O2 issues important update ahead of ‘daunting’ mobile network switch off

O2 has begun to switch off its ageing 3G network in the UK, and has announced it’s enlisting the help of a famed charity to get the word out to the people the network provider believes could be most directly affected.

Virgin Media O2, owner of the O2 network, is working with Age UK to help raise awareness of the UK’s 3G switch off, which is well underway. O2 believes most people won't be affected as the majority of smartphone owners have 4G and 5G devices, but it’s possible some older customers will lose access to some apps and services if they are still using 3G-only mobile phones.

“The 3G switch-off may feel daunting for many older people so it’s important that we do all we can to support those affected,” said Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK.

By the end of 2025, O2’s 3G network will cease to function, part of an initiative to turn off the country’s 3G networks to allow reallocation of network spectrum for newer 4G and 5G frequencies.

Durham was the first town O2 turned off 3G in earlier this year, followed by Norwich, Telford and Guildford on July 16. The next town to lose O2 3G signal will be Torquay sometime in August, before the entire network is shut down by the end of the year.

“Virgin Media O2 and Age UK are working together to provide additional support to the small number of older mobile phone users who will need to upgrade their handsets to continue using mobile data once 3G is switched off,” Virgin Media O2 said.

“Virgin Media O2 will support Age UK’s work to develop and distribute new informative content designed for older people and their families to help them better understand the 3G switch-off. The charity will provide key information on its website and social media channels and, via its Advice Line, support older people and their families who are seeking advice in relation to the 3G switch off.”

Age UK will support “disadvantaged older people” by staging in-person awareness sessions and providing digital skills tuition and guidance so these people understand how to use new devices.

These services will also be available to older customers of smaller mobile providers that use the O2 network, which are Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile.

Virgin Media O2 said it was “writing directly to all customers currently without a 4G or 5G handset, offering free compatible devices for known vulnerable customers and discounts on new handsets for all others.”

If you have a phone that only has 3G connectivity, it will also support 2G networks. This means after the 3G switch off, you will still be able to send and receive voice calls and text messages, but you won’t be able to use mobile data. Without Wi-Fi, this would mean you would not be able to access the internet or use apps such as Facebook and WhatsApp.

According to Virgin Media O2, its 3G network carries less than 2 percent of all network data. Three, EE and Vodafone have already turned off their 3G networks.

The UK’s first 3G network was launched by Three in 2003 and helped herald the age of the smartphone. Four years before the launch of the iPhone, 3G networks allowed handsets to connect to the internet to display webpages and run some of the first mobile apps.

But smartphone apps only truly took off with the introduction of 4G in 2012, which is a much faster technology that allows stable video streaming.

“Anyone who is feeling worried and would like some support can get in touch with their provider to find out more about their options and make sure they are ready for the change, or they can call Age UK’s Advice Line for free on 0800 169 65 65,” said Age UK’s Abrahams.