The phones without internet from tomorrow as Virgin Media O2 expands switch off
The UK's major mobile providers, including EE, Vodafone and Three, have gradually been shutting off all 3G services over the past few years following an agreement with the Government back in 2021.
Virgin Media O2 is the latest provider to switch off its 3G network so it can focus on "faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient" 4G and 5G networks.
It's 3G network switch off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected.
📡 Virgin Media O2 begins its 3G switch-off this April in Durham, marking a key milestone in our network evolution. This move allows us to focus on faster, more reliable #4G and #5G services, delivering better connectivity for our customers. 🌐📱 Learn more here:… pic.twitter.com/JE1YXHkKnA
— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) January 13, 2025
The switch-off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including:
Giffgaff
Sky Mobile
Tesco Mobile
Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off is set to continue this month in the following areas:
Norwich (July 16)
Telford (July 16)
Guildford (July 16)
The 3G network in Torquay will also be shut off on August 4.
Next up: Norwich, Telford, Guildford & Torquay. This move frees up spectrum for faster, more reliable #4G & #5G – keeping our customers better connected. 📱 Read more: https://t.co/dAw44ovtL6 pic.twitter.com/5j1GBg58Rc
— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) April 22, 2025
The rest of the UK is set to follow by the end of the year, Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said.
She added: 'We're switching off our 3G network to focus our attention and investment on upgrading faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will give our customers a better overall experience.
'Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this year, we will be switching off 3G in Norwich, Telford and Guildford in July, and Torquay in early August, with the rest of the UK to follow by the end of the year."
Virgin Media O2 customers living in the above areas, still using 3G devices or sims, have been warned to upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before the switch off takes place.
Any customers who don't upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off in their area will still be able to make voice calls and send text messages, but will be unable to use mobile data.
Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) explained: "If you have a phone or Sim that only supports 3G, you'll effectively no longer be able to use the internet once it's fully switched off by your provider – you'll still technically be able to connect to the internet, but you'll struggle to do even basic tasks.
"You'll still be able to make calls and send text messages over 2G, though the quality of the call will likely be a lot worse than it was on the 3G network."
Virgin Media O2 said the "vast majority" of its customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take action as a result of the switch-off.
Known vulnerable customers still using 3G devices have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge.
While all other customers who don't currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price.
JJeanie York continued: "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.
"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.'
Norwich, Telford and Guildford are the next areas to be impacted by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off. (Image: Shutterstock/Virgin Media O2)
Customers with unwanted handsets are urged to recycle their devices through O2 Recycle, which could see them receive cash for their unwanted phone.
If you are unsure whether or not your device will lose mobile data access when Virgin Media O2's 3G network is switched off, don't worry, there is a way to check.
Visit the Virgin Media O2 website and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling.
If your phone/sim is on that list, you will be impacted by the switch-off and will need to change devices before it happens.
Devices on the list include:
Apple iPhone
iPhone 1 Generation
iPhone 3G
iPhone 3GS
iPhone 4
iPhone 5S
Samsung
Samsung ZV60
Samsung GT-C3592
Samsung BEAT S
Samsung Galaxy Fame
Samsung SLIDER
Samsung Galaxy Ace 3
Sony
Sony Ericsson WT13I
Sony Ericsson W705
Sony Xperia Z2
LG
LG Calisto
LG Prada
LG New Chocolate
LG G1600
Google
Google Galaxy Nexus
Google Nexus ONE
Motorola
Motorola MOTO E
Motorola EM30
Motorola Motokey Social
Motorola C118V
RECOMMENDED READING:
What happens when 3G is switched off? The devices affected and how to upgrade
O2 offering more than £1000 for old mobiles and other devices - how to claim
Exact date emergency alert test to go out on all mobile phones confirmed
Nokia
Nokia 106.1
Nokia Lumia 925
Nokia 2330 Classic
For the full list of devices affected or further information about Virgin Media O2's 3G network switch off, visit its website (a link to which can be found above).
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