Major network provider warns customers they will be left with NO mobile data unless they upgrade as service closes
A MAJOR UK mobile network is warning customers they will be left with no mobile data soon unless they upgrade their phone.
Fortunately, there is a £100 voucher on offer to soften the blow.
2
O2 has already started switching off its legacy 3G network as part of a national effort by all the UK's providers.
The firm's plan also affects other brands that rely on O2 's network infrastructure, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile.
O2 started deactivating 3G in April in the city of Durham.
The shake-up means anyone with an older phone only capable of handling 3G will no longer be able to use data when they're out and about.
Calls, texts and going on the internet via Wi-Fi only will still be possible.
As efforts ramp up, the company is warning more customers that will be affected.
In an email seen by ISPreview, O2 says "you may experience a drop in call quality and be unable to access mobile data, including the internet and messaging apps like WhatsApp".
It continues to warn that "upgrading your tariff won't be enough to keep you connected once the switch off happens. You need to upgrade to a compatible phone."
But there is a £100 voucher towards a new phone being offered, so check your email for it or reach out to O2.
The next areas where 3G will be switched off across the UK is Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay.
Norwich, Telford and Guildford will have the plug pulled on July 16, while Torquay's will change on August 4.
The loss of 3G means more faster 4G and 5G services can be installed in their place.
3G NETWORK SWITCH OFF
Mobile networks affected by O2's 3G switch off:
-O2
- Tesco Mobile
- Sky Mobile
- GiffGaff
Networks which have already switched off 3G:
- Vodafone
- Asda Mobile
- Lebara
- Talk Mobile
- Voxi
- EE
- 1pMobile
- Ecotalk
- IQ Mobile
- Lycamobile
- Mozillion
- RWG Mobile
- Spusi
- Talk Home
- Utility Warehouse
- Your Co-op
- Three
- iD Mobile, Smarty
- Honest Mobile
- Superdrug
Is my phone affected?
O2 is contacting people that are affected by the move.
But the vast majority of people should be unaffected - if you've bought yours in the last 10 years or so it's probably safe 4G and 5G compatible.
If you're unsure, there is a trick to check.
Go into your phone's settings and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network.
If you see 4G or 5G listed then you are in the clear.
IS THE SWITCH OFF THAT BIG OF A DEAL?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
It's unclear exactly how many people will be affected by the 3G switch off.
There wasn't much noise after Three, EE and Vodafone ended 3G.
So, there will undoubtedly be some still using 3G-only phones but the numbers are probably very small.
Just because it may be a small figure doesn't mean those people should be cast aside, especially if they're not very tech-savvy or vulnerable.
So definitely get in contact with O2 (or GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile) if you need support.
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