The UK's Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has warned that the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks could leave millions behind.

As telcos in the UK continue to sunset legacy networks, the DPA outlined its concerns that the shutdown of these networks could highlight what it calls the 'Digital Poverty' disparity in the country.

These networks are being shut down by telcos to free up spectrum for 4G and 5G technologies, which can offer faster speeds and provide more capacity.

“As the UK moves toward retiring its 2G and 3G networks, we cannot allow progress to come at the cost of connection,” said Elizabeth Anderson, CEO, Digital Poverty Alliance.

“The people most at risk are often those least able to upgrade – older adults, those on low incomes, and individuals who depend on telecare for safety. Unless action is taken now, the switch-off could disconnect exactly those who rely on these systems the most.”

The UK's network providers have already made significant progress with 3G shutdowns, with Vodafone and EE retiring these networks early last year.

Virgin Media expects to complete its 3G shutdown next year, while Three is close to finalizing its switch-off.

The next to go will be 2G networks; however, these are expected later. Vodafone, for example, said it expects to switch off 2G during 2030.

These networks have been kept around a bit longer than 3G, notably due to the amount of IoT devices that rely on 2G networks. Devices such as telecare systems, security alarms, and emergency alert devices still use 2G, as do elevator systems, an issue highlighted in France by the Elevator Federation (Fédération des Ascenseurs).

"Once these networks are decommissioned, such systems may fail silently unless replaced or upgraded. Providers are legally required to contact affected users and offer alternatives, but the scale of the challenge - particularly among older and vulnerable populations - should not be underestimated," said Natalie Jubb, policy and public affairs lead, Digital Poverty Alliance.

According to the DPA, it estimates that 19 million UK adults experience "one or more forms of digital poverty," while it notes that a phone upgrade is a financial impossibility for some.

"The cost of a 4G-ready smartphone, coupled with rising data and contract fees, places digital access further out of reach," said the report. "Even where a device is provided, many users still struggle with confidence, digital literacy, or accessibility barriers that prevent them from using it effectively."

Telcos must support migration away from legacy networks

As such, the DPA issued a number of recommendations to the UK's telcos, to minimize the impact of the legacy network shutdowns.

The DPA has urged providers to supply upgraded telecare devices, including installation, at no additional cost, while it should also replace and install any security alarms that currently rely on 2G or 3G networks for free.

On top of this, the DPA wants telcos to offer affordable upgrade paths or price-match older 3G contracts for customers in digital poverty, and the government and telecoms industry to better coordinate offline awareness campaigns to reach those without digital access.

The DPA also wants digital inclusion and vulnerability training to be mandatory for frontline provider staff, while free, community-based digital skills training should accompany any device upgrade schemes.