Virgin Media O2 (VMO2), the mobile phone giant, has disclosed plans to begin its 3G service switch off. The termination of 3G services this year could leave up to 4.3 million people with older mobile handsets without internet access.
This affects customers of O2, Virgin, and other brands that utilise the VMO2 network of mobile phone masts, including Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, and GiffGaff. Vodafone, Three, and EE have already completed their 3G network switch-offs, focusing on higher speed 4G and 5G networks.
In September 2023, VMO2 announced it would be discontinuing 3G signals, with Durham being the first area where its 3G services will be switched off. In December 2021, the UK government and leading UK mobile network operators (MNOs) – Vodafone, EE, Virgin Media O2 and Three – agreed to switch off all public 2G and 3G networks in the UK by 2033.
This is to free up and reallocate the necessary spectrum for the mass roll-out of more efficient 4G and 5G services and future networks like 6G, officials say. The UK government views these latter two platforms as crucial for use cases such as autonomous vehicles and drones, immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences, and tech innovations to achieve net-zero targets and improve healthcare.
Currently, Virgin Media O2’s 4G network covers 99 percent of the UK population. By the end of 2023, over half of the UK had access to 5G services. The legacy 2G networks will continue to support calls and texts after the 3G network is decommissioned, with a complete shutdown expected by 2033, aligning with the UK government’s targets.
VMO2’s nationwide programme to switch off 3G services is anticipated to be finalised by the end of 2025. The progress in Durham is seen as a significant step in VMO2’s efforts to phase out 3G technology, which was introduced over two decades ago and now accounts for less than 3 percent of total network data traffic—a figure that is steadily decreasing.
In Durham, VMO2 has been enhancing 4G and 5G infrastructure throughout the past year and plans further upgrades in 2025. The company intends to apply insights gained from the Durham experience to its broader strategy for discontinuing 3G services across the UK.
VMO2 has stated that the “vast majority” of its customers won’t need to do anything when the 3G network is turned off. However, it is proactively reaching out to a small segment of users in Durham who don’t yet own a 4G or 5G device, informing them that from April onwards, they will need a 4G SIM and handset to continue accessing mobile data.
To assist those affected, VMO2 has already provided vulnerable customers with a complimentary 4G-ready device to ensure they remain connected. Other customers without a 4G phone or SIM will be offered an alternative solution to facilitate the transition.
A new device at a discounted price is being offered to customers of VMO2’s virtual network operators, such as Tesco Mobile and Giffgaff. These customers will be contacted directly by their provider.
Uswitch.com research indicates that nearly 3 million O2, Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, Virgin and Sky Mobile customers are unsure if their phone is 4G or 5G ready, with over 1.3 million admitting they still use a 3G handset. Uswitch stated: “This means over 4m consumers could lose access to mobile data if they don’t upgrade their devices or take the steps recommended by their providers.”
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: “The 3G switch-off, which began last year, is a crucial step to free up capacity for expanding 4G and 5G networks, offering significantly faster and more reliable connectivity than 3G.” While the majority of customers do have a 4G or 5G compatible phone, there will still be a proportion of customers with older devices who will need to upgrade this year.
“If you’re still using an older phone, you can check your device’s 4G and 5G compatibility by looking for ‘Network Mode’ or ‘Preferred Network’ under ‘Network’ or ‘Mobile Data’ in your Settings. If you see 4G or 5G, your phone is compatible. If you do need to upgrade, there are plenty of affordable options out there, and it may be worth looking into a refurbished device if you’re not looking for the latest launches and don’t want a costly upgrade.
“It’s also worth running a coverage check for your area – Ofcom has one on its website – especial Especially for those residing in rural areas who have been dependent on 3G. While most of the country enjoys robust 4G or 5G coverage, it’s always wise to verify which networks offer the best coverage in your most visited locations.”
He further stated: “The 3G switch-off is a crucial move towards a quicker and more dependable service, but consumers must be completely informed about their network plans and how it might affect their device.”