The UK 2G/3G Switch-Off: What It Means — and How Holden Grange Can Help

📡 The UK 2G/3G Switch-Off: What It Means — and How Holden Grange Can Help

The UK is going through a big shift in mobile technology. As part of this change, the old 2G and 3G mobile networks are being phased out in favour of faster and more reliable 4G and 5G services.

While this move brings exciting advances, it also comes with risks — especially for anyone using older telecare equipment. If your device relies on 2G or 3G to work, it may soon stop functioning altogether.

In this article, we’ll explain what the 2G/3G switch-off means, when it’s happening, and how Holden Grange can help keep you, or someone you care about, safe and connected.

🛰️ What Is the 2G/3G Switch-Off?

2G and 3G networks were once the backbone of mobile communication. But technology has come a long way, and these older systems are no longer efficient or widely used. That’s why mobile providers are switching them off — freeing up resources for 4G and 5G, which offer faster speeds and better reliability.

Many telecare devices, especially those installed before 2022, still rely on 2G or 3G to contact Alarm Receiving Centres like ours. Once those networks are turned off, devices that haven’t been upgraded simply won’t work — which could leave users unable to call for help when they need it most.

📅 Key Dates: When Is It Happening?

The exact dates vary depending on the network, but here’s what’s been confirmed so far:

  • Vodafone: 3G switched off in early 2024. Its 2G network remains active for now, but it will be withdrawn no later than 2033.
  • EE (BT Group): 3G was also turned off in early 2024. EE plans to keep 2G running until 2030, mostly to support rural coverage and emergency calls.
  • Three UK: Most of its 3G coverage was switched off by the end of 2024. Three does not have a 2G network.
  • Virgin Media O2 (VMO2): Started turning off 3G in April 2025, with the full shutdown due by the end of 2025. From 1 October 2025, inbound roaming on both 2G and 3G will no longer be supported.

Although mobile networks must shut down 2G and 3G by 2033, most are acting far earlier — with 2025 being a critical year for many users.

⚠️ What This Means for Telecare Users

If your telecare device still uses 2G or 3G, it may stop working soon. Here’s what that could mean:

  • Devices may lose the ability to send emergency alerts
  • Two-way voice calls to monitoring centres might cut out or fail to connect
  • GPS location tracking and fall detection could become unreliable or stop completely
  • Devices using VMO2 SIMs will lose 2G coverage by October 2025 — they must be upgraded to 4G with VoLTE (Voice over LTE)

For people relying on ARC monitoring, this isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a safety issue. Ensuring your equipment is compatible with 4G/VoLTE is essential.

✅ How Holden Grange Can Help

At Holden Grange, we’re already helping people prepare for the network switch-off. Here’s how we can support you:

1. 🔍 Check What You’re Using

We’ll help you identify whether your current device still relies on 2G or 3G — particularly if it uses Vodafone or VMO2 SIM cards. Spotting issues early helps prevent disruption.

2. 📦 Supply of Future-Ready Devices

We offer a range of UK-based 4G VoLTE telecare devices that are fully compatible with our Alarm Receiving Centre. These devices are reliable, proven, and designed to keep working long after 2G and 3G are gone.

3. 🛎️ Round-the-Clock Monitoring

Our ARC provides 24/7 monitoring for telecare alarms, with flexible options including emergency response, out-of-hours support, and overflow handling. And because we're based in the UK, you’ll always speak to someone who understands your needs.

4. 🤝 Trusted Technology Partnerships

We work with established suppliers to make sure the equipment we support is robust, future-proof, and backed by experienced manufacturers.

5. 💬 Clear, Friendly Support

We know the digital switchover can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to keeping things simple, helpful, and jargon-free — guiding you every step of the way.

🔧 Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you’re unsure what technology your telecare device uses, now’s the time to check. With major switch-offs happening throughout 2025, leaving it too late could mean losing connection when it matters most.

Holden Grange is here to make the transition easier. Whether you’re looking to protect yourself or support someone close to you, we’ll help you stay safe and prepared for the future.

📎 Helpful Resources

If you'd like to read more, these links offer clear guidance from trusted sources:

📞 Let’s Talk

If you’d like to review your setup or chat about what comes next, we’re happy to help.

📞 Call us on 01704 332840
📧 Or email: info@holdengrange.com

Let’s make sure you stay safe, supported, and connected — whatever changes the mobile networks bring.

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