O2’s Boostbox Will Soon Stop Working, Here’s the Best Replacement

Remember the O2 Boostbox? Introduced in 2012, it was a real lifesaver for anyone struggling with poor O2 signal indoors. By plugging into your broadband, the Boostbox created a mini O2 3G zone inside your home or office. So, if you’ve been using an O2 Boostbox to boost your signal, it’s worth knowing that these boxes are on their way out. O2 is closing down its 3G network, and that means every Boostbox will stop working by December 2025.

Why is the O2 Boostbox Being Switched Off?

Technology has changed a lot since the days when the Boostbox was at its peak. We’re now surrounded by 5G, with 6G on the horizon and far stronger networks in general. O2 and other UK networks have poured resources into improving coverage, not just in cities but in rural areas too.

But of course, not everyone gets to enjoy this perfect coverage ... especially in thick-walled buildings, busy high-rise offices or lower basement floors. Even with all the recent improvements, there are still plenty of places where O2’s network just doesn’t reach. If you’re in one of these spots and have been relying on the Boostbox to stay connected, the thought of it being switched off makes you question what's next? Are there any proper alternatives, or will you be left with weak signal and dropped calls?

Is VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) Enough? Not Really.

O2 and plenty of others are pushing WiFi calling as the official way forward. But here’s the truth: WiFi calling is not a replacement for a proper mobile signal and it definitely won’t work for everyone.

Let’s run through what you’d actually be getting:

• Wi-Fi Calling Relies on Flawless Wi-Fi: If your Wi-Fi is patchy or tends to drop in and out, your calls will drop or probably not even connect.

• No Solution for Mobile Data: Stuck making “Wi-Fi calls” but need to use your phone’s data? You’re back to having no service.

• Poor for Guests and Businesses: Colleagues, customers, or visitors don’t have access to your private Wi-Fi, so what do they do?

• 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) Codes: Many services (banks, apps, etc) send one-time codes or authentication texts over the mobile network. If your phone can’t actually receive a mobile signal, important 2FA texts may be delayed or never arrive at all. This can be a real problem if you’re trying to log in or approve transactions.

For a more in-depth summary about Wifi Calling Vs Mobile Signal Boosters, click the link here for our blog post: Comparing Signal Boosters vs. Other Connectivity Solutions

Why Mobile Signal Boosters Are the Only Proper Replacement

If you want reliable signal, everywhere you need it, the answer is a mobile signal booster. And this is exactly where we come in.

We install Amplifi-Qx signal boosters. These are the market leaders, and also the only repeaters fully legal and Ofcom-compliant in the UK. Here’s why they’re a great choice:

• Reliable Signal: Unlike Wi-Fi calling, CEL-FI boosters actually increase your phone’s mobile signal strength and coverage, everywhere in your building.

• Works for All Networks: We don't just cover O2. It's perfect if you, staff, or visitors who use different providers.

• Legal & High Performance: No risk to your network as our mobile signal boosters are completely Ofcom-compliant.

• Business-Grade Reliability: Designed for constant use by businesses and busy buildings.

• Expert Installation & Support: We handle everything, from survey to precise install and post installation. Once your system is installed, you'll receive log in details to our Amplifi-Qx Portal where you can see all your equipment working live.

Why Signal Solutions?

We’ve completed jobs all over UK and Europe so we know what actually works. Each job is different so we carefully assess each and every building to see what solution is right for you. Mobile coverage is all we do, and we’ve helped everyone from retail stores, warehouses and offices, to hotels and hospitals. Only real, licensed CEL-FI boosters do the job the Boostbox used to do (but better).

Don’t Wait Until It's Fully Switched Off!

O2 isn’t changing their mind, and the sooner you act, the sooner you’ll get back to effortless phone calls and data indoors.

So, if you're ready to future-proof your coverage, we offer a free, no-obligation solution design and quote. Let’s get your mobile signal sorted now before it's completely switched off!

You can read O2’s official advice on the switch-off here: O2 Boostbox Guide