Can I still use an old phone in the UK?

What this means for a classic phone

A classic phone gets online over 2G until at least 2029, as long as the SIM uses O2, Vodafone or EE. Many brands rent those networks: giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile use O2; Lebara, VOXI, Asda Mobile and Talkmobile use Vodafone; BT Mobile, Lycamobile, 1p Mobile, Your Co-op, Utility Warehouse and Ecotalk use EE. Brands on Three, such as Smarty, iD Mobile and Superdrug Mobile, won’t work in a 2G-only phone.

Before you buy a SIM

• Ask the operator (or the network behind your brand) whether it still runs 2G, and until when.
• A cheap pay-as-you-go or data SIM is usually enough: KeyAgain needs a little mobile data, not a big plan.
• You may have to type the operator’s data settings (APN) into the phone by hand.
• If the phone has Wi-Fi, it can get online at home whatever happens to the mobile networks.

Mobile data on an old phone: setting up the APN →

Source: The Old Phone Revival — 2G & 3G switch-off guide, last checked 13 October 2026, with links to every operator and regulator source. Dates change: confirm with your operator.