Major Changes to O2’s 3G Network in the UK
Mobile network services are a vital part of daily life for millions of people across the UK. However, O2 has recently issued a warning to its customers about an upcoming significant change that will affect some mobile devices. The company is gradually phasing out its 3G network in favor of faster and more reliable 4G and 5G technologies.
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Other major providers such as EE and Vodafone have already completed their 3G network shutdowns, and O2 is now following suit. This transition means that customers who have not upgraded their devices may still be able to make calls and send text messages, but they will no longer be able to access mobile data.
O2 has stated that the 3G network currently accounts for less than two percent of total network traffic. As a result, most users with newer devices are unlikely to notice any difference, as their phones do not rely on 3G technology. However, there are concerns that this change could leave older and more vulnerable customers unable to use their devices effectively.
The 3G network operated by Virgin Media O2 was launched 20 years ago but has since become outdated. The company has already started deactivating the network in certain areas, beginning with Durham in April this year. Other locations, including Norwich, Telford, and Guildford, have also experienced the loss of 3G connectivity in recent months.
Virgin Media O2 has announced that Torquay will be the next town to lose its 3G connection in August, with the rest of the UK network being completely phased out by the end of the year. This change will also impact customers of networks that use O2’s 3G infrastructure, such as Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, and giffgaff.
To support older and potentially less tech-savvy customers who may still be using older devices, Virgin Media O2 has partnered with the charity Age UK. Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, emphasized that while most customers already have 4G or 5G handsets, the company is focused on assisting those who may be affected by the switch.
Age UK will provide additional support through its website, social media channels, and Advice Line. Customers with old handsets are encouraged to recycle them through O2 Recycle, which may offer cash in exchange for their devices.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, highlighted the importance of supporting older individuals during this transition. She noted that while those using 3G may not need to change their devices immediately, they will no longer be able to access mobile data.
Devices Affected by the 3G Switch-Off
The following list includes various mobile devices that may be impacted by the 3G network shutdown:
- Apple
- iPhone 1 Generation, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S
- Samsung
- ZV60, Binou, GT-C3592, SGH-X830, BEAT S, Galaxy Fame, SGH-E630, SGH-J600, SLIDER, BEAT DJ, Armani, Marvel, Galaxy Ace Style, GT-E2100B, SGH-F110, Galaxy Ace 3
- Sony
- WT13I, W705, Rachael, T650I, VIVAZ PRO, W715, Xperia M2, W700I, W580C, W760I, Xperia Z2, Xperia L, Xperia E
- OnePlus
- One, 2, X
- LG
- Calisto, Pop, Prada, Town, Cookie Lite, A140, A133, G5400, Viewty Smart, KF600, KF700, Optimus Chat, L40, KE500, L343I, X Screen, KF310, New Chocolate, KG130, G1600
- Doro
- 6620, 1380, 2404, 6521, 6040, PRIMO 805, 1370, PHONEEASY 612, 6520, 6530, PRIMO 401, 2424, 6051, LIBERTO 810
- Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Nexus S, ONE M8 Google PLAY EDITION, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Nexus ONE
- Xiaomi
- MI A1, MI 3, Redmi Note 2 Pro, MI 5C, Redmi, Redmi 1S, MI 1S, MI 4 LTE
- OPPO
- N1T, R7 Plus F, Find 7 Mini, A113K, R7, Find 7A, Joy, R7 Plus, R7S, 1107, A125
- Huawei
- U8660, Honor 6X, Ascend G620S, G7300, Ideos X1, Honor 7, HONOR G Play, P8, U8850, Ascend G7, U5110, Ascend Y300, Honor, Sonic, Honor 5X, Ascend G510, Ascend P6
- Motorola
- MOTO E, EM30, Motokey Social, Flipout, Rokr E8, WX160, Razr2 V8, MOTOLUXE, V171, T722I, RAZR I, E365, ES405B, M930, Z6, EX211, M3588, STARTAC 130, V975, C118V
- Nokia
- 220, 106.1, C2-01, Lumia 925, 110, 5140, 3000, Lumia 735, 216, Asha 201, Lumia 610, 106, 7200, 6310I, 6500 Classic, C3-01I, E5-00, 8890, 105, 6700 Classic, 6310, 3.1 PLUS, 6301, C6-01, 8250, 105 2022, 2310, 2330 Classic
- Alcatel
- One Touch 990, 255, 710, 2003, 665, 1046G, 660, PIXI 3 (4.5), 2051X, 1030X, 1068, 2000X, Idol 3 4.7, X230D, 1060, POP C1, 2005X, 322, 3025, 1C, 3C, 2057, 810F, Xtra, A3 Plus, 2045, OT-E227, 1013X, 209, 232, 363, Tpop
