O2 issues urgent advice as mobile network continues to switch off across the UK
Across the UK, mobile provider O2 has begun to shut down its 3G network. With different areas being impacted at varying times, the company has partnered up with a famous charity to try and help those they believe to be the most affected by the change.
During the network shut down, those who own 3G mobile phones will lose access to some of their services and apps. While O2, which is owned by Virgin Media O2, is certain that the majority of people won't notice the switch as they most likely own 4G or 5G devices, the network is concerned for some older customers who haven't upgraded.
To help raise awareness and provide support for these customers, O2 has joined up with Age UK to help spread the word and ease the nerves of anyone impacted by this 'daunting' change, reports the Express.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "The 3G switch-off may feel daunting for many older people so it's important that we do all we can to support those affected."
O2 has confirmed it will be switching off the 3G network across the country at varying times of the year, with the network ceasing to exist by the end of 2025. Durham was the first town to lose access to O2's 3G service back in April this year, with Norwich, Telford and Guildford following on July 16.
This switch up was partly done to allow newer 4G and 5G frequencies to take the place of the old network through a reallocation of the network spectrum.
The next town to lose access will be Torquay this month, with the rest of the UK to follow over the coming months until the entire network is shut down. Scottish dates have yet to be confirmed.
Virgin Media O2 said: "Virgin Media O2 and Age UK are working together to provide additional support to the small number of older mobile phone users who will need to upgrade their handsets to continue using mobile data once 3G is switched off.
"Virgin Media O2 will support Age UK's work to develop and distribute new informative content designed for older people and their families to help them better understand the 3G switch-off.
"The charity will provide key information on its website and social media channels and, via its Advice Line, support older people and their families who are seeking advice in relation to the 3G switch off."
Through this partnership, Age UK will be staging in-person awareness sessions to support "disadvantaged older people". The charity will also be providing tuition on digital skills and guidance on how to use new devices.
Older customers who pay for smaller mobile providers within the O2 network, such as GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile, will also be able to access these services.
To further ease the burden of the switch off, Virgin Media O2 also said they were "writing directly to all customers currently without a 4G or 5G handset, offering free compatible devices for known vulnerable customers and discounts on new handsets for all others."
However, it should be noted that just because O2 is switching off their 3G network, this does not mean older 3G devices will become completely useless. As these mobile phones still support 2G networks, users will still be able to receive calls and texts.
For those who only use their phone for these services, it may seem silly to look for an upgrade. However, with the vast majority of people using their phones to access the internet and scroll through social media, a phone upgrade will be a priority as these apps and features will no longer be accessible.
O2 isn't the first mobile network to make the switch, as Three, EE and Vodafone have already turned off their 3G networks.
According to Virgin Media O2, its own 3G network only carries less than two per cent of all network data, highlighting that the shut down won't be noticed by the vast majority of Brits.
Abrahams added: "Anyone who is feeling worried and would like some support can get in touch with their provider to find out more about their options and make sure they are ready for the change, or they can call Age UK's Advice Line for free on 0800 169 65 65."
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