BRITS have been warned that a long-running mobile service is closing down very soon leaving some customers with no data access.
The UK’s major networks have been gradually axing older tech to make way for more faster 4G and 5G.
2
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O2 is the latest to make the changes – but it also affects other operators who rely on the network.
This includes Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile.
Starting from April, O2 is switching off its 3G network.
It’s the last of the big four to make the move as part of an industry-wide overhaul agreed by the Government, Three, Vodafone and EE in 2021.
Most people with a modern smartphone should be unaffected by the changes.
O2 says 3G carries less than three per cent of all network data today.
But for those with an older device not capable of 4G or 5G it will mean they’ll no longer be able to access any services that use data when out and about, such as the internet or popular apps like WhatsApp.
They’ll still be able to make and receive calls as well as text friends, using 2G which is staying active for now.
O2’s 3G shut down is starting in the city of Durham first on April 2.
The firm says it has reached out directly to the “small proportion of customers” in the area who don’t currently own a 4G or 5G device.
Known vulnerable users have been offered a free upgrade to a 4G-capable handset, while all others affected by the move can claim a new phone at a reduced price.
“Switching off 3G will be an important milestone in the evolution of our network, enabling us to focus our attention and investment on faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will deliver improved services for our customers,” said Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer.
“By starting in just one location and by putting careful monitoring in place, we’ll minimise disruption to customers and ensure the success of this essential modernisation programme.
“While the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not be impacted, 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-ready device, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to help them prepare.
“We will continue to support our customers as we complete the switch off of our 3G network.”
Is my phone affected?
If you’ve brought a phone in the last 10 years or so your phone is probably safe from the 3G switch off.
If you’re unsure whether you’re affected by the move, there is a trick to check.
Go into your phone’s settings and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network.
If you see 4G or 5G listed then you are in the clear.
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 get in contact with O2 (or GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile) if you need support.
