The UK’s major mobile providers, including EE, Three, and Vodafone, have been shutting off all 3G services over the past few years following an agreement with the Government 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.
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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, and Guildford.
While Torquay had its 3G service switched off at the start of August.
Next area affected by Virgin Media O2’s 3G switch off this week
Now Virgin Media O2 is set to continue its 3G switch off in Watford this week.
3G services in Watford will be shut off on Wednesday (September 17), with the rest of the UK to follow by the end of the year.
Watford is the next area to be impacted by Virgin Media O2’s 3G switch off.(Image: Shutterstock/Virgin Media O2)
Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said: “Switching off our 3G network will enable us to focus our investment on upgrading faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks, giving our customers a better overall experience.
“Following on from successful switch-offs in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay, we’re now turning our attention to Watford, which will have 3G withdrawn on 17 September.
“We know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G handset and will not have to take any action, and we’re writing directly to those who will be impacted to provide guidance and support.
“While customers without a 4G or 5G device in Watford are particularly urged to take swift action, regardless of where you live in the UK, you will need to upgrade very soon in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off.”
The switch-off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2’s network, including:
- Giffgaff
- Sky Mobile
- Tesco Mobile
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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 4G or 5G 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.
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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.”
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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
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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).
