Latest news with #3Gswitchoff
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Virgin Media O2 to resume switch off tomorrow leaving these phones with no internet
Virgin Media O2 is set to continue its 3G switch tomorrow (August 4), which could leave some customers unable to use mobile data. 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).
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Virgin Media O2 to resume switch off next month leaving these phones with no internet
Virgin Media O2 is set to continue its 3G switch off in August, which could leave some customers unable to use mobile data. 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. It continued earlier this month, 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 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. While 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 BBC iPlayer to stop working on these TV boxes in the coming days - is yours one? 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).
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Major network provider warns customers they will be left with NO mobile data unless they upgrade as service closes
A MAJOR UK mobile network is warning customers they will be left with no mobile data soon unless they upgrade their phone. Fortunately, there is a £100 voucher on offer to soften the blow. 2 O2 has already started switching off its legacy 3G network as part of a national effort by all the UK's providers. The firm's plan also affects other brands that rely on O2 's network infrastructure, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile. O2 started deactivating 3G in April in the city of Durham. The shake-up means anyone with an older phone only capable of handling 3G will no longer be able to use data when they're out and about. Calls, texts and going on the internet via Wi-Fi only will still be possible. As efforts ramp up, the company is warning more customers that will be affected. In an email seen by ISPreview, O2 says "you may experience a drop in call quality and be unable to access mobile data, including the internet and messaging apps like WhatsApp". It continues to warn that "upgrading your tariff won't be enough to keep you connected once the switch off happens. You need to upgrade to a compatible phone." But there is a £100 voucher towards a new phone being offered, so check your email for it or reach out to O2. The next areas where 3G will be switched off across the UK is Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay. Norwich, Telford and Guildford will have the plug pulled on July 16, while Torquay's will change on August 4. The loss of 3G means more faster 4G and 5G services can be installed in their place. 3G NETWORK SWITCH OFF Mobile networks affected by O2's 3G switch off: -O2 - Tesco Mobile - Sky Mobile - GiffGaff Networks which have already switched off 3G: - Vodafone - Asda Mobile - Lebara - Talk Mobile - Voxi - EE - 1pMobile - Ecotalk - IQ Mobile - Lycamobile - Mozillion - RWG Mobile - Spusi - Talk Home - Utility Warehouse - Your Co-op - Three - iD Mobile, Smarty - Honest Mobile - Superdrug Is my phone affected? O2 is contacting people that are affected by the move. But the vast majority of people should be unaffected - if you've bought yours in the last 10 years or so it's probably safe 4G and 5G compatible. If you're unsure, there is a trick to check. Go into your phone's settings and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network. If you see 4G or 5G listed then you are in the clear. IS THE SWITCH OFF THAT BIG OF A DEAL? Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun It's unclear exactly how many people will be affected by the 3G switch off. There wasn't much noise after Three, EE and Vodafone ended 3G. So, there will undoubtedly be some still using 3G-only phones but the numbers are probably very small. Just because it may be a small figure doesn't mean those people should be cast aside, especially if they're not very tech-savvy or vulnerable. So definitely get in contact with O2 (or GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile) if you need support.
