Virgin Media O2 warns customers about ongoing 3G switch off
The UK's major mobile providers, including EE and Vodafone, have gradually been axing all 3G services over the past few years.
Virgin Media O2 is the latest provider to switch off its 3G network so it can focus on the "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
The switch-off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including:
With the Virgin Media O2 switch off now underway, customers with 3G devices are being urged to upgrade or risk a drop in call quality and being left unable to access mobile data.
In an email, seen by The Mirror, Virgin Media O2 said: "We recently got in touch to let you know we'll be turning off our 3G services.
"This change has already started, and we'll be continuing the switch off across the country throughout 2025.
"You may currently have a device that's not fully compatible with the UK's 4G or 5G network.
"After the switch off, you could experience a drop in call quality and be unable to access mobile data, including the internet and messaging apps like WhatsApp."
The next areas set to be impacted by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off are:
📡 We're continuing our 3G switch-off programme.
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's Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said: '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.
'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.'
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.
Customers with 3G devices will be unable to use the internet once the network is switched off. (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire) Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) explains: "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."
The 3G switch-off will only impact those customers with older devices and sim cards, ones that are unable to connect to the newer 4G or 5G networks.
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
Samsung
Sony
LG
Google
Motorola
RECOMMENDED READING:
Nokia
For the full list of devices affected or any 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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