3G mobile switch off: Everything O2, Virgin, Vodafone, EE and Three customers need to know
Virgin Media O2 will be turning off its 3G network service this year, affecting potentially millions of customers.
In December 2021, the government agreed with mobile network operators (MNOs) that 2G and 3G services would be phased out by 2033. Currently, networks use four generations of technology: 2G, 3G, 4G, and the latest 5G.
The second generation was first introduced in the 1990s, the third-generation technology was first rolled out in 2003, followed by 4G in 2012 and 5G in 2019. The 3G networks started to be phased out by the "big four" providers – EE, Three, Vodafone and O2 – in 2023.
EE, Three, and Vodafone switched off their 3G networks entirely last year, and Virgin Media O2 is working to switch theirs off over the coming 12 months. The switch off may be problematic for customers using older mobile devices and services that rely on these networks, meaning the device, or at least the Sim, may need replacing. Here is everything you need to know.
Why are 3G networks closing?
Telecommunications regulator Ofcom says turning off 3G networks will free up capacity, or "spectrum", that can then be used to expand 4G and 5G network coverage, which should help to tackle so-called "signal dead spots". According to communications regulator Ofcom, there are around five million people that will be impacted by the switch off of both the 3G and 2G networks.
None of the main providers have set a specific date for the 2G switch-off, but Ofcom says it expects they will start making plans to switch off their 2G networks after they have switched off 3G – likely towards the end of this decade.
What does the end of 3G mean for my mobile phone?
If your phone supports the 4G network, then nothing will change when they switch off 3G. However, some older phones, including simple phones, will no longer be able to connect to a network to use data when the switch off happens.
If you have an older phone, you may need to upgrade to one that supports 4G and 5G in order to be able to use mobile data when the switch happens. Virgin Media O2 said it would contact customers who may be affected to give them notice. Both the phone and the SIM need to be 4G capable – having just one or the other won't work. However, almost all new phones and Sims now support 4G, with the exception of some basic (non-smart) phones.
A spokesperson for Virgin Media O2 said the vast majority of customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not be impacted or need to take any action as a result of the switch off. They added: "Nonetheless, our priority will be to provide support to those who will be impacted to ensure they stay connected, and we’ll contact these customers directly.”
List of providers who have switched off 3G
As mentioned earlier, three of the four major providers have already switched off their 3G networks. These include:
- Vodafone – Completed switch off in February 2024
- EE – Completed switch off in February 2024
- Three – Completed switch off in 2024
Virgin Media O2 announced this week that it would be turning off its 3G networks this year, with the first area being the city of Durham. The telecom provider has not confirmed any other dates, but more will be confirmed over the coming few months.
Virtual networks, such as Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Smarty, piggyback off one of the Big Four networks. As such, their 3G services will end in line with the parent network. The ones affected by O2's switch off include: Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, and Giffgaff
How to check if my phone is 4G compatible
You may be able to quickly see if your phone is 4G compatible by checking online – you can search for the make and model or find the phone on the manufacturer's website to see if the specifications include it. According to the consumer champion Which? customers can, alternatively, check the settings on their phone. Depending on your phone's operating system, this is where to look. Bear in mind that this may vary on different Android brands, and it may be simpler to search for 'mobile network' in the Settings search bar:
- On Android – Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode. If you're using a dual-Sim phone, tap the active Sim.
- On iPhone – Settings > General > Cellular
- On Windows phones – Settings > Cellular + Sim > Highest connection speeds
On this screen, you should see a setting that reads "Preferred network type" or similar. Tap this, and if you can see 4G, or LTE, referenced as one of the types, your phone is 4G compatible. You should also ensure your phone is set to this, or auto, if it isn't already. To find out if 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G are available in your area, customers can put their postcode into the Network Status Checker to stay up to date with the latest.
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