Exact date millions of phones will stop working as UK's biggest network provider turns off 3G access in huge shake-up
Some customers might be left with no data at all to access the internet or
message friends on
when they're away from home.
3
The exact date that millions of phones will stop working as the UK's biggest network provider set to turn off their 3G access in a huge shake-up
Credit: Alamy
The network provider details
All of the UK's biggest mobile networks
have been slowly turning off access to 3G
and that means devices that can't connect to
.
O2 alerted its 23 million customers of the
But now three more locations set to wave goodbye to the old network in just a few days.
O2 is the last of the big networks to make the change, as part of an objective agreed with the Government in 2021.
New Tech
After more than 20 years, the company is stripping out 3G to make way for more faster 4G and 5G services.
The shake-up will also impact
Tesco
Mobile
, GiffGaff and
Sky
Mobile
, which rely on O2's network technology.
When it will happen
3
The next areas will be Norwich, Telford and Guildford
Credit: AFP
For most people, the demise of 3G shouldn't be a problem but for a small number of users it will result in a data blackout.
Because some older handsets aren't able to handle 4G or 5G.
Most read in Tech
They'll still be able to make calls and send texts, but without 3G they won't be able to get online when out and about.
However, they can technically still
O2's 3G Shutdown: Is Your Phone Ready?
The
next
areas where O2's 3G will be switched off on July 16 are:
Norwich
Telford
Guildford
It's already ended in the city of Durham.
Torquay will follow on August 4 and the whole of the UK should then lose access by the end of the year.
How to save on your mobile phone bill
NOT happy with your current mobile phone deal?
If you're outside the minimum term of your contract then you won't need to pay a cancellation fee - and you might be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere.
But don't just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you're currently paying.
Take a look at how many minutes and texts, as well as how much data you're using, to find out which deal is best for you.
For example, if you're a heavy internet user it's worth finding a deal that accommodates this so you don't end up spending extra on bundles or add-ons each month.
Also note that if you're still in your contract period, you might be charged an exit fee.
Ready to look elsewhere? Pay-as-you-go deals are better for people who don't regularly use their phone, while monthly contracts usually work out cheaper for those who do.
It's worth using comparison websites, such as MoneySupermarket and uSwitch.com, to compare tariffs and phone prices.
Billmonitor also matches buyers to the best pay-monthly deal based on their previous three months of bills.
It only works if you're a customer of EE, O2, Three, Vodafone or Tesco Mobile and you'll need to log in with your online account details.
There's also MobilePhoneChecker, which has a bill monitoring feature that recommends a tariff based on your monthly usage.
If you're happy with your provider then it might be worth using your research to haggle a better deal.
Customer support
3
O2 will be focussing on their more reliable connectivity for customers
Credit: Getty
The closure is part of O2's longer-term plans to deliver faster and more reliable 4G and 5G connectivity for customers.
Virgin Media O2 said: '3G services in those areas will be switched off in the coming weeks, and those who currently don't have a 4G or 5G device must upgrade to a compatible handset in order to retain access to mobile data services.
"While we know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action, our priority is to provide support to those who need it," said Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer, said
"That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G handset, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to provide information about their next
steps
.
"It is important these customers upgrade their handsets in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off."
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