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O2 has issued a final warning to anyone with an ageing phone with 3G technology as this signal is being fully switched off this year.
Anyone with an older phone that’s currently connected to the O2 network needs to upgrade immediately. The popular UK provider has just issued a final warning, and ignoring it could leave some without access to online services or apps such as WhatsApp. It’s been confirmed that O2, which is now part of Virgin Media, will fully switch off its 3G signal this year in a move that follows other firms, including EE and Vodafone.
“You may still see a 3G signal in some places for a short period in early 2026, but the network will soon be switched off entirely,” O2 confirmed.
Once 3G is deactivated, those who haven’t switched to a more modern device with 4G or 5G connectivity will find they can no longer access the web or use platforms such as WhatsApp when away from a Wi-Fi connection.
“We’re now more connected than ever before thanks to the significant investments made by mobile network operators like Virgin Media O2 in faster, more reliable 4G and 5G networks,” explained Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer
“It’s therefore not a surprise that 3G is increasingly a relic of a bygone era.
“Other operators have completed their switch-offs and, at Virgin Media O2, we’re set to complete our programme in the coming weeks following a series of successful pilots throughout 2025.”
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O2 says that the change will only affect a very small portion of the population, and those with 3G devices should have received a message with upgrade options.
Those who haven’t switched would be wise to move as soon as possible. Customers who don’t upgrade before 3G is turned off in won’t be able to use mobile data, they will, however, still be able to make calls and send text messages as they do today.
“Our 3G network has already been withdrawn across many UK locations, with the final areas set to follow shortly,” York added.
“You may still see a 3G signal in some places for a short period in early 2026, but the network will soon be switched off entirely, so I’d like to take this opportunity to urge anybody who is still using a 3G-only handset to please visit your local store, or call us, to upgrade as soon as possible.”
Why is 3G being switched off?
3G is now an ageing platform that simply can’t keep pace with modern needs. Those with a 3G-only phone can only access the web at speeds of around 6Mbps that’s compared to over 100Mbps when using 5G.
With 3G being discontinued, it will offer more space for 4G and 5G signals.
Explaining more, York said, “ Today the 3G network accounts for less than 2% of mobile data usage on our network. It was against this backdrop of declining usage that the industry and government agreed in 2021 that 3G networks would be withdrawn, allowing mobile spectrum to be reallocated to 4G and 5G services that give customers a better overall experience – for example through faster data speeds, more reliable streaming and higher quality voice calls.”
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