Most adults in the UK own a mobile phone, and have done so for so long that they rarely have to worry about losing mobile signal or service. However, the UK’s four mobile operators are currently in the process of shutting down the country’s ageing 3G networks, and Virgin Media O2 has today issued the exact dates its customers in several towns could be affected by the switch-off.
Virgin Media O2, which as the name suggests owns and manages the UK’s O2 mobile network, is reminding customers this week that O2’s 3G network is being turned off in the towns of Norwich, Telford and Guildford on July 16 and in Torquay on August 4, “as part of longer-term plans to deliver faster and more reliable 4G and 5G connectivity for customers.”
“3G services in those areas will be switched off in the coming weeks, and those who currently don’t have a 4G or 5G device must upgrade to a compatible handset in order to retain access to mobile data services,” Virgin Media O2 said.
Vodafone, Three and EE have already completed the switch-off of their 3G networks, with O2 the last remaining mobile provider still offering 3G connections to customers.
Though Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay are the towns to next be affected by the switch-off, by the end of the year O2 will completely shut down its 3G network.
The nationwide switch-off is down to the fact 3G networks have become outdated and used much less than they once were. Three launched the UK’s first 3G network in 2003, which heralded the age of the smartphone thanks to improved mobile data speeds that allowed for faster internet connections on mobile devices.
In 2025, those 3G networks have been largely replaced with 4G and 5G network technology that is necessary for smartphones to stream video and run other data-hungry applications.
Most smartphones sold in the UK today can access 4G networks, with many also compatible with 5G technology. That means you are unlikely to be affected by the O2 3G switch-off, as your smartphone will probably have 4G or 5G compatibility.
But if you have a very old smartphone or simpler mobile phone, it may only be able to connect to 3G networks. Once 3G is fully turned off, this would mean you could no longer access mobile data services on your device. You would be unable to use apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Google services unless your phone was connected to Wi-Fi.
“While the vast majority of customers will not need to take any action, the operator is directly contacting all customers across the UK who currently don’t have a 4G or 5G device to provide support,” a Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said in an email.
The operator is offering “known vulnerable customers” a 4G device free of charge. Other customers who don’t have a 4G phone or SIM will be offered one “at a reduced price”.
“Customers can visit their local O2 store for further information and support, and they are also reminded they can use O2 Recycle to responsibly and sustainably dispose of their old handsets in exchange for cash.”