The UK's major mobile providers, including EE, Three, and Vodafone, have gradually been shutting off all 3G services over the past few years following an agreement with the Government in 2021.
Virgin Media O2 is the latest provider to switch off its 3G network so it can focus on "faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient" 4G and 5G networks.
Its 3G network switch off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected.
It continued in July, with Virgin Media O2 switching off 3G services in Norwich, Telford, and Guildford.
While Torquay had its 3G service switched off at the start of August.
Now Virgin Media O2 is set to continue its 3G switch off in Watford next month.
3G services in Watford will be shut off on Sunday, September 17, with the rest of the UK to follow by the end of the year.
Virgin Media O2 customers still using 3G devices or sims, have been warned to upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before the switch off takes place in their area.
Any customers who don’t upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off in their area will still be able to make voice calls and send text messages, but will be unable to use mobile data.
Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) explained: "If you have a phone or Sim that only supports 3G, you'll effectively no longer be able to use the internet once it's fully switched off by your provider.
"You'll still technically be able to connect to the internet, but you'll struggle to do even basic tasks.
"You’ll still be able to make calls and send text messages over 2G, though the quality of the call will likely be a lot worse than it was on the 3G network."
Virgin Media O2 said the "vast majority" of its customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take action as a result of the switch off.
Known vulnerable customers still using 3G devices have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge.
Virgin Media O2 is also working with Age UK to distribute content designed for older people and their families to help them better understand the 3G switch off.
All other customers who don’t currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price.
Customers with unwanted handsets are urged to recycle their devices through O2 Recycle, which could see them receive cash for their unwanted phone.
Source: https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/25415960.virgin-media-o2-continue-3g-switch-off-september/
