2G and 3G Switch-Off: What It Means for GPS Vehicle Trackers

What is being switched off, and when?

The UK government and the mobile network operators agreed in December 2021 that 2G and 3G would be switched off by 2033 at the latest. The 3G network, which was mainly used for mobile data, has now largely been switched off.

2G is next. EE and O2 have said they will start switching off 2G from summer 2029. VodafoneThree has said its switch-off will start in spring 2030. These are the dates for the nationwide switch-off, and the operators may run trial switch-offs in selected areas before then. Under the 2G Switch-Off Charter agreed in March 2026, customers in a trial area must be told at least three months in advance.

Why does this matter for vehicle trackers?

A GPS tracker works out where it is using satellites, then sends that position to the tracking platform over the mobile network using a SIM card. If a tracker can only use 2G or 3G, it can still find its position but it can no longer report it once that network is withdrawn in the area where the vehicle is driving.

The effect is easy to miss. Positions stop arriving, journey history develops gaps and alerts such as theft or geofence warnings do not reach you. Ofcom estimates that around 2 million active devices in the UK rely on 2G or 3G, and the Commons Library lists non-phone examples such as smart meters, telecare and lift alarms and some in-vehicle emergency call systems.

Questions to ask your tracking supplier

• Which mobile technologies does each tracker actually use? A unit described as "4G compatible" may still fall back to 2G when the signal is weak.
• What kind of SIM is fitted? A SIM tied to one network is affected if that network withdraws a service in your area. A multi-network SIM can use whichever network has coverage.
• How old is your oldest hardware? Trackers fitted for one job and forgotten are the ones most likely to be on older technology.
• Who pays if a unit has to be replaced because of a switch-off? Ask before you sign or renew, not after the network goes.
• How will you know if a tracker goes quiet? Check that the platform flags a unit that has stopped reporting, rather than leaving a silent gap.

What should fleets do now?

There is no need to panic, because the 2G dates are several years away and are public. A sensible first step is a simple list of every tracker you run: model, SIM, install date and the vehicle or asset it is on. Then ask your supplier the questions above and plan any replacement alongside normal contract renewals.

Trackmatic provides GPS vehicle and fleet tracking for UK businesses. If you would like to talk through your own fleet, contact us. For related reading, see our guides to multi-network SIMs for GPS tracking and the fleet tracking buyers guide.

Source

House of Commons Library, Switching off 2G and 3G in the UK, checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

When is 2G being switched off in the UK?

EE and O2 have said they will start switching off 2G from summer 2029 and VodafoneThree from spring 2030, with 2G and 3G gone by 2033 at the latest. Operators may run trial switch-offs in selected areas earlier.

Has 3G already been switched off?

The House of Commons Library says the 3G network has largely been switched off. Check coverage for the specific areas your vehicles drive in.

Will my GPS tracker stop working when 2G or 3G is switched off?

A tracker that can only use 2G or 3G will still locate itself but will not be able to send its position once that network is withdrawn in the area. A tracker with a 4G-capable modem and a SIM that can use more than one network is better placed. Ask your supplier which technologies each unit uses.