Major Changes to O2’s 3G Network in the UK
The mobile network service provided by O2 is widely used across the United Kingdom. However, the company has recently issued a warning to its customers about an upcoming significant change that could affect some devices. The UK’s 3G network is gradually being phased out in favor of faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks. Other major providers like EE and Vodafone have already shut down their 3G services, and now O2 is following suit.
Customers who haven’t upgraded their devices will still be able to make calls and send text messages normally. However, they will no longer be able to use mobile data. According to O2, the 3G network currently accounts for less than two percent of total network traffic. This means most users with newer devices may not even notice the change, as their phones are likely using 4G or 5G instead.
Despite this, there are concerns that the switch could leave older and more vulnerable customers suddenly unable to use their phones. Virgin Media O2’s 3G network was launched 20 years ago but has since become outdated. The company has already started deactivating parts of the network, starting with Durham in April. Other areas such as Norwich, Telford, and Guildford have also lost 3G connectivity in recent months.
O2 has announced that Torquay will be the next town to lose its 3G connection in August, with the rest of the UK network expected to be completely withdrawn by the end of the year. This change will also impact customers using networks that rely on O2’s 3G infrastructure, including Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, and giffgaff.
To ensure that older and vulnerable customers are not left behind, Virgin Media O2 has partnered with the charity Age UK. Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the importance of supporting those who may be affected by the change. She noted that many of these customers are likely older and may not be as familiar with technology, making the partnership with Age UK essential during this transition.
Age UK will provide additional support for customers who need to upgrade their phones to continue using mobile data. The charity will share information through its website, social media channels, and Advice Line. Customers with old, unwanted handsets are encouraged to recycle them via O2 Recycle, which may offer cash in exchange for their devices.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, highlighted the potential challenges for older people during the 3G switch-off. She reminded customers that those still using 3G can continue making calls and sending texts without any changes. The only difference will be the loss of mobile data access.
Devices Affected by O2’s 3G Switch-Off
Below is a list of devices that may be affected by the 3G network shutdown:
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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
