Up to 4.3 million individuals with older mobile phones could lose web access as 3G signals are phased out this year, sparking concerns from Uswitch.com. The comparison site highlighted that O2, which underpins various mobile brands, is poised to be the last UK provider to discontinue its 3G service.
This move could see customers of O2, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, Virgin, and GiffGaff potentially losing mobile data services in 2025. Vodafone, Three, and EE have already shifted away from their 3G networks to focus on the faster 4G and 5G services.
Uswitch.com’s research indicates that nearly 3 million customers across O2, Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, Virgin, and Sky Mobile are unsure if their phone supports 4G or 5G, while over 1.3 million admit to still using a 3G handset. Uswitch has warned: “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.”
The majority of mobile users, who already utilise 4G or 5G devices, will not be affected by the switch-off and will continue to enjoy uninterrupted service. The 3G phase-out will mainly affect internet connectivity for those with older handsets or services, but calls and texts should remain functional for all mobile phones.
In the months ahead, O2 and associated providers will reach out to those impacted, offering necessary support to customers requiring assistance. Ernest Doku, a telecoms specialist at Uswitch.com, emphasises the importance of this transition saying: “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 – especially if you live rurally and have previously relied on 3G. Most of the country has strong 4G or 5G coverage, but it’s always a good idea to check which networks have the best coverage in the places you frequent most.”
He added: “The 3G switch-off is an important step in moving us towards a faster and more reliable service, but consumers must be fully aware of their network plans and how it might impact their device.”