O2 announces major change to mobile network – and some customers will have to BUY a brand new phone

O2 has announced it will follow other network carriers and begin shutting off access to 3G services in 2025.

It forms part of wider industry plans to upgrade 4G and 5G connectivity across the UK.

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Around 5.5million people in the UK are estimated to be still using devices which rely on 2G or 3G services[/caption]

EE and Three expect to switch off their own 3G services by the end of 2024.

While Vodafone announced in late July that it will also dismantle 3G services, starting in Glasgow by early 2024.

The government and industry’s agreed in December 2021 that all UK mobile network operators will switch off 2G and 3G by 2033 at the latest.

The move will see more airwaves freed up to support 4G and 5G services, so people can get better connection and higher speeds.

All network operators are staggering the 3G switch off, to make sure no one is caught by surprise.

Under Virgin Media O2’s programme, 3G connectivity is expected to be fully awed by the end of 2025.

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “It is clear that switching off 3G and focusing our attention and investment on the faster, more reliable and more efficient 4G and 5G services is the right thing to do for our customers, our business and the environment.”

Will I be affected?

Around 5.5million people in the UK are estimated to be still using devices which rely on 2G or 3G services, according to Vodafone’s figures.

The decision to axe 3G will mostly affect people with older devices.

This is because these devices don’t have the in-built radio technology that is needed for 4G or 5G connection.

The devices that will be affected will have been released pre-2012, or before 4G was first introduced.

Helen Milner, Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation, said: “Our expertise and insights can help deliver Virgin Media O2’s ambition to ensure all its customers, particularly those from vulnerable groups, are fully supported through the transition away from 3G, so their connectivity is safeguarded and maintained.”

Can I still use my mobile data?

If your phone is only compatible with 2G and 3G, you will no longer be able to access most of your mobile data allowance.

You must upgrade your phone to a newer model that can connect to 4G or 5G if you want to use your mobile data.

This has led campaigners to warn that turning off 3G networks will lead to people with older phones falling into “digital poverty,” according to the BBC.

Telecoms regulator Ofcom has offered advice for consumers on the switch-off on their website.

How do I know if my phone can access 4G?

Many consumers won’t be able to purchase a new phone in a cost-of-living crisis.

But there is a way to check if your device can access 4G, to avoid forking out cash for a newer phone.

If you have an iPhone, simply follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > General > Cellular.
• Here if you see Enable 4G LTE option, your phone is 4G compatible.
• You can select this option to enable 4G.

For Android users, follow this:

• Go to Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Mode.
• Here you will see if your phone has the option of selecting a 4G/LTE mode.
• If the mode is listed, your phone is 4G enabled.

Alternatively, you can check your device model and release date to see if you’ll be affected.

Below were the first 4G compatible phones to be put on the market:

• iPhone 5 16GB
• iPhone 5 32GB
• iPhone 5 64GB
• Samsung Galaxy S III LTE
• Samsung Galaxy Note 2 LTE
• HTC One XL
• Huawei Ascend P1 LTE

If you have one of these devices, or your device is newer, then you’re in the clear.

But if not, you won’t be able to make use of your data plan beyond 2024, depending on who your provider is.

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