ONE of the UK’s biggest mobile operators is switching off a long-running service that will leave some with no access to internet on their phones.
O2 started deactivating its 3G network in April and is set to continue that work in a matter of days.
Other operators that rely on O2 is impacted, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile.
Most users won’t be affected by the move but anyone with an older phone that’s not 4G compatible will no longer be able to get online when they’re out and about.
They’ll still be able to make calls and send text messages – as well as getting online when using Wi-Fi at home.
It’s all part of Government and industry-agreed target to remove legacy 3G and replace it with newer, faster 4G and 5G.
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O2 is the last network to do so, after EE and VodafoneThree.
The first place where O2 switched off 3G was in the city of Durham.
Norwich, Telford, Guildford, Torquay and Watford have since followed.
Now Scotland is next on the hit list.
From Wednesday, 3G users in the North-east of Scotland, including Aberdeen and Dundee, will have the 3G service withdrawn.
Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “We’re fast approaching the end of 2025 and 3G will soon be a thing of the past, replaced by faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks that give our customers a better experience.
“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.”
The move comes days after O2 announced that it will launch a new satellite service next year in a UK first.
O2 Satellite will rely on Elon Musk‘s Starlink to beam connectivity in areas where there is no signal.
Is the 3G switch off that big of a deal?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
It’s unclear exactly how many people will be affected by the 3G switch off.
There wasn’t much noise after Three, EE and Vodafone ended 3G.
So, there will undoubtedly be some still using 3G-only phones but the numbers are probably very small.
Just because it may be a small figure doesn’t mean those people should be cast aside, especially if they’re not very tech-savvy or vulnerable.
So definitely look out for support communications from O2 – and speak to them if you’re unsure.
Image credit: Getty
