Virgin Media O2 to resume switch off tomorrow leaving these phones with no internet
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.
Its 3G network switch off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected.
It continued in July, with Virgin Media O2 switching off 3G services in:
Norwich
Telford
Guildford
Next area impacted by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off
Torquay will be the next area affected by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off, with the service set to be shut off on Monday (August 4).
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."
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 in August. (Image: Shutterstock/Virgin Media O2)
"You'll struggle to do even the basics" - Virgin Media O2 customers with 3G devices issued upgrade warning
Virgin Media O2 customers still using 3G devices or sims, have been warned to upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before the switch off takes place in their area.
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."
Who is Martin Lewis?
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.
Virgin Media O2 is also working with Age UK to distribute content designed for older people and their families to help them better understand the 3G switch-off.
All other customers who don't currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price.
Customers with unwanted handsets are urged to recycle their devices through O2 Recycle, which could see them receive cash for their unwanted phone.
Devices affected by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off
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 Binou
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
Sony Xperia E
LG
LG Calisto
LG Pop
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
WhatsApp users warned they could be banned from the app for doing this one thing
Nokia
Nokia 220
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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