Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has disclosed plans for its 3G service switch off. The termination of 3G services this year could leave up to 4.3 million people with older 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 phased out their 3G networks, focusing instead 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, an agreement was reached between the UK government and leading UK mobile network operators (MNOs) – Vodafone, EE, Virgin Media O2 and Three – 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 such as 6G. The UK government views these latter two platforms as crucial for applications like 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 country had access to 5G services. The 2G networks will continue to support calls and texts after the 3G switch-off, with plans to decommission them by 2033 in accordance with UK government targets.
VMO2’s nationwide 3G switch-off programme is slated for completion by the end of 2025, with the Durham initiative seen as a significant step in ending 3G networks that were launched over two decades ago but now carry less than 3% of all network data – a figure that continues to decrease. In Durham specifically, VMO2 has upgraded 4G and 5G masts over the past year, with further enhancements planned for 2025.
Furthermore, VMO2 stated it would apply any lessons learned in Durham to the broader programme of turning off 3G sites across the UK. While the company assured that the “vast majority” of its customers won’t need to take any action due to the switch-off, it is directly contacting those in the area without a 4G or 5G device to inform them that they will need a 4G SIM and handset to continue using mobile data from April.
As part of their customer support plan, known vulnerable customers have already been offered a free 4G-ready device to help them stay connected, while all other customers without a current 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new one. Customers of VMO2’s virtual network operators, including Tesco Mobile and Giffgaff, will be contacted directly by their provider about a new device at a discounted price.
Uswitch.com research indicates that nearly 3 million customers of O2, Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, Virgin, and Sky Mobile are unsure if their phone is 4G or 5G ready, with over 1.3 million admitting to still using a 3G handset. Uswitch commented: “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 – 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.”