A MAJOR mobile network provider has urged customers to check their devices imminently to find out if they will be affected by a major shutdown beginning this month.
O2 is switching off its 3G network from April, meaning that anyone who’s phone is not compatible with 4G or 5G, will lose data.
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Following the switch off, anyone who has not updated their phone to a 4G or 5G sim will be unable to browse the web, or use social media sites like Facebook and Instagram when out and about.
Affected customers will still be able to text and make phone calls, and can also access the internet when connected to Wifi.
O2 has revealed that the switch off, which begins in April in Durham, and is set to finish in December is happening because the vast majority of smartphone users have a device compatible with 4G or 5G.
The mobile giant added that by focusing investment on 4G and 5G it will be able to “expand and upgrade services, “while being more energy efficient and better for the environment.
Customers will also benefit from faster download speeds and higher quality voice calls.
O2 said: “Our full 3G switch off will start from April 2025, in Durham, and will continue across the UK throughout the rest of the year. There are a few steps you’ll need to take:
- Check your device is compatible with WiFi and 4G Calling.
- If you already have a compatible device, make sure you enable WiFi and 4G Calling so you have the best experience when we switch off 3G. You’ll find all the information you need on our WiFi and 4G Calling page
- If you don’t have a Wifi and 4G Calling compatible device, you’ll need to change, you’ll need to change or upgrade your device. Sign in to My O2 for your upgrade options.
The mobile provider continued: “You may be impacted if you use a mobile broadband device (WiFi dongle or pocket hotspot) with a device that requires a SIM, such as a smartwatch, iPad or other tablet.
“There are a few steps you’ll need to take to stay connected after the 3G switch off.”
Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, added: “Switching off 3G will be an important milestone in the evolution of our network, enabling us to focus our attention and investment on faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will deliver improved services for our customers.
“By starting in just one location and by putting careful monitoring in place, we’ll minimise disruption to customers and ensure the success of this essential modernisation programme.
“While the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not be impacted, our priority is to provide support to those who need it.
“That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G-ready device, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to help them prepare.
“We will continue to support our customers as we complete the switch off of our 3G network.”
Which mobile networks are affected by the 3G switch off?
Mobile networks affected by O2’s 3G switch off:
-O2
– Tesco Mobile
– Sky Mobile
– GiffGaff
Networks which have already switched off 3G:
– Vodafone
– Asda Mobile
– Lebara
– Talk Mobile
– Voxi
– EE
– 1pMobile
– Ecotalk
– IQ Mobile
– Lycamobile
– Mozillion
– RWG Mobile
– Spusi
– Talk Home
– Utility Warehouse
– Your Co-op
– Three
– iD Mobile, Smarty
– Honest Mobile
– Superdrug
And it’s not only O2 customers that will be affected by the shut down, as Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile also rely on the same network.
O2 is the last of the big four UK networks to turn off 3G following an agreement made with the Government, EE, Vodafone and Three in 2021.
The mobile network assured that it has reached out to any 3G users in the Durham (where the switch off begins) who will be affected by the change.
Vulnerable users who are known to the company have been contacted and offered a free upgrade to a newer handset.
Other affected users will be able to get a new phone at a discounted rate.
How to check if your device is affected
Smartphone users who have purchased their device in the last 10 years are unlikely to be affected by the switch off.
However, if you are still unsure, you can do a simple trick to check.
Click on the settings page on your phone and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network.
If you spot 4G or 5G listed, then you will be unaffected by the switch off.
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