Are YOU about to lose signal? O2 confirms next location to lose 3G as it moves forward with UK shutdown

a hand holds a phone showing no signal with a 3G mast in the background

O2 is slowly switching off its nationwide network of 3G masts, removing the ageing mobile signal from phone users

|

SORA | PRESS ASSOCIATION

Taylor Bushey

By Taylor Bushey


Published: 07/08/2025

- 17:05

Watford is next on the list

  • Virgin Media O2 is moving ahead with 3G shutdown
  • Services will be shut down in Watford from September 17
  • Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford, and Torquay already disconnected
  • Charity Age UK is offering support during the shutdown

O2 is pushing ahead with its effort to shut Britain's 3G network for good.

The ageing 3G network, originally launched in 2003, has already been shut down by firms like Vodafone and EE — and now Virgin Media O2 is following suit. People living in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford, and Torquay have already seen their 3G mobile signal disconnected.


Now, Watford is slated to be next.

Virgin Media O2 has confirmed that 3G will be officially shut down in the area on September 17. This means if you live nearby, you'll need a 4G or 5G-ready device to access the internet or send messages via online services like Whatsapp or Telegram.

**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**

a virgin media o2 van is pictured parked on the side of the street in autumn

Virgin Media O2 has already performed switch-offs in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay

|
VIRGIN MEDIA O2 PRESS OFFICE

Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, stated: “Following on from successful switch-offs in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay, we’re now turning our attention to Watford, which will have 3G withdrawn on 17 September."

Watford might be next on the list, but Virgin Media O2 isn't finished there. Like its competitors, it's slowly transitioning away from 3G mobile signal completely.

“While customers without a 4G or 5G device in Watford are particularly urged to take swift action, regardless of where you live in the UK, you will need to upgrade very soon in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off.”

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.

infographic showing the evolution of mobile data speeds between 2G to 3G to 4G and 5GIt'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 | SORA | GB NEWS

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. The shutdown of ageing 3G will free up radio spectrum to improve connectivity on 4G and 5G networks. In other words, the first thing you'll notice about the 3G shutdown is a more reliable 4G and 5G connection.

However, those with a 3G-only mobile phone will notice the difference. 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.

rural mast pictured on top of a hill in the UK

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

|

EE PRESS OFFICE

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.

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.

If you or someone else will be affected by the 3G shutdown, Virgin Media O2 is offering support to its older customers by partnering with non-profit Age UK.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, stated: “The 3G switch-off may feel daunting for many older people, so it’s important that we do all we can to support those affected."

You can call Age UK’s Advice Line for free on 0800 169 65 65 for assistance with the transition.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

More From GB News