O2 has revealed the latest area where major network changes are coming in a matter of weeks.
The mobile operator has started closing down a long-running service this year to make way for faster data.
2
2
Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile and Giffgaff – which use O2’s masts – are also affected by the move.
It’s all part of a wider plan agreed with Government to rip out old 3G and replace it with 4G and 5G.
Virgin Media O2 is the last of the big four – O2, EE, Vodafone and Three – to discontinue the 3G network.
The firm’s work kickstarted in the city of Durham back in April, and has gradually followed with Norwich, Telford, Guildford, and Torquay.
Now bosses have announced the next area that will see 3G disappear as Watford.
The withdrawal is due to take place on September 17.
It’s only expected to affect a small number of customers who have older phones not capable of handling 4G or 5G technology.
These handsets can still make calls and send texts via the even older 2G (which isn’t closing down).
But data will no longer work, meaning no internet or use of apps like WhatsApp when out and about.
The only time they can get online is when they’re connected to a Wi-Fi connection.
Most modern smartphones bought in the last 10 years will continue to work as normal with 4G and 5G.
Here’s the full list of areas that have lost (or will lose) 3G:
- City of Durham
- Norwich
- Telford
- Guildford
- Torquay
- Watford
“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in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay, we’re now turning our attention to Watford, which will have 3G withdrawn on 17 September.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.”
Which mobile networks are affected by the 3G switch off?
Mobile networks affected by O2’s 3G switch off:
-O2
– Tesco Mobile
– Sky Mobile
– GiffGaff
Networks which have already switched off 3G:
– Vodafone
– Asda Mobile
– Lebara
– Talk Mobile
– Voxi
– EE
– 1pMobile
– Ecotalk
– IQ Mobile
– Lycamobile
– Mozillion
– RWG Mobile
– Spusi
– Talk Home
– Utility Warehouse
– Your Co-op
– Three
– iD Mobile, Smarty
– Honest Mobile
– Superdrug
Image credit: Getty
