The UK will phase out 2G and 3G mobile services by 2033, the government says.
The switch-off date has been agreed with mobile-network operators Vodafone, EE, Virgin Media, O2, and Three, reports BBC.
In July, EE owner BT revealed plans to phase out 3G by 2023, and 2G later in the decade. And many other companies have already begun phasing out technology that support the services.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the move would help the UK make a smoother transition to faster networks.
She said: “5G technology is already revolutionising people’s lives and businesses – connecting people across the UK with faster mobile data and making businesses more productive.”
The government also promised a funding boost to help future-proof the UK’s mobile networks, ending the country’s over-reliance on a small number of suppliers and making it easier for new equipment-makers to enter the market.
“Today, we are announcing a further £50m 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,” Ms Dorries said.
