The government has announced plans to phase out 2G and 3G in the UK by 2033.

It said that the move forms part of new measures to boost the security of telecoms supply chains and to support a smooth transition to faster mobile networks.

UK mobile network operators Vodafone, EE, Virgin Media O2, and Three have agreed that 2033 will be the year all public 2G and 3G networks will be switched off.

According to the government, the plans will free up spectrum to allow for the mass roll out of 5G and other future networks, including 6G.

Digital secretary Nadine Dorries announced the plans, alongside a pledge of £50 million towards telecoms research and development projects, ahead of her first visit to the United States where she will meet with US Secretary for Commerce Gina Raimondo.

The government said that the leaders plan to renew their commitment to diversity the global telecoms supply chain and discuss shared ambitions and co-operation on transatlantic data policy.

“5G technology is already revolutionising people’s lives and businesses - connecting people across the UK with faster mobile data and making businesses more productive,” said digital secretary, Nadine Dorries. “Today we are announcing a further £50 million to put the UK at the forefront of mobile connectivity and to make sure our telecoms networks are safe and secure now and in the future.”

She added: “We can only do this through stronger international collaboration and I will be meeting with our US allies today as we strengthen our ties on technology.”

The announcement comes after the recent launch of the Telecommunications Security Act and forms part of the government’s £250 million strategy to build a more competitive, innovative and diverse supply chain for telecoms, and to "reduce the world’s over-reliance on a few equipment makers".

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