Major Changes to O2’s 3G Network in the UK
O2, one of the leading mobile network providers in the UK, has issued a warning to its customers about an upcoming change that will impact the functionality of some older devices. This change involves the gradual shutdown of the 3G network, which is being phased out in favor of faster and more reliable 4G and 5G technologies. Other major providers such as EE and Vodafone have already taken similar steps, and now O2 is following suit.
The decision to switch off the 3G network comes after it has become increasingly outdated. According to O2, the 3G network currently accounts for less than two per cent of total network traffic. This means that most customers with newer devices may not even notice the change, as their phones are likely using the 4G or 5G networks.
However, there are concerns that this shift could leave some older and vulnerable customers unable to use their phones effectively. For these individuals, who may still be using older handsets, the loss of 3G connectivity could mean they can no longer access mobile data, although voice calls and text messages should remain unaffected.
Phased Rollout of the 3G Shutdown
The process of deactivating the 3G network has already begun in certain areas of the UK. The first region to experience this change was Durham in April, followed by Norwich, Telford, and Guildford in subsequent months. O2 has announced that Torquay will be the next town to lose 3G connectivity in August, with the rest of the UK expected to complete the transition by the end of the year.
This change will also affect customers who rely on O2’s 3G infrastructure, including users of affiliated networks such as Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, and giffgaff. These customers may need to take action to ensure continued access to mobile data.
Support for Older and Vulnerable Customers
Recognizing the potential challenges faced by older and less tech-savvy customers, Virgin Media O2 has partnered with Age UK to provide additional support. Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring that those affected are not left behind during the transition.
Age UK will offer guidance through various channels, including its website, social media, and Advice Line. The charity will also help older customers understand how to upgrade their devices if necessary. Additionally, customers with old handsets are encouraged to recycle them through O2 Recycle, which may offer cash incentives for returning unwanted devices.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, highlighted the importance of providing support to those who may feel overwhelmed by the changes. She noted that while older customers can continue to make calls and send texts, they may need to consider upgrading their devices to maintain access to mobile data.
Devices Affected by the 3G Switch-Off
A wide range of mobile devices will be impacted by the 3G network shutdown. Below is a list of affected models across various brands:
- iPhone: Apple iPhone 1 Generation, Apple iPhone 3G, Apple iPhone 3GS, Apple iPhone 4, Apple iPhone 4S, Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPhone 5C, Apple iPhone 5S
- Samsung: Samsung ZV60, Samsung Binou, Samsung GT-C3592, Samsung SGH-X830, Samsung BEAT S, Samsung Galaxy Fame, Samsung SGH-E630, Samsung SGH-J600, Samsung SLIDER, Samsung BEAT DJ, Samsung Armani, Samsung Marvel, Samsung Galaxy Ace Style, Samsung GT-E2100B, Samsung SGH-F110, Samsung Galaxy Ace 3
- Sony: Sony Ericsson WT13I, Sony Ericsson W705, Sony Ericsson Rachael, Sony Ericsson T650I, Sony Ericsson VIVAZ PRO, Sony Ericsson W715, Sony Xperia M2, Sony Ericsson W700I, Sony Ericsson W580C, Sony Ericsson W760I, Sony Xperia Z2, Sony Xperia L, Sony Xperia E
- Oneplus: Oneplus One, Oneplus 2, Oneplus X
- LG: LG Calisto, LG Pop, LG Prada, LG Town, LG Cookie Lite, LG A140, LG A133, LG G5400, LG Viewty Smart, LG KF600, LG KF700, LG Optimus Chat, LG L40, LG KE500, LG L343I, LG X Screen, LG KF310, LG New Chocolate, LG KG130, LG G1600
- Doro: Doro 6620, Doro 1380, Doro 2404, Doro 6521, Doro 6040, Doro PRIMO 805, Doro 1370, Doro PHONEEASY 612, Doro 6520, Doro 6530, Doro PRIMO 401, Doro 2424, Doro 6051, Doro LIBERTO 810
- Google: Google Galaxy Nexus, Google Nexus 4, Google Nexus S, Google ONE M8 Google PLAY EDITION, Google Nexus 5, Google Nexus 7, Google Nexus ONE
- Xiaomi: Xiaomi MI A1, Xiaomi MI 3, Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Pro, Xiaomi MI 5C, Xiaomi Redmi, Xiaomi Redmi 1S, Xiaomi MI 1S, Xiaomi MI 4 LTE
- OPPO: OPPO N1T, R7 Plus F, Find 7 Mini, A113K, R7, Find 7A, Joy, R7 Plus, R7S, 1107, A125
- Huawei: Huawei U8660, Huawei Honor 6X, Huawei Ascend G620S, Huawei G7300, Huawei Ideos X1, Huawei Honor 7, Huawei HONOR G Play, Huawei P8, Huawei U8850, Huawei Ascend G7, Huawei U5110, Huawei Ascend Y300, Huawei Honor, Huawei Sonic, Huawei Honor 5X, Huawei Ascend G510, Huawei Ascend P6
- Motorola: Motorola MOTO E, Motorola EM30, Motorola Motokey Social, Motorola Flipout, Motorola Rokr E8, Motorola WX160, Motorola Razr2 V8, Motorola MOTOLUXE, Motorola V171, Motorola T722I, Motorola RAZR I, Motorola E365, Motorola ES405B, Motorola M930, Motorola Z6, Motorola EX211, Motorola M3588, Motorola STARTAC 130, Motorola V975, Motorola C118V
- Nokia: Nokia 220, Nokia 106.1, Nokia C2-01, Nokia Lumia 925, Nokia 110, Nokia 5140, Nokia 3000, Nokia Lumia 735, Nokia 216, Nokia Asha 201, Nokia Lumia 610, Nokia 106, Nokia 7200, Nokia 6310I, Nokia 6500 Classic, Nokia C3-01I, Nokia E5-00, Nokia 8890, Nokia 105, Nokia 6700 Classic, Nokia 6310, Nokia 3.1 PLUS, Nokia 6301, Nokia C6-01, Nokia 8250, Nokia 105 2022, Nokia 2310, Nokia 2330 Classic
- Alcatel: Alcatel One Touch 990, Alcatel One Touch 255, Alcatel One Touch 710, Alcatel 2003, Alcatel One Touch 665, Alcatel One Touch 1046G, Alcatel One Touch 660, Alcatel One Touch PIXI 3 (4.5), Alcatel 2051X, Alcatel 1030X, Alcatel 1068, Alcatel One Touch 2000X, Alcatel One Touch Idol 3 4.7, Alcatel X230D, Alcatel 1060, Alcatel One Touch POP C1, Alcatel One Touch 2005X, Alcatel One Touch 322, Alcatel 3025, Alcatel 1C, Alcatel 3C, Alcatel 2057, Alcatel One Touch 810F, Alcatel One Touch Xtra, Alcatel A3 Plus, Alcatel One Touch 2045, Alcatel OT-E227, Alcatel One Touch 1013X, Alcatel One Touch 209, Alcatel One Touch 232, Alcatel One Touch 363, Alcatel One Touch Tpop
