On December 18, 2025, Virgin Media O2 announced it would switch off its 3G network in the UK in early 2026. According to Omdia’s new report 2G and 3G Switch-off Regulations and Policies, this trend is also occurring elsewhere in the world.
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As 2G and 3G network shutdowns accelerate, consumer protection has emerged as a major regulatory concern
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The Analyst Team
Sarah McBride
Follow AnalystPrincipal Analyst, Regulation
As part of Omdia’s service provider markets regulation team, Sarah is a principal analyst who analyzes telecom regulation and policies at the national and cross-country levels. She covers regulatory developments affecting 5G and 6G deployment, AI, IoT, and privacy and data protection. Other focus areas include next-generation access, platforms and hyperscalers, national broadband plans, spectrum awards, universal service, net neutrality, wholesale fixed and mobile access, and consumer protection.
Sarah produces various reports, trackers, and benchmarks, such as Omdia’s country regulation overviews and spectrum, national broadband, and fixed access trackers. Before joining Omdia (formerly Ovum) in 2015, Sarah was a senior researcher at Pearlfinders who analyzed and advised on IT, telecom, and technology market trends. She holds a degree in natural sciences from Durham University (UK).
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