An urgent warning is being issued to customers with 3G after a popular network provider confirmed it the service will be switched off.
02 has revealed it will be joining the other major networks in closing down the 3G service, which will leave Brits with no data access on their phones. O2 is one of the last network providers to carry out the work, following an agreement with the Government back in 2021. The UK’s four main network providers said it will mean faster 4G and 5G services for consumers.
Customers who use O2’s network, such as Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile will also be affected if they are using 3G. Customers whose devices are solely 3G enabled will lose access to data, which means no internet, WhatsApp or any app that requires you to be online, unless you’re connected to a WI-Fi connection. However, you still will be able to make emergency calls.
Virgin Media O2 has already switched off 3G in Durham but the company has now confirmed Norwich, Telford and Guildford will be the next UK locations to have 3G withdrawn on July 16. Torquay will also follow on August 4.
Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “We’re switching off our 3G network to focus our attention and investment on upgrading faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will give our customers a better overall experience.
“Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this month, we will now be switching off 3G in Norwich, Telford and Guildford in July, and Torquay in early August, with the rest of the UK to follow by the end of the year.
“While we know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action, 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 handset, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to provide information about their next steps. It is important these customers upgrade their handsets in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off.”
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