Biggest UK mobile provider to shut MORE services leaving Brits with no internet

BRITAIN’S biggest mobile provider will be shutting down more of its major services within days.

Customers are urged to take note, as the change could leave many Brits without internet on their phones.

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Virgin Media O2 is the latest provider to shut off its 3G services – with several areas across the country already affected.

Other major providers including EE, Vodafone and Three have switched off their 3G already.

Virgin Media O2 says the move will allow the company to focus on offering “faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient” 4G and 5G.

Torquay’s 3G network is the latest to face an upcoming switch off, which is scheduled for August 4.

This will also affect Giffgaff, Sky Mobile and Tesco Mobile customers as they use Virgin Media O2’s network.

WHICH DEVICES ARE AFFECTED?

Customers are advised to switch to a device that can support 4G or 5G before the changes take place.

Anyone with a phone that only supports 3G will not have access to mobile data once the service is shut off.

However, they will still be able to make calls, send texts and access WiFi.

But the telecoms giant says the “vast majority” of its customers already have 4G and 5G compatible devices – meaning they will be unaffected by the change.

Virgin Media O2’s 3G switch off started Durham on April 2.

The changes have continued through the summer, with services ending in Norwich, Telford and Guildford on July 16.

The rest of the country’s 3G is expected to be cut off by the end of the year.

SUPPORT FOR CUSTOMERS

Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer Jeanie York 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 year, we will 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.”

York added: “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.”