UK to end 2G and 3G mobile networks by 2033 to free up radio space for 5G, 6G

Britain will end its phase 2G And 3G It said on Wednesday that mobile networks will power technologies such as driverless vehicles, drones and virtual reality to free up radio waves for 5G and eventually 6G services by 2033. All four UK networks – EE, vodafone, O2 and Three – the timetable had been agreed, the government said. BT, which owns EE Networks, said in July that it would phase out 3G in early 2023, followed by 2G, which is more than 25 years old, in a later decade.

The government said setting a date for termination of 2G and 3G services would make it easier for new equipment makers to enter the market as they would not have to support legacy technologies. After China banned Huawei from new networks last year, it wants to end dependence on suppliers to some extent, and is supporting the development of Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology to that end.