MOBILE network O2 has warned that there is still “significant” traffic on its 2G and 3G airwaves.
From this month, O2 will begin closing its 2G and 3G services.
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While the change is coming to O2, it will affect other operators that use the network, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile.
It forms part of a nationwide shutdown, joined by Vodafone, Three, and EE, which have already shut down their 3G tech.
O2 is expected to have completed the switch-off by 31 December 2025.
2G services won’t be switched off completely, but they will be restricted to emergency calls by 1 October 2026.
READ MORE ON MOBILE PHONES
“Many organisations may already have established migration plans, with ambitions to activate them closer to October,” Paul O’Sullivan, Director of Wholesale Mobile at Virgin Media O2, said in a statement.
“But, for those that haven’t, it’s crucial to act now.”
Most people with a modern smartphone from the last few years won’t notice any difference.
But if you own an older phone that is not capable of running 4G or 5G, you will no longer be able to access data.
That’s even if you are paying for it.
Although it will still be possible to access the internet via Wi-Fi.
“Like other networks in the UK and abroad, we’re switching off our 3G network so that we can focus on our faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks,” O2 says in a help page on its website.
“Our full 3G switch off will start from April 2025, in Durham, and will continue across the UK throughout the rest of the year.”
According to O2, most customers already have a WiFi and 4G Calling compatible phone.
The only action they need to take is ensuring these features are enabled in their settings.
If you’re unsure whether your phone will be affected, simply go to the mobile checker on O2’s website.
By checking your device IMEI number, model number, or device name here, O2 will tell you if you need to take any action.
The 3G switch-off began in 2023 as part of a countrywide effort to free up airwaves for more modern 4G and 5G networks, as well as future 6G services.
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