ONE of the UK’s biggest networks is continuing with works to shut down a long-running service in a matter of days.
And the move will leave some devices with no data to go online when out and about at all.
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O2 has been warning customers about the major switch off for months.
The work also affects other providers, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile, which run off O2’s vast network of masts up and down the UK.
After more than 20 years, O2 is ditching its 3G network.
The firm is shutting it down as part of an objective agreed with the Government in 2021.
Other major players – EE, Vodafone and Three – have already withdrawn theirs entirely.
The City of Durham was the first place O2 ended 3G back in April, with Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay following.
Now it’s the turn of Watford, which will lose 3G on Wednesday.
The changes should mean more faster connections, allowing O2 to focus its energy on improving 4G and rolling out even faster 5G to more places across the country.
Fortunately, the loss of 3G won’t make much difference to the vast majority of Britons either.
It’s only older handsets that are not 4G or 5G capable that will be affected – these tend to be smartphones released about 10 years ago at best.
3G-only capable mobiles will still be able to make calls and send texts, as well as go online with a Wi-Fi connection.
But they’ll no longer be able to go online when they’re out, even for basic apps like WhatsApp.
O2 says it has been directly contacting all customers in the area currently without a compatible handset to inform them of the shake-up and what to do.
Known vulnerable customers have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge, while all other customers who don’t currently have a 4G handset or SIM are able to upgrade to a new device at a reduced price.
“Switching off our 3G network will enable us to focus our investment on upgrading faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks, giving our customers a better overall experience,” said Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer.
“Following on from successful switch-offs in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay, we’re now turning our attention to Watford, which will have 3G withdrawn on 17 September.
“We know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G handset and will not have to take any action, and we’re writing directly to those who will be impacted to provide guidance and support.
“While customers without a 4G or 5G device in Watford are particularly urged to take swift action, regardless of where you live in the UK, you will need to upgrade very soon in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off.”
Is the 3G switch off that big of a deal?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
It’s the end of an era.
3G brought significantly faster mobile internet speeds enabling millions to do things like watching YouTube videos without needing a Wi-Fi connection.
But nothing lasts forever, and 3G has been overtaken by 4G and 5G too.
There will be concerns that vulnerable people could be left behind by the move.
Fortunately, the mobile networks have led schemes to upgrade people.
So definitely get in contact with O2 (or GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile) if you need support.
Image credit: Getty
