people across the UK to faster mobile data and making businesses more creative,” she said.

The government also promised further cash to assist future-proof the UK’s mobile networks, reducing the country’s reliance on a limited number of vendors. Making it simpler for new equipment manufacturers to enter the market. The government also announced intentions to carry 35% of mobile network traffic in the United Kingdom over Open Radio Access Network, or Open RAN, by 2030.

In addition, the government announced a fresh £50 million investment to promote telecom research and development activities. As well as £36 million in funding for 15 Open, RAN pilot projects in Scotland, Wales, and England. Additionally, the government plans to invest £15 million in the SONIC prototype testing centre for next-generation telecom technologies.

By making spectrum available for 5G and 6G, new technologies such as autonomous vehicles and drones, immersive VR and AR experiences, and other breakthroughs will be able to enter the market. Having said that, the transition from older networks will necessitate the improvement of some other technologies, like as smart metres, which have only recently begun to be deployed.

While 2033 may appear to be a long time away, it should be recognised that this is the final date for the phase-out. While we don’t have a definite timeline, networks could close these legacy networks considerably sooner, therefore it’s critical that energy firms roll out new smart metres and other businesses transition away from legacy systems as soon as possible.

Dimension of consumer protection’

As per Matthew Howett who is the founder of Assembly Research, the transition would most likely occur sooner than the government’s 2033 timetable.

The switch-off will affect a wide range of outdated devices, including 3G-only cellphones. And, according to Mr Howett, the government must act on behalf of consumers who may be slow to react.

“There is a considerable customer fortification feature to all of this,” he said. “Of course, few people will endure to rely on a 2G/3G-enabled handset to make calls in emergencies, but also because gadgets such as smart metres operate on the 2G network.”

It will be critical to involve these parties to avoid disruption.”

Coverage of 5G

Amazon told customers in July that some of its older Kindle units would soon be unable to connect to the internet.

“With the beginning of 2021, some older generation Kindle e-readers will be incapable to connect to the internet through cellular connection via 2G or 3G networks,” the technology experts informed its US consumers. Meanwhile, 5G coverage is being spread throughout the United Kingdom.

EE claimed in July that users would be able to receive 5G “everywhere” in the country by 2028.