Virgin Media O2 has today confirmed that its 3G network will be switched off in Norwich, Telford and Guildford on 16 July, and in Torquay on 4 August.
The switch-off is part of the company’s plans to deliver fast and reliable 4G and 5G connectivity for mobile customers.
This follows the successful pilot in Durham, which became the first city to have 3G withdrawn on 2 April.
While the vast majority of customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action as a result of the switch off, the company has begun directly contacting all customers across the UK currently without a compatible handset to inform them that they will require a 4G SIM and device to continue using mobile data once 3G is switched off.
As part of the company’s plan to support the small number of customers who will be impacted, known vulnerable customers have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge, helping them stay connected, while all other customers who don’t currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price. Virgin Media O2 also continues to engage with consumer groups and charities such as Good Things Foundation to draw on their expertise and help manage the transition effectively.
Customers who don’t upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off will still be able to use voice calls and send text messages as they currently do for now, but they would not be able to use mobile data.
Customers with older, unwanted handsets are urged to recycle their device through O2 Recycle.
The company’s 3G network, first launched more than 20 years ago, today carries less than 3 per cent of all network data. The switch-off of this older technology – agreed by government and all mobile network operators in 2021 – enables providers such as Virgin Media O2 to reallocate mobile spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services, and improve customers’ experience with fast data speeds, reliable streaming and high quality voice calls.
Virgin Media O2 has upgraded 4G and 5G masts in Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay over the past year, and the company invests around £2 million every day into its mobile network to meet ever-growing demand for connectivity.
Customers of virtual network operators that use Virgin Media O2’s mobile network – such as Tesco Mobile and giffgaff – will also be impacted by the switch-off and are being contacted directly by their provider.
Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s chief technology officer, said, “We’re switching off our 3G network to focus our attention and investment on upgrading faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will give our customers a better overall experience.
“Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this month, we will now be switching off 3G in Norwich, Telford and Guildford in July, and Torquay in early August, with the rest of the UK to follow by the end of the year.
“While we know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action, 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 handset, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to provide information about their next steps. It is important these customers upgrade their handsets in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off.”