O2 confirms exact date of mobile network switch off but is your town affected?
The majority of Brits who own a mobile phone will rarely have to worry about losing signal or service. Technology has advanced so much that these problems are now considered a thing of the past; a distant memory.
However, the UK's four mobile operators are currently shutting down the country's ageing 3G networks, and Virgin Media O2 has today issued the exact dates its customers in several towns could be affected by the switch-off.
As the entity behind O2's mobile network operations, Virgin Media O2 is alerting its user base that the 3G network will cease operation in Norwich, Telford, and Guildford on July 16, followed by Torquay on August 4.
The move is "part of longer-term plans to deliver faster and more reliable 4G and 5G connectivity for customers."
They added: "3G services in those areas will be switched off in the coming weeks, and those who currently don't have a 4G or 5G device must upgrade to a compatible handset to retain access to mobile data services," said Virgin Media O2.
O2 confirmed to the Record that further details for locations in Scotland haven't been confirmed yet, but the company has upgraded 4G and 5G coverage to 13,000 Scottish postcodes in some of our most remote locations.
The upgrades extend to popular tourist centres, with 782 upgraded postcodes in Edinburgh and major improvements in coverage across the Highlands.
On top of this, O2 has recently installed small cells in Perth, as well as switching on its next-generation 5G standalone network in Stirling.
O2 has recently brought reliable connectivity to many unique Scottish tourist destinations that previously had none. These include Corrour Station, the UK's highest and most remote railway stop, famously featured in Trainspotting.
Barra Airport, the only airport in the world with a scheduled beach runway and tidal timetable, and Loch Ossian Eco Hostel and Glen Affric Hostel, reachable only by foot or bike, have also benefited north of the border.
"Scotland has always been one of the most beautiful and remote destinations in the UK but now it's better connected than ever before," said Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2.
"Thanks to O2's Mobile Transformation Plan, whether they're hiking the Highlands, flying into Barra, or visiting a rural island, visitors can stay connected when and where it matters most."
In the meantime, while Norwich, Telford, Guildford, and Torquay are next in line for disruption, O2 anticipates a complete termination of its 3G network by year's end. The nationwide switch-off is due to 3G networks becoming outdated and less utilised than before.
Most smartphones available in the UK now support 4G, and many are also 5G-ready. Consequently, the O2 3G switch-off is unlikely to impact you if your smartphone is 4G or 5G capable.
However, if you possess an older smartphone or a more basic mobile phone, it might only connect to 3G networks.
Once 3G is completely phased out, you won't be able to use mobile data services on your device, rendering apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Google services inaccessible unless connected to Wi-Fi.
"While the vast majority of customers will not need to take any action, the operator is directly contacting all customers across the UK who currently don't have a 4G or 5G device to provide support," Virgin Media O2 said.
The company is offering "known vulnerable customers" a complimentary 4G device. Other customers lacking a 4G handset or SIM card will be presented with an option to purchase one "at a reduced price".
"Customers can visit their local O2 store for further information and support, and they are also reminded they can use O2 Recycle to responsibly and sustainably dispose of their old handsets in exchange for cash," they added.
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