Virgin Media O2 is switching off more 3G masts across the UK — leaving those who rely solely on this ageing mobile internet technology stranded with 0 bars of signal. The mobile network has confirmed plans to disconnect its 3G network in Devon from August 4, meaning those living within this area of coverage will see 3G signal vanish completely.
The shutdown follows a successful shutdown in Norwich, Telford, and Guildford earlier this month, where Virgin Media O2 ceased all 3G operations from July 16 onwards.
Durham became the first city to lose 3G coverage when the phased closure began on April 2, 2025. The latest shake-up impacts more than just O2 customers. If you're with Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, or Tesco Mobile, you'll face the same restrictions since these mobile networks operate on O2's network infrastructure.
SORA | GB NEWS
|It's been decades since 3G was the cutting-edge mobile internet standard, with most smartphones relying on faster and more reliable 4G and 5G standards introduced in the last 15 years or so
What does the 3G shutdown mean?
If you have a smartphone that's compatible with 4G or 5G mobile data — there's nothing to worry about. In fact, the shutdown of ageing 3G will free-up radio spectrum to improve connectivity on 4G and 5G networks. In other words, the first you'll notice about the 3G shutdown is a more reliable 4G and 5G conneciton.
However, those with a 3G-only mobile phone will notice the difference.
Virgin Media O2 is directly contacting the small proportion of its customers without a 4G or 5G compatible handset to provide guidance and support. 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 £100 discount on the cost of a new device — helping them to stay connected.
The mobile brand is working with consumer groups and charities, like Good Things Foundation, to draw on their expertise and help manage the transition away from 3G effectively. Even if you're stuck with a 3G-only device, you'll still be able to make and receive calls and text messages after the switch-off.
EE PRESS OFFICE
|Virgin Media O2 is the last major mobile network to switch off its 3G network in a bid to use the extra spectrum to bolster 4G and 5G network speeds. For example, EE completed its move away from 3G last year
However, you won't be able to browse the internet, use apps or access any online services through mobile data.
While the introduction of 3G more than 20 years ago was a very big deal at the time — so much so that Three UK decided to name its entire brand on the faster mobile internet standard — today this ageing standard carries less than 3% of all network data, Virgin Media O2 revealed. And that percentage is only expected to fall.
The switch-off of this older technology – agreed by the Government and all mobile network operators back in 2021 will enable providers like Virgin Media O2 to reallocate mobile spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services and improve customers’ experience with faster data speeds, more reliable streaming and higher quality voice calls.
BT-owned EE was the first mobile network to switch-off its 3G services back in early 2024. Vodafone and Three were quick to follow in EE's footprints, but Virgin Media O2 has been the slowest network to move away from this standard.
During that time, Virgin Media O2 has been hard at work upgrading 4G and 5G masts in Norwich, Telford, Guildford, and Torquay. The company invests around £2m every day into its mobile network to meet ever-growing demand.
Discussing plans to switch off 3G network across the UK, Virgin Media O2 Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York 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 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."
If you want to upgrade from an older, unwanted 3G handset, Virgin Media O2 runs its own recycle scheme. Dubbed O2 Recycle, not only will you receive cash in exchange, but you'll play a part in protecting the environment.
SHARED RURAL NETWORK PRESS OFFICE | If you have an older device, Virgin Media O2 is offering a £100 discount on newer devices to upgrade to a smartphone that works with 4G and 5G standards
Virgin Media O2’s zero landfill policy means phones sent to O2 Recycle will always be repaired or recycled for parts.
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The UK's mobile landscape has transformed significantly since 2021, when providers agreed with the government to phase out 3G technology. You're witnessing the final stages of this transition, with Virgin Media O2 planning to complete its nationwide 3G shutdown by the end of 2025.
Thankfully, in most cases, if you’ve purchased a phone in the last decade (the first 4G-compatible handsets arrived on the UK store shelves in 2012) you’re likely already ready for the big switchover.
The news comes a few days after Virgin Media O2 announced a new spectrum transfer agreement with Vodafone that'll see the mobile network acquire 78.8MHz of spectrum for an investment of £343 million.
This extra bandwidth is designed to bolster Virgin Media O2's network position and improve connectivity for customers nationwide.